We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Picamilon?

By Douglas Bonderud
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,478
Share

Picamilon is a dietary supplement and nootropic drug. It is a combination of Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, and the neurotransmitter GABA. This supplement is taken orally, typically in powder or tablet form, and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, it is hydrolyzed into GABA and niacin.

This compound was originally created in 1961 by the All-Union Scientific Research Institute, which was located in the former Soviet Union. In Russia, this compound is sold as a prescription drug, and is patented by a company that operates in Moscow. It is used there as a treatment for depression and senile psychosis. In the United States, this compound has been approved for sale as a dietary supplement.

The function of picamilon is two-fold, since, when the compound is broken down into its constituent parts in the brain, each one has a different effect. Niacin acts as a vasodilator, which enlarges the blood vessels of the brain. This, in turn, leads to increased blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and is thought to assist in the management of migraine headache pain.

When the second part of the picamilon compound, GABA, is activated in the brain, it is a believed to create a moderate anti-anxiety effect. This is known as an anxiolytic response, and is due to that fact that GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA limits, rather than encourages, certain brain functions.

Picamilon is considered to be a nootropic compound. These are also known as smart drugs, and are thought to stabelize mental function. For picamilon, and many other nootropic drugs, there is little clinical research that clearly shows their action mechanism. Many people who take picamilon report feeling less anxious and more energized, which is counter-intuitive for anti-anxiety drugs. Most drugs that suppress anxiety reactions also cause feelings of depression or lethargy.

The picamilon typical dose, for a healthy adult, is 100 milligrams (mg), one to three times per day. This compound acts very quickly, as its effects are apparent within an hour, and can last up to six hours. It can have a mildly stimulatory effect, so its use should be avoided before going to bed. The negative side effects of this supplement appear to be fairly limited, but include headaches and nausea. One of the natural results of using the drug is a significantly lowered blood pressure, so it should not be taken with any other vasodilators, especially those prescribed by a doctor.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-picamilon.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.