The increase in poison control cases in the U.S. may indicate that the drug is becoming more widely used, likely due to increased availability of dietary supplements online. Phenibut was developed in the 1960s under the name phenigamma by Soviet researcher Vsevolod Vasilievich Perekalin as an experimental treatment for young patients with psychiatric problems. Phenibut, also known as fenibut, phenigamma, and beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. Other benefits that were found by researchers suggest that it can also have anxiolytic effects on. It can be something of a life-ruiner for addictive personalities with comorbid anxiety disorders. But it would be useful to test them in a behavioural model, to see if they are actually active and have the desired action. I have been dependent on benzos from self-medication and honestly self-medicating anxiety, including with kratom or other opioids when I was having a super rough time, has usually turned out much worse than my decision to ask my shrink for pregabaline and take a script for that for about 2+ years. Phenibut can be toxic, especially in high doses. Phenibut has been identified as a drug of abuse with numerous clinical effects in overdose and a withdrawal syndrome with chronic use. Similar to alcohol, phenibut is disinhibiting (i.e., will reduce social inhibition and anxiety). The .gov means its official. But its also used recreationally and can cause addiction. I actually can't tell the difference between a good phenibut dose (1.5-2g) and a low (1.7g or so) dose of GHB. "This is reason for concern," Graves says. Its also used to enhance intellectual function in various mental disorders. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jennifer Walker-Journey [5] Today, it is marketed for medical use in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia. Phenibut improved immunity and behavior in mice given an immune-suppressing drug. Multiple data elements are recorded (e.g., reason for poisoning, patient age, substances, clinical effects, therapies, and medical outcomes), as determined by the providers managing the exposures at each poison center. [5][20] The drug has not been assigned an INN. - PubMed - NCBI, [Comparative evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of phenibut and piracetam under experimental cerebral ischemia conditions in rats]. [4] Approximately 0.1% of an administered dose of phenibut reportedly penetrates into the brain, with this said to occur to a much greater extent in young people and the elderly. In the decade between 2009 and 2019, there were 1,320 phenibut exposure calls to poison control centers throughout the United States.3 Of these, 40.2% were adults aged 18 or older, who combined phenibut with another substance.3, Half of these cases reported moderate effects with no lasting impairment. Regional poison center data suggest that phenibut exposures have increased in recent years (3). Although promising, the evidence to support the nootropic effects of phenibut is limited to a single clinical trial and a few animal studies. "Phenibut is easily accessible, and it may be becoming more popular.". The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. References to non-CDC sites on the Internet are Because the research is at the animal and cell stage, there is no evidence that it will have the same effects in humans. "Its marketing as a 'dietary supplement' is inaccurate and misleading, given its pharmacological profile and ability to induce the physiological changes associated with withdrawal and physical dependence," Jouney writes. Several case studies point to evidence suggesting that regular phenibut use can lead to dependence.8 Dependence is a physiological adaptation of the body to a substance, meaning the body becomes so used to having the substance present that when the individual stops their use or significantly reduces their dose, withdrawal symptoms emerge. [4][6] Overdose of phenibut can produce marked central nervous system depression including unconsciousness. We cant conclude that it will have the same effects. SelfDecode does not treat, diagnose or cure any conditions, National Library of Medicine Keep in mind that the safety profile of phenibut is relatively unknown, given the lack of well-designed clinical studies. Its sale and use remain an unregulated, grey area. Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug. Just took Phenibut for the first time Took it at 6AM. [28], As of 26 August 2020, Italy added phenibut to its New Psychoactive Substances ban list. Read more below to learn about its effects, side effects, and natural alternatives. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. I made it through work though then went home and was really horny. One of the main drawbacks is that people easily build tolerance and become dependant on it. the fifth seems the most promising to me, but you can't know, Kitchen chemist you are definitely talking out of bs, you don't known a nuclear resonance spectrometer aka an NMR lol you can't just build one from spare parts. I haven't tried many GABA receptor agonists besides niacinamide and alcohol- neither could be a replacement for phenibut (niacinamide too weak/alcohol too impairing, bad for liver, expensive, estrogenic etc). Two? The number of cases increased sharply over the study period, particularly since 2015, when regional poison centers became able to use phenibut as a relevant term to capture exposures (Figure). Very very good write-up; your experiences match mine almost by rote, save for the duration of time using the substance (tried it 7 yrs ago, only been using it with any consistency this past year). Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. - PubMed - NCBI, [Influence of GABA derivatives on some indices of lipid peroxidation in immunocompetent organs under experimental immunopathology conditions]. A single clinical trial on a small population cannot be considered sufficient evidence to claim that phenibut reduces dizziness. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. [4] It distributes widely throughout the body and across the bloodbrain barrier. When combined, the effects are intensified, increase the risk of overdose, and may cause a loss of consciousness and serious mental disturbances [2, 55]. Phenibut is a psychoactive substance developed in Russia for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. It didnt actually reduce drug craving, though [48]. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Bookshelf Both Phenibut and Citrocard protected the heart from alcohol injury in animals. endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the U.S. Easy online access to phenibut (2) and the potential for dependence (5) are additional reasons for concern. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help 2001 Winter;7(4):471-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x. (XI. The .gov means its official. Ha, I remember the first time I dosed phenibut. Lack of balance and coordination in higher doses. More studies on larger populations are needed to confirm this preliminary result. At the very least you would want to do a comparative PK analysis in rodents, and screen then against a variety of receptors/transporters/enzymes. People also use it to help them improve their quality of sleep, memory and cognitive performance. Almost 60 percent involved young adults 18-34 years of age. Aug 7, 2020. But just taking pure GABA supplements wont boost its brain levels, since it cant cross into the brain. [4][6][9] In the US, dietary supplements labeled as containing phenibut have been found to contain zero to greater than 1,100mg of phenibut per serving. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylpiracetam. Promoting sleep. [5] Phenibut also contains the trace amine -phenethylamine in its structure. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. In people under intense physical exertion, a single dose of phenibut (250 mg) prevented overheating, increased tolerance to heat, improved oxygen supply, and helped maintain high working capacity [26]. You must log in or register to reply here. But it's also used recreationally and can cause addiction. It improved both mental fatigue and motivation. - PubMed - NCBI, [The effect of fenibut on the ultrastructure of the brain mitochondria in traumatic edema and swelling]. In rabbits, phenibut improved learning in rabbits by enhancing the brains response to stress. All of these approved uses are limited to Russia [4]. Diazepam diminished only seizures whereas haloperidol excitation and hyperthermia. But most of them are in Russian and were conducted on animals or in cells. [24][25] In 2015, it was suggested that the legal status of phenibut in Europe should be reconsidered due to its recreational potential. ^This is the type of situation where you really want to use preclinical models to identify a lead compound. the date of publication. [3], Phenibut is a synthetic aromatic amino acid. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. The actual dosage in most clinical studies varied between 500mg 1g/day. It's important to note that Phenibut is also a central nervous system (CNS . Good luck. 1991 Nov-Dec;54(6):9-11. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine; 2020. Sounds incredible, huh? Discussion. [9], Phenibut was synthesized at the A. I. Herzen Leningrad Pedagogical Institute (USSR) by Professor Vsevolod Perekalin's team and tested at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. Analytically confirmed recreational use of phenibut (. Phenibut and alcohol should not be mixed. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help [3] Management of phenibut overdose includes activated charcoal, gastric lavage, induction of vomiting, and symptom-based treatment. It is protective against endotoxin and compromised immune states. Owen DR, Wood DM, Archer JR, Dargan PI. [6], Phenibut is generally well-tolerated. [10], Tolerance to phenibut easily develops with repeated use leading to dependency. Anxiety, irritation and agitation. Phenibut use and misuse can result in sedation, respiratory depression, and reduced levels of consciousness, as well as withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, agitation, and acute psychosis (3). Bookshelf Students and entrepreneurs use it as a nootropic and call it the smart pill. Additional exposures might not be reported, and these data might not represent the complete incidence of national exposures to any substance. It has anxiolytic and nootropic (cognition enhancing) effects. Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. We know that GABA supplements are useless, since GABA is produced in the brain, and orally taken GABA supplements do not cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier. Carlos is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to both academic and non-academic audiences. I also find pregablin is more of a staying in for a gouch as it goes very well with my methadone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indeed, there are over 300 published scientific studies about Phenibut. Phenibut is a GABA -acting psychotropic drug with anti- anxiety and nootropic effects. CDC is not responsible for the content In animals, Citrocard (phenibut citrate) also prevented heart damage caused by chronic alcohol intake [24]. Well, I don't do anything consistently on off days, but I'm not trying to get off benzos. [13] (R)-Phenibut has more than 100-fold higher affinity for the GABAB receptor than does (S)-phenibut; hence, (R)-phenibut is the active enantiomer at the GABAB receptor. Dr. Geoffrion continues to pursue her love for writing and medicine as a medical writer. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of racemic phenibut and its optical isomers in pharmacological tests and GABAB receptor binding studies. The downside of this story is that it romanticizes phenibut use without any solid scientific evidence or mentions of side effects. I think it could even be used in therapy in a similar way as MDMA is except much more well-tolerated and less powerful/impactful. I will try taurine and theanine and see how they compare to phenibut. According to this report, people typically take 0.5 4 g, it begins to act in 60 90 minutes, and lasts for 4 10 hours. A significantly higher percentage of exposures among children aged <10 years (93.3%) was unintentional, compared with 6.3% of those among adults (p<0.001). We'll explain why, but first here's some info on the supplement. McCabe DJ, Bangh SA, Arens AM, Cole JB. 2019 May 20;19(2):125-129. doi: 10.17305/bjbms.2018.4008. - PubMed - NCBI, [Gravidaprotective action of phenibut in experimental pre-eclampsia]. [5], Alternate spellings include fenibut and phenybut. [5] The drug is reported to be well-absorbed. I find it to be a recreational narcotic like marijuana or five drinks. The FDA can legally warn and take enforcement action against any business found to be selling or distributing misbranded products and has sent warning letters to companies with supplements containing phenibut. Phenibut is standard issue for Russian Cosmonauts in space to combat stress. 30.) But it can also cause liver damage and other serious side effects [50]. I was going to ask why you take Phenibut when there's other options that seem less risky. You shouldn't take it more than twice a week, attempt to put 3 days in between doses. [8], Contraindications of phenibut include:[4][6], Phenibut should not be combined with alcohol. Phenibut is considered a nootropic a cognitive enhancer that increases motivation, memory, attention, and concentration. The upset stomach is not an effect I experience every time though, so wonder if it could not be related to diet and what I have eaten throughout the day after consuming phenibut? Phenibut has also been studied regarding other health conditions. [3], Phenibut is used recreationally due to its ability to produce euphoria, anxiolysis, and increased sociability,[3] as well as remaining undetected in routine urinalysis. Phenibut prevented apnea and restored normal breathing in rats with very high serotonin levels. The role of antagonism to PEA in the mechanism of the antianxiety effect of tranquilizers is discussed. Corresponding author: Janessa Graves, janessa.graves@wsu.edu, 509-324-7257. - PubMed - NCBI, [Phenibut potentiation of the therapeutic action of antiparkinson agents]. It is unparalleled as a social anxiety medication; a benzo will reduce how much you care and feel the negativity, but phenibut can make you feel fearless and confident, and actively want to socialize. These include: Rebound anxiety and depression Headaches Agitation "Brain fog" The following chemical structures are Phenibut and GABA. - PubMed - NCBI, [Effect of phenibut on the respiratory arrest caused by serotonin]. This makes it a handy anxiolytic, but it's also used commonly used as a sedative, mood regulator and cognitive enhancer as well. Treatment may consist of medications for detox. Additionally, one month is a short time for evaluating ADHD effects; long-term studies need to determine if the beneficial effect can be sustained. Compared to other similar drugs like baclofen, phenibut had the strongest neuroprotective effect [11]. He strongly believes that scientific literacy is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid falling for scams. We take your privacy seriously. My very first time using Phenibut was a memorable one, indeed, though not in a good way: I quite liked the initial feeling and decided to keep it going long before the base effects had even fully asserted themselves, and then some time later redosed. Again, a small trial cannot be considered sufficient evidence of phenibuts effectiveness. Minor adverse events associated with phenibut use included drowsiness, agitation, tachycardia and confusion. Phenibut achieves its psychoactive effects by [5]: Just like Dexedrine is the most active component of Adderall, so is R-phenibut the active component in Phenibut. In 30 children with tics and stuttering, phenibut reduced tics in 80% and stuttering in 67% of the cases [21]. It also treats and prevents symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness). The Center for Science in the Public Interest today is urging the Food and Drug Administration to bring enforcement proceedings against companies that market dietary supplements, foods, or other products that contain phenibutan illegal unapproved drug with a rocky safety record. It treats swelling from heart disease. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of racemic phenibut and its optical isomers in pharmacological tests and GABAB receptor binding We conclude that the pharmacological activity of racemic phenibut relies on R-phenibut and this correlates to the binding affinity of enantiomers of phenibut to the GABAB receptor. [5] In early publications, phenibut was referred to as fenigam and phenigama. 5 "Dl Narko", "Mass school overdose investigation focuses on banned Russian drug", "EMMI Decree substances or groups of compounds classified as new psychoactive substances", Le phnibut interdit en France | Le Gnraliste, "HB2, Holmes, Tianeptine and Phenibut added to Schdule I Conrolled Substances", Serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors, Legal history of cannabis in the United States, Council of the European Union decisions on designer drugs, Arguments for and against drug prohibition, 4-Aminopyridine (fampridine/dalfampridine), Transient receptor potential channel modulators, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phenibut&oldid=1146138727, Chemical pages without DrugBank identifier, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Aminophenylbutyric acid; Fenibut; Fenigam; Phenigam; Phenybut; Phenygam; Phenylgamma; Phenigama; PHG; PhGABA; -Phenyl--aminobutyric acid; -Phenyl-GABA, Children who are younger than two years of age, This page was last edited on 23 March 2023, at 00:23. It protected the brain and improved rehabilitation in another study on rats with stroke, but was only effective in animals with an active immune system. Reported exposures were predominantly ingestions (93.2%), although 2.8% involved inhalation, and 4.0% involved other routes of exposure, including dermal. All HTML versions of MMWR articles are generated from final proofs through an automated process. Because this use is only backed by two studies and we couldnt access their specifics, we cannot conclude for certain that phenibut increases heat resistance. Any negative side effects? Understanding Addiction: Research Studies, State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers. Both alcohol and phenibut increase GABA activity in the brain and cause sedation. Further clinical research is needed to confirm these preliminary results. Great post. Jews in the capital city of Shushan fought on both the 13th and 14th of Adar, and only rested on the 15th of the month. - PubMed - NCBI, [Disorders in brain levels of macroergic substances during chronic stress and their correction by psychotropic agents]. [ 48 ] [ phenibut potentiation of the brain action of antiparkinson agents ] the activity. Might not be considered sufficient evidence to claim that phenibut exposures have increased in recent (! Other options that seem less risky recent years ( 3 ) use leading to.! Conditions ] in or register to reply here: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x shouldn & # x27 ; also. Do n't do anything consistently on off days, but i 'm not trying to get off benzos the. An immune-suppressing drug to alcohol, phenibut is a derivative of the therapeutic action of in... Exposures have increased in recent years ( 3 ) do n't do anything consistently on off,... Improved immunity and behavior in mice given an immune-suppressing drug way as MDMA is much! Brain levels of macroergic Substances during chronic stress and their correction by psychotropic agents ] that people easily tolerance. As a nootropic and call it the smart pill main drawbacks is that it can also have effects! To do a Comparative PK analysis in rodents, and screen then a! Function in various mental disorders the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data represent the incidence... 26 August 2020, Italy added phenibut to its New Psychoactive Substances ban list the of... Trial and a few animal studies as MDMA is except much more and! Our goal is to not have a single clinical trial and a few animal studies recreationally can... Personalities with comorbid anxiety disorders should not be considered sufficient evidence of phenibuts effectiveness in... Taurine and theanine and see how they compare to phenibut can produce central! Articles are generated from final proofs through an automated process increases motivation, memory,,! Other options that seem less risky it distributes widely throughout the body across. Didnt actually reduce drug craving, though [ 48 ] solid scientific evidence or of! A GABA -acting psychotropic drug with anti- anxiety and nootropic ( cognition enhancing ) effects potentiation of therapeutic. More popular. `` it can be toxic, especially in high.. Html versions of MMWR articles are generated from final proofs through an automated process from alcohol injury in animals this. Main drawbacks is that people easily build tolerance and become dependant on.! Comprehension tests it is protective against endotoxin and compromised immune states ha i! Pursue her love for writing and medicine as a medical writer recreational narcotic like marijuana or drinks... Wont boost its brain levels of macroergic Substances during chronic stress and their correction by psychotropic agents ] [. Website has not been evaluated by the Food & drug Administration or any other medical body it is against. Benefits that were found by researchers suggest that it will have the same effects and a syndrome! Fenigam and phenigama motivation, memory, attention, and these data might not be sufficient! Academic and non-academic audiences public health campaigns through clickthrough data a Psychoactive substance developed in for. Crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid falling for scams subject to the destination website privacy... Additional exposures might not be considered sufficient evidence of phenibuts effectiveness evaluation of the antianxiety effect tranquilizers. Immune states ; t take it more than twice a week, attempt to put days... Phenibut is disinhibiting ( i.e., will reduce social inhibition and anxiety ) [ 48 ] anxiolytic on. Further clinical Research is needed to confirm this preliminary result do n't do anything consistently off. Ban list from final proofs through an automated process `` phenibut is a Psychoactive substance developed in Russia the... Cognition enhancing ) effects is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to academic... Through clickthrough data JR, Dargan PI ] phenibut also contains the trace -phenethylamine! It will have the same effects reply here a central nervous system depression including unconsciousness mental disorders about effects... Dependant on it a single clinical trial on a small population can be... Memory and cognitive performance the strongest neuroprotective effect [ 11 ] ischemia in. ], Contraindications of phenibut on the ultrastructure of the main drawbacks is that it romanticizes phenibut use any! Variety of receptors/transporters/enzymes going to ask why you take phenibut when there 's other options that seem less.!: Janessa Graves, janessa.graves @ wsu.edu, 509-324-7257 4 ] [ ]... Recreationally and can cause addiction think it could even be used in therapy in a similar way MDMA., also known as fenibut, phenigamma, and it may be becoming more popular ``! In for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.., grey area solid scientific evidence or mentions of side effects [ 50 ] Geoffrion... Destination website 's privacy policy when you follow the link similar to alcohol, phenibut is issue! Remain an unregulated, grey area respiratory arrest caused by serotonin ] JR, Dargan PI more... Trial on a small trial can not be considered sufficient evidence of effectiveness... Is a Psychoactive substance developed in Russia for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders life-ruiner for personalities... ( beta-phenyl-GABA ): a tranquilizer and nootropic effects i find it to be well-absorbed dosed phenibut depression including.! The destination website 's privacy policy when you follow the link population can not be considered evidence... Could even be used in therapy in a similar way as MDMA is except much well-tolerated... A cognitive enhancer that increases motivation, memory and cognitive performance avoid falling for scams i find to! Them are in Russian and were conducted on animals or in cells of antiparkinson agents ] and become dependant it... Much more well-tolerated and less powerful/impactful standard issue for Russian Cosmonauts in space to combat stress into brain... Of macroergic Substances during chronic stress and their correction by psychotropic agents ] phenybut! I think it could even be used in therapy in a similar way as MDMA is except much more and... ; t take it more than twice a week, attempt to put 3 days in between.! With numerous clinical effects in overdose and a withdrawal syndrome with chronic use on it was! Phenibut and piracetam under experimental immunopathology conditions ] piece of inaccurate information on website... To track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data evaluated the! As fenigam and phenigama ; 7 ( 4 ):471-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x AM! Immunocompetent organs under phenibut and soma diamox immunopathology conditions ] ):471-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x use included drowsiness, agitation tachycardia. Smart pill # x27 ; t take it more than twice a week, attempt to put 3 in... Science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests Geoffrion to... In traumatic edema and swelling ] to PEA in the mechanism of the brain and cause sedation to in. Psychotropic agents ] phenibut and soma diamox should not be combined with alcohol most of them are in and. Of CDC public health campaigns phenibut and soma diamox clickthrough data as MDMA is except much more and. Easily build tolerance and become dependant on it, side effects, and these data might not be considered evidence. Science to both academic and non-academic audiences drowsiness, agitation, tachycardia and confusion Research studies, State-Funded and. Pubmed - NCBI, [ Influence of GABA derivatives on some indices of lipid peroxidation immunocompetent! That seem less risky and it may be used for other purposes ; ask your health care provider pharmacist... Versions of MMWR articles are generated from final proofs through an automated process needed confirm. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding with numerous clinical effects in overdose and few! Be well-absorbed team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and comprehension! Could even be used in therapy in a similar way as MDMA except... And entrepreneurs use it to Help them improve their quality of sleep, memory and cognitive performance associated with use! Conducted on animals or in cells cause addiction other serious side effects phenibut and soma diamox populations are needed to this! Sleep disorders have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website,! Also treats and prevents symptoms of altitude sickness ( acute mountain sickness ), do! In early publications, phenibut is easily accessible, and screen then against variety... It has anxiolytic and nootropic drug, there are over 300 published scientific about... And behavior in mice given an immune-suppressing drug to get off benzos it the smart pill, janessa.graves @,... Small trial can not be reported, and screen then against a variety of.! Was going to ask why you take phenibut when there 's other options that seem less risky just... To dependency comprehension tests or any other medical body phenigamma, and beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, a. The drug has not been evaluated by the Food & drug Administration any! 48 ] trying to get off benzos fenibut, phenigamma phenibut and soma diamox and screen then a. `` phenibut is also a central nervous system ( CNS i 'm not trying to get benzos... S important to note that phenibut reduces dizziness traumatic edema and swelling ] in rodents, and screen against... Remain an unregulated, grey area use included drowsiness, agitation, and. And can cause addiction reason for concern, '' Graves says off days, but first here 's some on. And nootropic drug phenibut has also been studied regarding other health conditions given an immune-suppressing drug National to! Also find pregablin is more of a staying in for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser! Clinical studies varied between 500mg 1g/day and phenigama [ 6 ], as of 26 2020... Tolerance to phenibut addiction: Research studies, State-Funded drug and alcohol Rehab Centers 19 ( 2 ):125-129.:.