Sulbutiamine
Cognitive · Thiamine derivative
Tier C+
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.
Typical use: 200-600 mg/day PO — Rx in France; OTC in many countries.
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/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Sulbutiamine work?
- 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.
- Is Sulbutiamine safe?
- Sulbutiamine has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx in France; OTC in many countries. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Sulbutiamine?
- 200-600 mg/day PO
- 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.