Nootropic profile
Phenibut
Phenibut is a synthetic GABA derivative developed in Russia that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It activates GABA-B receptors to produce anxiolytic, sedative, and mood-enhancing effects. While effective for anxiety, it carries substantial risks of dependence and withdrawal with regular use.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Phenibut?
Phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a synthetic derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Low dose: 250-500 mg (mild relaxation, subtle anxiety reduction)
- Moderate dose: 500-1000 mg (noticeable anxiolysis, mood enhancement)
- High dose: 1000-2000 mg (strong anxiolysis, sedation - higher risk)
- Onset: 2-4 hours (slow onset is a common cause of accidental overdosing by impatient users)
- Duration: 4-8 hours for primary effects, with residual effects lasting longer
Watch out for
- DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL: Phenibut produces rapid tolerance and physical dependence. Withdrawal can be severe and potentially life-threatening, with...
- Never combine with: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, GHB, or other CNS depressants. Combinations can cause respiratory depression and death.
- Legal status: Prescription drug in Russia, Latvia, and some other countries. Unregulated in many Western countries but banned in Australia. Check local laws.
- Overdose risk: The slow onset (2-4 hours) leads many inexperienced users to take additional doses before the first has taken effect, resulting in accidental...
- Pregnancy: Avoid completely. No safety data and GABA-ergic drugs can affect foetal neurodevelopment.
The science, if you're curious.
- Phenibut's primary mechanism is agonism of GABA-B receptors, producing inhibition of neuronal excitability. This reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, and...
- Phenibut blocks alpha-2-delta subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels (the same target as gabapentin and pregabalin), reducing excitatory...
- At higher doses, phenibut may also activate GABA-A receptors, contributing to its sedative and anxiolytic effects.
- Some evidence suggests phenibut may influence dopamine levels, which could explain the mood-enhancing and motivational effects reported by users.
Where to find it
- Bulk powder: Available from nootropic vendors (typically phenibut HCl or phenibut FAA/free amino acid form)
- Capsules: Pre-measured doses available from some supplement companies
- Pharmaceutical: Sold as Noofen, Anvifen, or Bifren in Russia and some Eastern European countries
- Forms: Phenibut HCl (more common, acidic) and Phenibut FAA (free amino acid form, less acidic, suitable for sublingual use)
Frequently asked
Phenibut is a synthetic GABA derivative developed in Russia that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It activates GABA-B receptors to produce anxiolytic, sedative, and mood-enhancing effects. While effective for anxiety, it carries substantial risks of dependence and withdrawal with regular use.
The main benefits people report from Phenibut are: Anxiety & Calm, Focus, Mood, Motivation, Sleep, Stress Relief.
Low dose: 250-500 mg (mild relaxation, subtle anxiety reduction)Moderate dose: 500-1000 mg (noticeable anxiolysis, mood enhancement)High dose: 1000-2000 mg (strong anxiolysis, sedation - higher risk)Onset: 2-4 hours (slow onset is a common cause of accidental overdosing by impatient users)Duration:...
DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL: Phenibut produces rapid tolerance and physical dependence. Withdrawal can be severe and potentially life-threatening, with...Never combine with: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, GHB, or other CNS depressants. Combinations can cause respiratory depression and death.Legal...
Phenibut's primary mechanism is agonism of GABA-B receptors, producing inhibition of neuronal excitability. This reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, and...Phenibut blocks alpha-2-delta subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels (the same target as gabapentin and pregabalin), reduci...
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