by Robert Mason

Picamilon, a Russian development; is in essence the bonding of niacin to GABA.  This combination acts very differently and uniquely and can't be compared to taking niacin and GABA together as individual supplements.  Niacin is very effective in crossing the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to enhance cognitive function by protecting the neurons against the effects of diminished blood flow.  GABA on the other hand has a placating action, possibly helping to stabilize other neurotransmitters and have a calming affect.
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Picamilon is a very effective vasodilator (it improves brain blood flow), in fact Russian experiments suggest that picamilon is better than Hydergine and even better than vinpocetine in this regard.  For while vasodilatation is occurring, more likely the result of the niacin it is also displaying a mild tranquilizing effect, which helps prevent the negative effects of emotional stress.  This second trait is the likely affect of GABA, as it is with the basis of the diazepam tranquilizing drugs (such as Valium) which inhibits the reuptake of GABA, the presence of GABA appears to have a calming effect.  But what makes picamilon unique is that while it counteracts stress and anxiety, it doesn't have a sedative action. Picamilon can have a mild stimulatory action.  Picamilon may be the first anti-anxiety drug that doesn't make you drowsy.  Again Russian studies have compared picamilon with other psycho-stimulant drugs including piracetam, phenazepam, diazepam, vinpocetine, xanthinol nicotinate, and papaverine.  It was noted that the stimulant properties of picamilon were greater than that of piracetam.  After taking picamilon the patients felt better and giddiness and tremor disappeared.  Further benefits of picamilon over the standard tranquillizing drugs are that it does not display any signs of inducing muscle relaxation, lethargy, or drowsiness.  Picamilon has a number of positive benefits for the patient; it can reduce anxiety, lower stress and yet at the same time display a non-sleepy action or indeed even a stimulatory property.  Many patients claim that they have a 'good feeling' while using picamilon.

The good news is that in over 10 years of use in the former Russian states, picamilon can be considered to be a very safe drug.  It has not been shown to produce any allergenic, teratogenic, embryotoxic or carcinogenic effects. Most side effects have been noted as headache, dizziness and nausea.  It has been stated that at higher dosages picamilon can lower blood pressure, and while this may be advantageous in some cases those persons with already low blood pressure should be monitored. 

The effects of picamilon are fast acting, often within an hour and the half-life usually ensures that these effects continue for a period of approximately 6 hours.  Accordingly dosages have been applied twice or three times daily, but late evening use should be avoided otherwise insomnia may ensue.  

To list a few of the known clinical results, picamilon has shown promise in memory, mood, anxiety, stress, motor and speech disturbances, sleep, irritability, alcohol withdrawal, and visual acuity.

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