Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Sulbutiamine
Cognitive · Thiamine derivative
Tier C+
What this is
Arcalion brand in France, historically used for asthenia/fatigue. Anecdotally mood-lifting and motivating short-term; tolerance develops rapidly (days to weeks). Cycle rather than chronic use.
Mechanism
Lipophilic disulfide dimer of thiamine (B1); crosses BBB easily; increases thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters in brain; dopaminergic modulation
Dose & route
200-600 mg/day PO
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10608513/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18534401/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11279322/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.