Herb & supplement monograph

Picamilon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Picamilon interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Picamilon is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Picamilon is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Picamilon against your medication

Add one medication

✓ Supplement

Picamilon

1 Your medication

Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.

Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

On this page

Picamilon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Picamilon drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, all are moderate, and none have been documented in actual human use.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that deserves the most attention involves niacin. After you swallow picamilon, the body breaks it down into GABA and niacin, so taking it alongside niacin-containing medications could add up and increase niacin's effects and side effects. Even this concern is theoretical, based on how picamilon is processed rather than on reported problems in people.

What the rest of the list means

Picamilon has only a small number of known interactions, and that short list reflects predicted effects rather than proven harm. Because these concerns come from picamilon's breakdown products rather than human reports, a listed interaction does not mean the combination has actually caused problems. Still, since human data on this synthetic compound is limited, an absence of reports is not the same as proof of safety.

Check your medications against Picamilon

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Picamilon interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Picamilon

3 medications have a known interaction with Picamilon, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Picamilon using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Picamilon interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Niacin (prescription Drug)Niacor, Niaspan

Moderate Niacin

Picamilon is broken down into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and niacin after oral administration.

Read the full Picamilon + Niacin (prescription Drug) interaction Niacin (prescription Drug) drug page: uses, dosage & side effects

Niacin, LovastatinAdvicor

Moderate Niacin

Picamilon is broken down into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and niacin after oral administration.

Read the full Picamilon + Niacin, Lovastatin interaction

Niacin, SimvastatinSimcor

Moderate Niacin

Picamilon is broken down into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and niacin after oral administration.

Read the full Picamilon + Niacin, Simvastatin interaction

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Picamilon combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Picamilon affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Picamilon is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Picamilon interacts with

Niacin

Picamilon is broken down into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and niacin after oral administration. Concomitant use with niacin might cause additive effects and adverse effects. However, this interaction is only theoretical and has not been documented in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Picamilon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Picamilon is a synthetic compound made by joining niacin (vitamin B3) and GABA, originally developed in the former Soviet Union as a prescription drug. It is sold in some countries as a supplement for anxiety, focus, and mood, but high-quality human evidence is very limited, and U.S. regulators have stated it does not qualify as a legal dietary supplement ingredient. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Part used: Synthetic compound (not from a plant)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powder

People commonly use it for

Anxiety and stress
Mental focus and cognition
Low mood
Migraine or headache
Fatigue and energy

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Human safety data are limited and its legal status as a supplement is questionable in some countries.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Picamilon is a synthetic (man-made) compound, not an herb or plant extract. It is made by chemically linking niacin (vitamin B3) with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a calming brain chemical.

It was first developed in the former Soviet Union, where it has been used as a prescription medicine for certain brain and circulation problems. Outside of those settings, it has been marketed as a dietary supplement for anxiety, mood, and mental performance.

It is important to know that in the United States, the FDA has stated that picamilon does not meet the legal definition of a dietary supplement ingredient. This means products containing it may not be legally sold as supplements there.

How it works

Picamilon is designed so that after you take it, the body breaks it down into its two parts: niacin and GABA.

The niacin part is thought to widen blood vessels, which may increase blood flow in the brain. The GABA part is a calming chemical messenger. Normally GABA cannot easily cross from the blood into the brain, but the design of picamilon is meant to help more of it reach the brain.

These ideas are based mainly on laboratory and animal research and older studies. They explain why people hope it helps with calmness and focus, but the proposed mechanisms have not been firmly proven in well-designed human trials.

Effectiveness

Does Picamilon work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated

2 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Picamilon, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Glaucoma

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that picamilon seems to improve central and peripheral visual fields in patients with open-angle glaucoma, with some patients reporting improvements in light sensitivity and acuity of vision. The dose and duration of picamilon used in this study is not available. Also, the apparent lack of a control group limits the validity of these findings.

Sources Ref 100618

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neurogenic bladder

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking picamilon with atropine might restore bladder function in children with neurogenic bladder due to myelodysplasia. The dose and duration of picamilon used in this study is not available. Also, the effect of picamilon alone in patients with neurogenic bladder is unknown.

Sources Ref 100617

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The long-term safety of picamilon in humans is not well established. Because reliable safety studies are limited, it is hard to know what risks may come with regular use.

People with low blood pressure should be especially cautious, since the niacin part may lower blood pressure or cause flushing. Those with liver, kidney, or heart conditions should speak with a healthcare professional first.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, picamilon should be avoided because there is no reliable safety information for mothers or babies. It is also not recommended for children. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Side effects

Reported side effects are not well documented, but because picamilon contains niacin, it may cause skin flushing, warmth, tingling, or itching, especially soon after taking it.

Other possible effects include headache, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, nausea, or feeling unusually sleepy. Because human data are limited, rare or serious effects cannot be ruled out.

If you notice a fast heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, or any allergic reaction such as rash or trouble breathing, stop using it and seek medical care.

Dosing

There is no officially established or standardized dose of picamilon for supplement use, and quality control of products is uncertain.

If a product is available to you, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because the product quality and legality can vary, and because safety data are limited, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking picamilon rather than guessing a dose on your own.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Picamilon & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Picamilon & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Picamilon monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Avula B, Chittiboyina AG, Sagi S, et al. Identification and quantification of vinpocetine and picamilon in dietary supplements sold in the United States. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):334-43. PubMed
Vishnevskii EL, Guseva NB. Validation of the treatment of the neurogenic bladder in children with myelodysplasia using pikamilon [abstract only]. Urol Nefrol (Mosk) 1998;(2):27-30.
Kolomoitseva EM, Ermakova VN, Abdulkadyrova MZh. Results of pikamilon use in the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma [abstract only]. Vestn Oftalmol 1994;110(4):4-7.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Picamilon

35 brands in our database make a supplement containing Picamilon.

1st Phorm 75 products ABS Alpha Bitch Supplements 5 products American Muscle Sports Nutrition 3 products Applied Nutriceuticals 30 products Blackstone Labs 83 products Brand New Energy 1 product Carbon Fire 5 products Core Nutritionals 454 products CTD 2 products DNA Anabolics 26 products EBOOST 33 products EFL Nutritionals 12 products Epic Labs 1 product EST Engineered Sports Technology 5 products Genetech Pharma Labs 4 products Genomyx 3 products Hard Rock Supplements 14 products Hybrid 2 products Labrada 47 products Labrada Nutrition 80 products Lecheek Nutrition 4 products LifeLink 87 products MaritzMayer Laboratories 153 products NutraBio 1,136 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Picamilon

135 products in our database contain Picamilon. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Picamilon: Common Questions

What is Picamilon used for, and does it work?

People use Picamilon for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Picamilon interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 3 medications with a known interaction with Picamilon. Use the checker above to see how Picamilon interacts with a specific drug.

How are Picamilon interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Picamilon with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Picamilon interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Picamilon?

Picamilon is a synthetic compound made by combining niacin (vitamin B3) and GABA. It was originally developed as a prescription medicine in the former Soviet Union and is sometimes sold as a supplement for anxiety and focus.

Is Picamilon a legal supplement?

In the United States, the FDA has stated that Picamilon does not qualify as a legal dietary supplement ingredient, so it should not be sold as a supplement there. Its legal status varies by country.

Is Picamilon safe to take?

Human safety data are limited, so its risks are not well understood. It is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have low blood pressure should avoid it.

Why might Picamilon cause flushing?

Picamilon breaks down into niacin, and niacin is well known for causing skin flushing, warmth, and tingling shortly after it is taken.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Picamilon

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Picamilon — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 135 products with Picamilon →

Where next

Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Picamilon?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Picamilon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Picamilon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Picamilon

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Picamilon affects

Picamilon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Picamilon work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Picamilon & Pregnancy

Picamilon & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Picamilon

Supplement products with Picamilon

Picamilon: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Picamilon

Have a question about Picamilon?