Although made from simple dietary supplements, Picamilon has been banned in the United States. However, it has proven benefits with minimal side effects.
Why would a beneficial substance made from dietary ingredients be targeted by the FDA? Is there more to the story surrounding controversy?
What is Picamilon?
Picamilon is a unique nootropic compound that is created through the synthetic combination of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and niacin. Nootropics are drugs used to enhance memory and other mental and cognitive functions.
It was first developed in Russia in the early 1970s to treat a range of neurological conditions. Go forward some 40 years and the story of the substance is a little different. The FDA has since deemed this powerful nootripic illegal but why?
What Are the Benefits of Picamilon?
Picamilon has the unique advantage of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier due to its niacin component. The GABA component aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Some researchers believe it can help to eliminate certain toxins from the brain via its antioxidant properties in a way that few other compounds can do.
Research has shown that both learning and memory can be improved. And in longer term studies, it was found that long-term memory can also be improved with this substance.
The overall result is a better quality of attention, better retention, learning, and in time- even enhanced mental stamina and cognitive function.
Picamilon has been used to treat brain infections, glaucoma, migraines, severe alcohol intoxication, and even senile psychosis with great success for many years. It is widely considered safe as long as the recommended dosage is adhered to.
Picamilon Side Effects
Picamilon is considered safe for the majority of patients, while a minority experience some unpleasant side effects which include the following:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Skin rash
- Low blood pressure
These side effects are uncommon and are rarely dangerous. Users who experience low blood pressure should cease taking the drug and consult a doctor.
Anyone with a cardiovascular or heart condition should consult a physician before using the medication. And, a medical professional should monitor these patients closely during use.
Targeted by the FDA
Despite the clear benefits and low risks of Picamilon, the FDA has placed this substance under its cross-hairs- erasing a nearly $8 billion section of the global nutritional supplement industry.
This has drawn severe criticism. The refusal of the FDA to lend its approval to this proven drug appears to be timed with the 2024 release of a fully synthetic version of the drug by Eli Lily called Solanzumab.
The Argument Against Picamilon
While Picamilon has been in wide use throughout the world, and especially in Russia, and has a long history of delivering proven positive effects on the functioning of the brain- many are comparing it to cannabinoids as the reason to suspend its approval.
There is also some lingering fear of any substance that has the ability to cross and carry other substances through the all-important blood-brain barrier.
While these fears may be understandable, the statistics remain clear and show that the risk factors are extremely low- rivaling those of marijuana, which is gaining increasing acceptance in many forms despite decades of severe demonization.
Recommended Picamilon Dosage per Use
The substance is generally very well tolerated. However, most professionals advise due caution as it directly affects brain chemistry and neurochemical function.
The drug is best known for improving mood, relieving anxiety, and promoting sleep. For these conditions, the recommended dosages are between 50 and 300 mg per day.
Users should begin with the lowest recommended dose. Dose can be gradually increased by 5 to 10 mg a day until the desired effect was achieved.
Should any side effects would of emerged, the dosage should have been reduced, or eliminated. Anyone who experienced low blood pressure should have ceased use immediately and consult their doctor.
Current Legal Status
Picamilon continues to be consumed by controversy. It’s now illegal in the United States. Those who previously supplied it were forced to remove it entirely from their inventories.
It is not very common that local municipal and state laws makers would stop on a dime and about face on their position. However, no criminal charges have resulted against any merchants selling it. And, many influential and well-informed parties are working to promote the acceptance of this beneficial drug.
It’s unclear what the future of this fascinating substance will be. But, you can be sure that there will be a demand for it for as long as the literature describes benefits that far outweigh the risks.
