Sulbutiamine (isobutyryl thiamine disulfide) is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine was the first B Vitamin to be discovered by researchers. That’s why it’s called B1.
Sulbutiamine is simply two vitamin B1 molecules joined together. This chemical bond helps thiamine more easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Japanese scientists first synthesized Sulbutiamine in an attempt to quell a health crisis within the Japanese population. After WWII, the Japanese diet largely consisted of rice. This left them deficient in several key nutrients including thiamine.
Insufficient thiamine led to a central nervous system disorder called Beriberi. But supplementing with thiamine alone didn’t help. Because of its poor bioavailability. And a lot of thiamine was needed to cure Beriberi symptoms.
Sulbutiamine is far more bioavailable than standard thiamine. It is fat-soluble (thiamine is water-soluble) which helps it more easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
The discovery of Sulbutiamine cured the Japanese population of a life-threatening disease. And it has since been tested and used throughout the world with much success.
Throughout this article I’ll refer to Sulbutiamine interchangeably with thiamine. Sulbutiamine is the stronger of the two so it’s affects are amplified compared to standard thiamine.
Thiamine is a coenzyme used by your body to metabolize food for energy. And to maintain proper heart, nerve and brain function.
Thiamine also helps digest and extract energy from food. It turns nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the fuel created by your cell’s mitochondria.
And thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into glucose. The energy your body uses for your brain and nervous system.
One more thing about this miracle B-vitamin. Thiamine contributes to the development of myelin sheaths which wrap around axons to protect them from damage.
Sulbutiamine helps:
- Brain Optimization: Thiamine is critical for increasing focus, energy, and preventing memory loss. And can ward off inflammation. Healthy brain function is crucial for good decision making.
- Neurotransmitters: Thiamine is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is used to relay messages between neurons in your brain. And is critical for cognition, learning and memory.
- Mood: Thiamine helps your body withstand stress. A lack of energy can contribute to poor mood and motivation. Thiamine can boost your mood, and defend against depression and anxiety.
Table of Contents
Overview
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic version of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Japanese researchers synthesized Sulbutiamine by bonding two B1 molecules.
They developed Sulbutiamine in response to a country-wide health crisis. The Japanese population were severely thiamine-deficient from a rice-only diet. Large numbers of the population were suffering from Beriberi. A central nervous system disorder caused by a lack of thiamine.
Your body does not produce thiamine on its own. So you must get it from food including beef, brewer’s yeast, legumes (beans, lentils), milk, nuts, oats, oranges, pork, rice, seeds, wheat, whole-grain cereals, and yeast.
But thiamine has poor bioavailability. By synthesizing thiamine and producing Sulbutiamine you end up with a fat-soluble compound that is easily digested. And readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Sulbutiamine vs. Thiamine: What’s the Difference?
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic version of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). It is two B1 molecules chemically bonded together.
Thiamine is water-soluble and does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble compound that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Sulbutiamine functions in the body just like thiamine. But because it’s more bioavailable it’s more effective than thiamine.
How does Sulbutiamine Work in the Brain?
Sulbutiamine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble molecule that crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than thiamine. Once in your brain, it increases levels of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP).
Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is directly involved in the citric acid cycle in the brain.
This cycle breaks fatty acids, amino acids and monosaccharides into smaller molecules that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy within your mitochondria. And provide the building blocks of the molecules needed to produce brain cells.
A deficiency of TPP can eventually show up as Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome. In our society this syndrome is typically caused by chronic alcoholism. But it can also occur after obesity (bariatric) surgery, Crohn’s disease, anorexia and if you’re on kidney dialysis.
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome include confusion, inability to form memories, loss of memories and muscle coordination, confabulation (making up stories) and vision changes. And can ultimately (and very rapidly) lead to coma and death.[i]
Less severe cases of thiamine deficiency include fatigue, weight loss, irritability and confusion.
- Sulbutiamine also contributes to the production of the enzyme PDH which is essential in making the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. And for the synthesis of myelin, which forms a sheath around the axons attached to neurons. Ensuring these neurons can conduct signals.[ii]
The citric acid cycle and enzyme α–KGDH play a role in maintaining optimal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate, and gamma–aminobutyric acid (GABA).
When thiamine levels decrease, the activity of these enzymes are reduced.[iii]
How things go bad
We depend on our diet for thiamine. Very little thiamine is stored in your body. And depletion can occur within 14 days.
Thiamine deficiency can be caused by alcoholism, Alzheimer’s Disease, anemia, athletes who reduce food intake, cancer, clogged arteries, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, diarrhea and kidney disease. And even a poor diet.
↓ Low thiamine levels can slow creation of ATP
↓ Low thiamine levels can cause problems with memory, learning, recall and perception
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
All of these changes can happen at any age. And are a product of the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Sulbutiamine can help age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school. By boosting acetylcholine, dopamine and GABA in the brain. And increased brain energy by creating ATP within mitochondria. And building myelin sheaths that protect our axons.
Sulbutiamine benefits
Sulbutiamine is directly involved in the citric acid cycle that provides adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy created within your mitochondria.
Sulbutiamine also plays a role in maintaining optimal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate, and gamma–aminobutyric acid (GABA). And contributes to the production of the enzyme PDH which is essential in making the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Sulbutiamine will boost cognition, memory and decision-making. And has very effective anxiolytic (anti-depressant) qualities.
How does Sulbutiamine feel?
Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine which crosses the blood-brain barrier. It has been shown to improve glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic neurological transmissions. It may also increase the density of D1 dopamine receptors.[iv]
Nootropics users report:
- Sulbutiamine as a study aid. On its own, Sulbutiamine seems to increase attention span for many neurohackers. And when combined with caffeine or any one of the racetams, many report being able to work effortlessly for hours on end. Study and work seems less stressful.
- Boost motivation. Sulbutiamine boosts motivation and many report gives them the drive they need for study or work.
- Increased focus. Sulbutiamine helps provide laser-like focus at work and school. Some report even with the most tedious of tasks. While staying in a very good mood.
- Sociability. Many users report being able to articulate thoughts, and improved speaking ability. Language and your vocabulary seem to flow effortlessly. Thoughts and ideas come with less effort.
- Improved mood. Personally, I’ve found Sulbutiamine to be more effective than any prescription antidepressant I’ve ever tried. And without the side effects.
You should be able to experience the effects of Sulbutiamine soon after you take it.
Sulbutiamine Clinical Research
Sulbutiamine Improves Mood
A study at the University of Wales Swansea in the UK worked with 120 young adult females. Study participants took either a placebo or 50 mg thiamine for 2 months. Mood, memory and reaction times were monitored before and after taking the tablets.
The results indicate that after 2 months of thiamine supplementation, the young females:
- Were more clear headed
- Felt more composed and energetic
- Reaction times improved
- Improved mood.[v]
Sulbutiamine for Chronic Fatigue
If you deal with chronic fatigue, Sulbutiamine may be a better option than another cup of coffee. Or a stimulant.
Researchers at the Hospital Saint-Antoine in Paris studied 326 patients. All suffering from chronic fatigue. Patients were given 400 mg or 600 mg of Sulbutiamine daily. Or a placebo in this double-blind, parallel-group study.
Patients were tested on the 7th and 28th days of the trial. Those that used 600 mg of Sulbutiamine had less fatigue.[vi]
Sulbutiamine Improves Memory
Poor memory is associated with low levels of choline activity in the brain. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh transmission between neurons helps in memory formation.
Scientists decided to find out if Sulbutiamine could help boost choline uptake. They gave a group of mice Sulbutiamine for 10 days, and then tested their memory. The findings suggested Sulbutiamine improved memory formation. And it was due to an increase in choline activity in the brain.[vii]
Another study in France involved giving Sulbutiamine or a saline solution to rats for 9 weeks. The results of this study concluded Sulbutiamine provided better working and episodic memory.[viii]
Sulbutiamine Improves Athletic Performance
Many neurohackers use Sulbutiamine for a boost in physical energy. And it’s created some controversy in professional sports.
The Moscow Anti-Doping Center analyzed 16,000 blood samples in a Russian lab in 2009. They were looking for anabolic steroids in athletes.
They found that 100 samples contained Sulbutiamine. These samples were collected in-competition. Indicating that Sulbutiamine was intentionally administered for its “ergogenic and mild stimulating properties”.[ix]
Sulbutiamine Improves Erectile Dysfunction
One small study was conducted with 20 patients suffering from psychogenic erectile dysfunction. This type of ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection because of psychological factors.
The men were given a prescription form of Sulbutiamine ‘Enerion’ for 30-days. 16 of the men showed significant improvement based on the international index of erectile function (IIEF).
3 of 6 men with arterial disorders in their penis showed that Sulbutiamine corrected the problem. The study concluded that erectile dysfunction can be effectively treated with Sulbutiamine.[x]
Sulbutiamine Dosage
Recommended Sulbutiamine dosage is 400 mg to 1,000 mg per day. Higher doses should be split with one dose in the morning, and the other early afternoon.
Some neurohackers warn about dosing Sulbutiamine too late in the day. It’s mild ‘stimulant’ qualities could interfere with sleep.
If you’re just starting out with Sulbutiamine, I suggest starting with a low dose and see how your body reacts.
Tolerance can be a problem with Sulbutiamine. So when taking it for extended periods, you may find it beneficial to cycle on and off the supplement. For example, take Sulbutiamine for 5 days, and take 2 days off before your next dose.
Sulbutiamine powder tastes nasty. So you’d be advised to take it in capsule form. You can save on the cost of Sulbutiamine by making your own capsules.
And Sulbutiamine is fat-soluble so take it with a tablespoon of extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut or olive oil for better absorption.
Sulbutiamine Side Effects
Sulbutiamine non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include skin rashes and eczema-like outbreaks at higher doses.
Sulbutiamine can also create mood swings. Particularly if you’re bipolar or are taking bipolar medication.
If you take Sulbutiamine late in the day you may find it interferes with sleep. Some find it has mild stimulant effects.
There are some reports that Sulbutiamine can be addictive. If you have addiction-like tendencies, you may want to be cautious about using this supplement. It does affect dopamine levels in the brain.
Where to buy Sulbutiamine
Sulbutiamine is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 750 mg each.
It’s sold as a prescription medication in some countries under the brand names Arcalion, Enerion, Bisibuthiamine, and Youvitan.
In Dec. 2019, the FDA in the USA added Sulbutiamine to its “Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List“. The FDA states that it, “does not necessarily indicate that the FDA has determined that the ingredient is unsafe; it means FDA is taking steps to further evaluate the ingredient.”
This means that you can no longer buy Sulbutiamine from vendors like Amazon or Bulk Supplements.
I’ve been getting my Sulbutiamine directly from Double Wood Supplements. The company is owned by Evan Wood and his wife and they sell high quality products.
So if you’re looking for Sulbutiamine, I highly recommend going here: Double Wood Supplements – Sulbutiamine 90-capsules – 200 mg.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Sulbutiamine 400 mg to 1,000 mg per day
I recommend using Sulbutiamine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Sulbutiamine on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Sulbutiamine is especially helpful for those suffering from depression. Experience shows it helps stop and reverse the symptoms associated with depression. Likely because this nootropic helps boost the activity of dopamine, serotonin, GABA and glutamate in the brain.
Personally, I’ve found Sulbutiamine to be more effective (and safer) than any prescription antidepressant I’ve ever tried.
Sulbutiamine is also particularly helpful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory.
Sulbutiamine can produce a noticeable increase in mental clarity. And give you a significant energy boost physically and mentally. You’ll feel more awake and alert. Without the side effects you’d get from stimulants like caffeine.
Sulbutiamine also stacks very well with racetams like Piracetam and Aniracetam.
I recommend and use Double Wood Supplements – Sulbutiamine.
[i] Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedianlm.nih.gov/medlineplus Retrieved April 7, 2016 (source)
[ii] Martin P.R., Singleton C.K., Hiller-Sturmhofel S. “The Role of Thiamine Deficiency in Alcoholic Brain Disease” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nih.gov Retrieved April 7, 2016 (source)
[iii] Singleton C.K., Martin P.R. “Molecular mechanisms of thiamine utilization.” Current Molecular Medicine 2001 May;1(2):197-207. (source)
[iv] Ollat H., Laurent B., Bakchine S., Michel B.F., Touchon J., Dubois B. “[Effects of the association of sulbutiamine with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in early stage and moderate Alzheimer disease]”. L’Encephale2007 Mar-Apr;33(2):211-5.
[v] Benton D., Griffiths R., Haller J. “Thiamine supplementation mood and cognitive functioning.” Psychopharmacology 1997 Jan;129(1):66-71. (source)
[vi] Tiev K.P., Cabane J., Imbert J.C. “[Treatment of chronic postinfectious fatigue: randomized double-blind study of two doses of sulbutiamine (400-600 mg/day) versus placebo].” La Revue de Medicine Interne 1999 Oct;20(10):912-8. (source)
[vii] Micheau J., Durkin T.P., Destrade C., Rolland Y, Jaffard R. “Chronic administration of sulbutiamine improves long term memory formation in mice: possible cholinergic mediation.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 1985 Aug;23(2):195-8. (source)
[viii] Bizot J.C., Herpin A., Pothion S., Pirot S., Trovero F., Ollat H. “Chronic treatment with sulbutiamine improves memory in an object recognition task and reduces some amnesic effects of dizocilpine in a spatial delayed-non-match-to-sample task.” Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biology Psychiatry. 2005 Jul;29(6):928-35. (source)
[ix] Sobolevsky T., Rodchenkov G. “Sulbutiamine in sports.” Drug Testing and Analysis 2010 Nov-Dec;2(11-12):643-6. (source)
[x] Dmitriev D.G., Gamidov S.I., Permiakova O.V. “[Clinical efficacy of the drug enerion in the treatment of patients with psychogenic (functional) erectile dysfunction].” Urology 2005 Jan-Feb;(1):32-5. (source)
I got sulbutiamine from doublewoodsupplements – (the only one I could find, not sure why it’s so hard to find)
it’s 200mg, Just been cautious as it fat-soluble, i plan to stay at 200mg daily but since it’s not water-soluble is it possible to have a negative effect and build up over time
not sure if our body stores a bit of B1 in the brain but yes just making sure for safety I plan to use for 4 day two days break due to something i read about cycling and tolerance
I only plan to take it once per day at my first meal
I started with 100mg well use half a capsule to see how the body reacted feel benefits in the brain already much calmer
Andrew, I’ve been using 400 mg Sulbutiamine twice per day for years with no problem.
You are correct that it is fat-soluble and you need to be careful with fat-soluble supplements because if unused it tends to get stored in fat cells. And can build up over time. But I’ve never had that problem with this nootropic.
You should be fine with 200 mg Sulbutiamine per day.
Cheers, does this one only go into the brain or other parts of the body also?
Andrew, Sulbutiamine is used throughout your system. And how I know this is because thiamine is natural mosquito repellant. I live in S. Florida with loads of mosquitos but never get bit while those around me are suffering. It’s because I’m using Sulbutiamine.
Can I take this with as well as Nac?
Yes
Does this Sulbutiamine also increase Gaba? or have any direct effect on those receptors in any way?
Jess, Sulbutiamine does not increase GABA directly. But the citric acid cycle and enzyme α–KGDH play a role in maintaining optimal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate, and gamma–aminobutyric acid (GABA). When thiamine levels decrease, the activity of these enzymes are reduced which means a possible GABA deficiency.
Hello sir, just bought some sulbutiamine, they where left in my mail box for 2 day at 120-150 degrees, Are they still good?
And thank for en awesome site!
Jesper, you need to move to a cooler place!
They may be OK but I suggest you open a couple of capsules and see what the powder looks like inside. If it’s still powder and not turned to liquid or clumped together it should be fine.
Can you tell me if Sulbutiamine can be added safely to L-tyrosine, ALCAR, and Adderall/methylphenidate? This stack works well for me in the morning and I just take CDP choline in the afternoon. My daughter takes the Adderall and I take methylphenidate. Both of us suffer ADD and depression. I wanted to make sure one of these didn’t cancel another out. We currently feel motivated and sharp, but still feel underlying depression. Thanks.
Victoria, Sulbutiamine is a great choice and one of my favorite supplements. It absolutely compliments what you are using.
Hi David
I had an Organic Acid Test done and my Pyruvic was at 3.1. My naturopathic doctor said that anything above 1.5 suggests a Vitamin B1 deficiency. Are you familiar with this Organic Acid Test marker? I have quite low energy, low mood and brain fog. I already bought Benfotiamine but I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to start directly with Sulbutiamine instead since it seems to work more efficiently? And if I have low Vitamin B1, is it likely that I would notice a significant effect only from supplementing with Sulbutiamine?
Dominik, it is not so unusual to be Vitamin B1 deficient. But the only way to fix it efficiently is with Sulbutiamine Because Benfotiamine can not cross into the brain. But Sulbutiamine can and does so quickly.
Try it and see if Sulbutiamine makes a difference. But if you are still experiencing low energy, low mood, and brain fog then come back and let’s talk. Because each of those can be caused by many other things than simply a thiamine deficiency.
Might as well ask – that in cases of Depression / Anxiety (Severe) is because of either Down-Regulated Receptors, OR simply damage/death to Dendrites.
Pharma “believes” that SRI/NRI meds – “May” actually work by assisting in Growing new Dendrites/Synapses in the brain.
Do Nootropics have the same “suggested” action? Or is the world of Pharma and Nootropics based on the Outcome?
I do believe that long term Oxidative Stress / Fear – Worry Disorder does kill pathways in the brain, or blocks them.
So for many non-responsive to medication patients – it’s not about simply trying to Boost SE, DE, NE in the brain because there may not be enough Receptors to field the Neutrotransmitters.
Thoughts? Thank you!
PS – is there a way your system can e-mail me when I get a reply? I don’t think I’ve seen one.
So far – i’m maybe 5% a bit more function – not a lot. I get swings.
I’m doing the Aniracetam / Alpha GPC / NALT * and others like you are. I’m only 5 days…
Robert, there are all kinds of ‘theories’ on the causes of depression. Including lack of certain neurotransmitters, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, damaged neurons and their appendages, and lack of BDNF.
If you have tried the ‘increasing neurotransmitters’ method and it didn’t work then I suggest trying boosting Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor next. Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract is excellent for that. And here are some others: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
According the the University of California Berkeley, long-term stress re-wires your brain by permanently connecting your amygdala to your hippocampus. The only way out of that is undoing that wiring with nootropics. My article on PTSD explains how to do that: https://nootropicsexpert.com/treating-post-hurricane-ptsd-with-nootropic-supplements/
Hello David
Can sulbutiamine lower prolactin levels?
Thanks
Adjai, not as far as I can tell. There is no evidence that it can.
Hi David,
Is it safe to use sulbutiamine with Zoloft?
I’m on 125 mg of Zoloft which helps with anxiety but I feel like I’m losing my shit and getting dumber by the day.Memory , verbal fluency brain fog, etc.
Please advise
Thanking you
Venkat, Sulbutiamine is a form of thiamine and it’s not on the official interaction list: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/sertraline-index.html. I hesitate in saying any nootropic supplement is safe to take with a prescription med. But when you compare the mechanism of action for each I don’t see any problem.
Hi, sorry about my english. I am 45. I suffer from depression, anger, lack of energy and motivation, concentration and memory problems, and social anxiety (shyness, very low self-esteem since I was a child).
I would like to try: Sulbutiamine, l-tyrosine, l- tryptophan, magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha and cdp-choline.
Would like to know if it is ok?
Thank you
Tanya, there is nothing wrong with that combination of nootropics as long as you follow dosage recommendations. But I cannot predict success because the symptoms you describe can be caused by any number of things. There are too many variable involved.
I suggest you just start trying individual nootropics. One at a time to make sure each one agrees with you. You will eventually find the right combination of nootropics that works for you. But it takes lots of research which I provide here. And the willingness to experiment.
I took sulbutiamine for a few days (400mg) and felt much better with more energy. But it seems that it is no longer having the effect. Is it possible theres is a tolerance problem? How can I cycle it? Or maybe I have to increase the dose? Thank you
Tanya, some report developing tolerance to Sulbutiamine.
So, try Sulbutiamine for 5 days, and take 2 days off before your next dose.
Hello David – Can you tell me your thoughts on using Sulbutiamine with Wellbutrin? Also, your website here is amazing! It is now my go to source for anything nootropic. Thank you for everything you do.
Matt, Sulbutiamine can increase the density of D1 dopamine receptors so it should help Wellbutrin work better.
Do you know if this will be good for Adderall and Vyvanse recovery between these two and porn addiction I’ve absolutely killed my dopamine receptors . I’m clinically diagnosed ADD but I want to try something lighter until my brain heals
Malik, Sulbutiamine can increase the density of D1 dopamine receptors. As can Vitamin B8 (Inositol) and N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC).
I need the best motivation anti anxiety mood lifting combination for a 25 year old Male. He seems fine to people. Doctors, counselors, the psychologist all find him delightful. The psychologist says he has Peter pan syndrome and does t want to grow up.(the Male 25 yr old knows that’s not it) When it comes to doing.. the best way to describe him is “cant”. He just can’t and when he does he works way harder than he should have too for a portion of result. I think it’s one or more missing elements in his system. The looking into nootropics has struck a nerve with me. Now where do I start for quick results?
Lisa, it sounds like something is either low or out of balance. Motivation is governed by the AMPA receptor/dopamine/reward pathway in the brain. You can read more about that here for some ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
The challenge as you’ve found out is you haven’t the benefit of any kind of success with prescription drugs. So we can’t reverse engineer things. It’ll take some trial and error before you can isolate what the problem is. That takes experimenting and the willingness to experiment.
There are no “quick results” for something like this. No matter how we’ve been conditioned by mainstream medicine to expect a one-pill solution. It’s not the way life works. You can achieve profound results using nootropics but need to do the work to make it happen.
Looks like undiagnosed adult ADD, has he explored that path?…
Some say too much thiamine causes cancer… What are your thoughts
Bev, I keep on asking this question. But where do you guys find this stuff? Please share. Because if it’s true then I’m closing down Nootropics Expert. Clearly I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Hello David, thank you for the article, it is an excellent read. I am 30 years old, studying to pass medical board exams and would like to start and continue using Sulbutiamine. The supplement is offered here as Arcalion in 200mg tablets. What do you recommend for dosing? Would I experience an effect with just using Arcalion alone? Thank you for your time!
Ashley, Alcalion is just a brand name for Sulbutiamine sold in some countries. Dosage would remain the same as described in this review. See the section above called “How does Sulbutiamine feel?” for the benefits that experienced users report.
Would this be enough for you? I can’t answer that because each of us has different requirements for cognitive enhancement. I suggest doing a search of Nootropics Expert (search function top right) and search for “studying”. And see what else turns up that may help you.
You’ll get the best results with a stack of several different supplements because there is no “one pill” solution. But Sulbutiamine is certainly one of those supplements.
Hi David,
My stack at the moment is composed of ALCAR, DHA, CHOLINE, mindlab pro and noopept. I would like to try subultamine to increase motivation. Would you think it will be too much?
Kind regards,
Peter
Peter, it’s certainly not “too much”. There’s no such thing. It takes what it takes until you get to where you want to be.
Aniracetam is a good choice for motivation because it activates AMPA receptors which in turn activate the dopamine/reward pathway which is responsible for motivation. And you’ll need to add L-Tyrosine as well to boost dopamine.
Here’s my bit on motivation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Hey David. Im 21 yrs old. I’m wondering if taking “Uridine” or “sulbutiamine” will help heal my depression and ahedonia/apathy induced by some srris,prozac & zoloft & also antidepressants such as wellbutrin and gabapentin i took in the past. i am now currently 6 months without taking any meds. but take adaptogenic herbs & nootropics such as, gotu kola, brahmi, rhodiola, ginkgo biloba, NAC, DHA, lithium orotate, ALCAR, L-theanine,raw cacao, & turmeric daily.. some stuff i find helps, but only temporarily and the apathetic numb feelings come back, and the brain fog takes over. my memory isnt as sharp, i have a hard time coming up with words.. i was thinking of taking Noopept,Uridine,Lions mane, Nsi-189, black seed oil, and oatstraw. do you think any of those would help to heal my anhedonia & brain fog completely? i feel i have some sort of tbi and not sure what else to try. do you think caffeine will help me heal?. Thank you so much.
Gigi, this is the same response I gave you under the Uridine thread. And BTW, just one or two supplements like Uridine or Sulbutiamine will not do it. This will take time, a lot of trial and error, and a stack of nootropic supplements. Don’t be surprised if you end up using 5 – 10 different supplements to heal the damage and get your brain back in shape.
I did a bit for our email newsletter last year on anhedonia. Here’s a copy: https://mailchi.mp/ed0e21d51fbc/new-how-to-design-a-personal-nootropic-stack
The problem with SSRIs and SNRIs that you’re not told by your doctor, pharmacist or the drug company is the havoc they wreak on your brain. Including things like desensitizing receptors and synapses and changing gene expression. Recovering from these drugs is no different than someone recovering from traumatic brain injury.
You’ll need to take it a step at a time. And don’t expect that you’ll be able to quickly undo damage that took years to create. You have several options or approaches you can take. Treat the brain fog, try to improve memory, or go at it like it’s traumatic brain injury.
I did a lot of research not too long ago on brain fog because it kept coming up. Especially during personal consultations. I discovered that if you deal with the brain fog it often fixes everything else that is ailing your brain. You can find out how here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Hi David, with Sulbutiamine being added to the FDA’s ingredient advisory list in December it has become increasingly difficult to find.
What do you think is the next best option for similar effects? Benfotiamine? Pterostilbene? Or something else?
Just to clarify what I meant, would it take a blend of Benfotiamine, Pterostilbene, and perhaps noopept?
Just curious on your thoughts specifically to boost motivation.
Thanks in advance!
Blake, I just noticed today that the Sulbutiamine I normally get from Double Wood supplements was no longer available on Amazon. But you can still buy it directly from their website. And I know others still sell it directly. Like HR Supplements in Phoenix here: https://www.hrsupplements.com/sulbutiamine-capsules-200mg-60-count/?afmc=NOOTROPICS
I’ve tried other things and Sulbutiamine still works the best in my opinion.
Seems that Amazon is extremely shy of the FDA and they did the same thing with Vinpocetine. I love both nootropics and will go out of my way to track sources down. Amazon is not the only option. And it’s a good reminder too that Amazon is not our only source of supplements that help our brain.
Let’s do everything we can to keep it that way.
Can you recommend me the best website to buy sulbutiamine?
Also I want to know how I can buy ALCAR, CDP-choline, dha, NALT, PS, Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola rosea, Pine bark extract, caffeine, L-theanine, alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, PQQ, vinpocetine as a single ingredient. please tell me the URL of the website that you trust.
I have taken MLP and PL for 1 year and experienced some side effects like headache, dizziness, dry mouth, depression. So I want to find what is the problem and fix it. To find problemes, I will buy the single ingredients of MLP and PL and find what ingredients have bad effects for me. Please help me finding the best websites that sell the single ingredients of sulbutiamine, ALCAR, CDP-choline, dha, NALT, PS, Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola rosea, Pine bark extract, caffeine, L-theanine, alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, PQQ, vinpocetine.
Please delete the message below this. because I mistyped it duplicate content made.
Seungeon, wise move to separate the ingredients so you can determine what’s causing the problem. But easier said than done.
What country are you in?
Here in the USA all of the individual ingredients are easily found on Amazon or The Vitamin Shoppe. Except for Vinpocetine which is no longer available on Amazon. You need to buy this nootropic in the USA directly from Life Extension, NOW Foods or Swanson Vitamins.
Dear David
Thanks for the useful data, I would like to ask about the maximum duration to use it please
Thanks in advance
Peter Mitry
Peter, if you mean “maximum duration” in years I’ve been using Sulbutiamine every day for the last 12 years. And have no intention of stopping any time soon.
Would you lose any of the benefits taking it every day vs 5 days on/ 2 days off? If yes, which benefits would you lose due to tolerance and what ones would continue?
I’m mainly interested in taking it for depressive illness and energy levels. Thanks in advance.
David, I’ve not found tolerance to be a problem with Sulbutiamine. And have used it twice a day for years. But others report that tolerance can be a problem with Sulbutiamine. So when taking it for extended periods, you may find it beneficial to take it for 5 days, and take 2 days off before your next dose.
Hi David,
I am trying to build your recommended ADHD stack as a treatment for my ADHD and to maximise the positive benefits and minimise the bad from taking Vyvanse. I am worried about the damage long term use may be after just being diagnosed and prescribed the drug. I have issues with how mood/depression and so would like to add Sulbutiamine.
Do you think issues with tolerance for Sulbutiamine arise in the same way it can for ADHD prescription stimulants and that it could be the neuroprotective elements in the ADHD stack you take/recommend that keep that from happening for you? In the same way you it does for Ritalin?
I would prefer to not have to cycle anything and just keep it simple!
PS. Thank you so much for the information you have gathered and share here. I’m just beginning my journey with ADHD treatment at 37 and your research and personal experience is a huge help in treating myself and understanding nootropics and supplements that psychiatrists do not work with.
Natalie, tolerance should not be an issue with Sulbutiamine if you follow dosage guidelines. It’s just two thiamine molecules bonded together to help thiamine cross the blood-brain barrier.
The stack I describe in the above post is made to support stimulant use so you can avoid tolerance and prevent brain damage from long-term use. But you need to follow dosage recommendations and timing during the closely to make this work.
Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine are the only two ‘optional’ nootropics in this stack. I discovered that these two supplements combined helped depression that is often a side effect of ADHD. But this stack will work without these two supplements.