Sulbutiamine
NOOTROPICAlso known as: Arcalion, Bisibuthiamine
What is Sulbutiamine?
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Prescription drug in France (Arcalion) since 1973 for asthenia. FDA added to Advisory List in 2019; DoD prohibited for military.
Why is Sulbutiamine Banned?
Not a legal dietary supplement per FDA Advisory List. DoD prohibited. Prescription drug status in other countries.
Health Risks & Side Effects
Health Risk Level
This substance has a low risk of overdose and low addiction potential.
warningCommon Side Effects
- arrow_rightInsomnia
- arrow_rightAnxiety
- arrow_rightIrritability
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
blockContraindications
- arrow_rightMilitary personnel
- arrow_rightBipolar disorder
- arrow_rightAnxiety disorders
How Does Sulbutiamine Work?
Synthetic thiamine that crosses BBB. Increases thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters in the brain. May affect dopaminergic transmission.
History
Developed in Japan. Prescription drug in France since 1973 as Arcalion. FDA Advisory List 2019. DoD prohibited.
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Research articles and educational resources
Overview
Sulbutiamine
Sulbutiamine sold under the brand names Arcalion, Enerion, and Sulbuxin is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1). In France, it is used to treat symptoms of weakness or fatigue. In Uruguay, it is prescribed when there is thiamine deficiency, mainly in patients with asthenia, overwork, apathy, depressive states, memory disorders, and iatrogenic disorders of wakefulness. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. Sulbutiamine was discovered in Japan as part of an effort to develop useful thiamine derivatives.
Scientific Research
From PubMed • 3 peer-reviewed studies
[On the specific treatment of asthenic states: focus on sulbutiamine].
In this article, we try to present the available data regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sulbutiamine (Enerion), the mechanisms of its anti-asthenic action. Then we analyze and summarize the available evidence base considering the efficacy and safety of Enerion for the treatment of asthenic syndromes. Then we compare Enerion with some other drugs. The results of our review indicate the high efficacy and safety of sulbutiamine in the treatment of asthenia. Our results also show that Enerion has some clinically relevant advantages over all alternatives we reviewed there.
Sulbutiamine shows promising results in reducing fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Fatigue is the most frequent and often debilitating symptom for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There are no available effective therapies for fatigue associated with MS, and it is unclear whether a successful therapy of MS leads to clinical improvement. Sulbutiamine is a lipophilic compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than thiamine and increases the levels of thiamine and thiamine phosphate esters in the brain. Whereas several clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of sulbutiamine in patients with asthenia, there have been no reports on the effects of sulbutiamine on fatigue in patients with MS.
[Effects of sulbutiamine (Arcalion 200) on psycho-behavioral inhibition in major depressive episodes].
Psycho-behavioural inhibition is characteristic of major depressive disorder and frequently recedes after the other depressive symptoms. This may induce an important psychosocial impairment which could be a risk factor for relapse.