Rankings / Cognitive

Sulbutiamine

Cognitive · Thiamine derivative

Tier C+

dopamineprescriptionotc
5.7 / 10
Tier C+
Ev 3 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Sulbutiamine as C+ (5.7/10) based on weak evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

Arcalion brand in France, historically used for asthenia/fatigue.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 200-600 mg/day PO — Rx in France; OTC in many countries; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

Arcalion brand in France, historically used for asthenia/fatigue. Anecdotally mood-lifting and motivating short-term; tolerance develops rapidly (days to weeks). Cycling appears in consumer protocols; evidence comparing cyclic with chronic use is absent.

Mechanism

Lipophilic disulfide dimer of thiamine (B1); crosses BBB easily; increases thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters in brain; dopaminergic modulation

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

200-600 mg/day PO

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Sulbutiamine's effects?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Sulbutiamine as Weak and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.7/10). Arcalion brand in France, historically used for asthenia/fatigue.
What safety findings are reported for Sulbutiamine?
Sulbutiamine has a low risk profile in the database. Low (rare skin reactions; tolerance develops) Legal status: Rx in France; OTC in many countries.
What doses or routes are reported for Sulbutiamine?
200-600 mg/day PO This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Sulbutiamine work?
Lipophilic disulfide dimer of thiamine (B1); crosses BBB easily; increases thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters in brain; dopaminergic modulation

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.