What is it?

Sulbutiamine, a synthetic derivative of thiamine, is used in France to treat fatigue and is also available as a dietary supplement. Known for its nootropic effects, it may improve memory, focus, and mood, though its effectiveness for fatigue is uncertain; some athletes also use it to boost performance.


What does science research say?

Role of the Synthetic B1 Vitamin Sulbutiamine on Health

Summary: This review outlines Sulbutiamine’s potential applications beyond treating fatigue, including anti-fatigue, nootropic, and antioxidant effects, as well as possible roles in treating certain infections and cancer. Despite promising results, the limited number of studies highlights the need for further research to fully understand Sulbutiamine’s potential.

Link: PubMed

Adjuvant role of vitamin B analogue (sulbutiamine) with anti-infective treatment in infection-associated asthenia

Summary: In a large study with 1772 patients, Sulbutiamine was found effective in reducing fatigue symptoms when used alongside anti-infective treatments. Patients with acute infections showed greater benefits, suggesting Sulbutiamine’s usefulness as an adjunct in infection-related fatigue.

Link: PubMed

Treatment of chronic postinfectious fatigue: randomized double-blind study of two doses of sulbutiamine (400-600 mg/day) versus placebo

Summary: This study on postinfectious fatigue found a temporary improvement in fatigue levels in women taking higher doses of Sulbutiamine, though no significant effects were observed at the study’s conclusion. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Link: PubMed

Effects of sulbutiamine (Arcalion 200) on psycho-behavioral inhibition in major depressive episodes

Summary: Sulbutiamine, when added to standard treatment, helped alleviate psycho-behavioral inhibition in patients with major depressive disorder, improving their social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. No antidepressant effects were observed, but it aided in rehabilitation.

Link: PubMed

Effects of the association of sulbutiamine with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in early stage and moderate Alzheimer’s disease

Summary: In early and moderate Alzheimer’s patients, Sulbutiamine, combined with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, improved attention and episodic memory, suggesting potential benefits as an adjuvant treatment in cognitive function.

Link: PubMed

Regulation of PKC/TLR-4/NF-kB signaling by sulbutiamine improves diabetic nephropathy in rats

Summary: In diabetic nephropathy, Sulbutiamine demonstrated protective effects by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and kidney damage markers, supporting its potential as a nephroprotective agent.

Link: ScienceDirect

Thiamine mimetics sulbutiamine and benfotiamine as a nutraceutical approach to anticancer therapy

Summary: This study suggests Sulbutiamine’s potential to reduce cancer cell proliferation by restoring mitochondrial function, highlighting its promise as part of a nutraceutical cancer treatment strategy.

Link: ScienceDirect

Sulbutiamine shows promising results in reducing fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis

Summary: In patients with multiple sclerosis, Sulbutiamine significantly reduced fatigue scores, particularly in those also receiving disease-modifying treatments. This finding supports its potential for managing MS-related fatigue.

Link: ScienceDirect

Chronic treatment with sulbutiamine improves memory in an object recognition task and reduces some amnesic effects of dizocilpine in a spatial delayed-non-match-to-sample task

Summary: Chronic Sulbutiamine treatment in rats improved object recognition memory and countered amnesia induced by a receptor blocker, indicating possible memory-enhancing effects.

Link: ScienceDirect

Potentiometric sensors for the selective determination of sulbutiamine

Summary: Novel sensors for Sulbutiamine detection showed high accuracy and selectivity in pharmaceutical preparations, providing a reliable method for quantifying Sulbutiamine in clinical or pharmaceutical contexts.

Link: ScienceDirect


What do user think?
Overall sentiment*

*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences, the higher it is the better overall opinions of users on efficiency, safety, availability, etc.

Category: Mixed

User feedback on Sulbutiamine is mixed, with some individuals experiencing increased energy, motivation, and mood improvements, while others report minimal effects or negative side effects such as fatigue and emotional blunting; effectiveness often varies among users and can diminish with repeated use.


Main insights

Effects

  • Many users report that Sulbutiamine provides a boost in energy, motivation, and mood, especially during the initial days of use.
  • Some individuals experience increased focus and reduced anxiety, leading to enhanced productivity and a greater willingness to engage in activities.
  • Individual responses vary; while some feel significant positive effects, others notice minimal or no changes after taking Sulbutiamine.
  • A few users have reported feelings of emotional blunting or numbness, particularly with long-term use or when combined with other supplements like uridine.

Effectiveness

  • Sulbutiamine is generally effective for some in the short term for enhancing motivation and combating fatigue.
  • Effectiveness tends to diminish with continuous use due to rapid tolerance development, often within a few days.
  • Some users find that cycling Sulbutiamine (using it intermittently) helps maintain its effectiveness.
  • Lasting benefits are noted by some, including improved mood and reduced anxiety even after discontinuation.

Dosage & Administration

  • Typical dosages range from 200 mg to 600 mg per day, with some users taking up to 800 mg.
  • Administration is often divided into morning and afternoon doses to sustain effects throughout the day.
  • Sulbutiamine is fat-soluble; taking it with food enhances absorption and effectiveness.
  • Users recommend cycling usage—taking Sulbutiamine 2-3 times per week or limiting continuous use to prevent tolerance.

Side Effects

  • Rapid tolerance buildup is common, leading to decreased effectiveness after a few days of continuous use.
  • Some users experience fatigue or a “crash” after the initial energizing effects wear off.
  • A minority report negative mood changes, such as feelings of depression, anxiety, or emotional numbness, particularly with high doses or prolonged use.
  • Serious side effects are rare, but a few individuals have mentioned severe mood disturbances, highlighting the importance of monitoring one’s response.

Availability & Sourcing

  • Sulbutiamine availability varies by region; regulatory issues have made it harder to find on platforms like Amazon and some supplement retailers.
  • It remains accessible through various online suppliers; users recommend purchasing from reputable sources to ensure product quality and authenticity.
  • In certain countries, Sulbutiamine is available as a pharmaceutical product under brand names like Arcalion.
  • Caution is advised when sourcing to avoid counterfeit products or those containing fillers; checking for trusted vendors is recommended for safety.

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Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products discussed are not approved for human use unless explicitly stated. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplements, medications, or research compounds. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use at your own risk.