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Phenibut, a central nervous system depressant, is a drug commonly self-prescribed for anxiety disorders. It is also used recreationally due to its ability to produce euphoria, anxiolysis, and increased sociability. Developed in Russia in the 1960s, it is still widely used there to relieve tension, anxiety, and insomnia, among other ailments. While it is not approved for clinical use in the United States and most of Europe, it is easily accessible online as a supplement and purported nootropic. The side effects of phenibut are numerous and can be unpredictable and dangerous, including muscle spasms, nausea, irritability, confusion, delirium, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death. This has led to concerns about phenibut abuse and withdrawal, with many seeking treatment for dependence and addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle spasms | Caused by phenibut withdrawal |
| Treatment | The drug Baclofen has been used to help with phenibut withdrawal |
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What You'll Learn
Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant
Phenibut is typically consumed orally, either as a powder that is mixed with water, as tablets, or as a liquid solution. It can also be administered intravenously. While it is a controlled substance in several countries, including Australia, France, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, and Germany, it is readily available online and is not a licensed drug in the United States. This easy access, coupled with its unregulated status, has led many to mistakenly believe that phenibut is safe. However, it can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, and there is a risk of overdose and addiction.
As a central nervous system depressant, phenibut can cause sedation, sleepiness, slowed breathing, nausea, irritability, agitation, dizziness, euphoria, and headaches. It is structurally related to the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is considered a GABA receptor agonist, affecting both the GABA a and GABA b receptors. At low doses, phenibut primarily affects the GABA b receptor, producing calming effects and reducing anxiety. However, at higher doses, it is believed to affect the GABA a receptor as well, leading to increased abuse and addiction potential, similar to drugs like Xanax and alcohol.
The side effects of phenibut abuse can be unpredictable and dangerous, and may include muscle spasms, irritability, confusion, delirium, seizures, and psychosis. These short-term effects can lead to a cycle of increased drug tolerance and dependence, as individuals may take more of the drug to restore the initial feeling of well-being they experienced after the first dose. Involving a healthcare provider is crucial in the recovery process to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and address any co-occurring disorders.
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It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms
Phenibut is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with anxiolytic effects, used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other indications. It is typically consumed orally, though it may also be administered intravenously. While the risk of addiction is considered low, phenibut can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Phenibut is not approved for clinical use in the United States and most of Europe, but it is readily available online as a supplement and purported nootropic. This easy access has led to its recreational use, with individuals seeking the feelings of euphoria, anxiolysis, and increased sociability it can produce. The delayed onset of effects often leads first-time users to mistakenly take an additional dose, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Regular use of phenibut can lead to rapid tolerance, with some individuals experiencing tolerance within a week of starting regular use. This tolerance can result in physical dependence, with the body adapting to the substance's presence. When individuals reduce their dose or stop using phenibut, withdrawal symptoms may emerge. These symptoms can be severe and unexpected, and may include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Reduced appetite
- Depression
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Tremors
- Fear
- Irritability
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle spasms
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 4-6 hours of discontinuation and may last for several days. Abruptly stopping phenibut use is not recommended, as it can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms and does not give the brain time to adjust to changes in neurotransmitter levels. Tapering off phenibut under medical supervision is a safer approach to reduce the likelihood and severity of withdrawal symptoms.
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It's used to treat anxiety and insomnia
Phenibut is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with anxiolytic effects. It is used to treat anxiety and insomnia and is available as a medication in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia. In these countries, it is sold as 250 mg or 500 mg tablets for oral administration and as a 10 mg/mL solution for infusion.
Phenibut is not approved for clinical use in the United States, Australia, and most of Europe. However, it is sold online as a supplement and purported nootropic. In the United States, it is found in dietary supplements, and in Australia, it is a controlled substance. Phenibut is often used as a form of self-medication for social anxiety and recreationally due to its ability to produce euphoria, anxiolysis, and increased sociability. It is also used to relieve tension, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and stammering.
The medication is structurally related to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is a GABA analogue. It is thought to act as a GABAB receptor agonist, similar to baclofen and γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). At low concentrations, phenibut mildly increases the concentration of dopamine in the brain, providing stimulatory effects in addition to anxiolysis.
While phenibut is used to treat anxiety and insomnia, it is important to note that it can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. People who use phenibut for three days or more and then stop may experience withdrawal symptoms such as decreased appetite, nausea, muscle aches, fast heart rate, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, seizures, and delirium. There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of phenibut for treating anxiety and insomnia, and it may be unsafe due to its side effects and potential for toxicity. Side effects include reduced consciousness, dizziness, nausea, poor balance, fatigue, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and muscle spasms.
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It's not approved for clinical use in the US
While it is legal to buy, sell, and possess phenibut in the US, it is not approved for clinical use. This means that it is not considered safe for consumption and is not available as a licensed pharmaceutical drug. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the marketing of phenibut as a dietary supplement and has required that all products listing phenibut as an ingredient be pulled from shelves and retailers.
Phenibut is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with anxiolytic effects, typically used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other indications. It is also used recreationally, as it can produce euphoria and increase sociability. However, it can also cause many side effects, including reduced consciousness, dizziness, nausea, poor balance, fatigue, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, dilated pupils, irritability, slowed breathing, and even coma and death in rare instances. There is also evidence that phenibut can be toxic and dangerous, particularly when combined with other substances. Between 2009 and 2019, there were 1,320 phenibut exposure calls to poison control centres in the US, with 40.2% of cases involving adults who combined phenibut with another substance.
The potential for abuse, dependence, addiction, and serious side effects may lead to stricter regulation of phenibut in the US. While there is little data on the efficacy of addiction treatment for phenibut dependence, treatment for polysubstance use may be necessary for those who use phenibut in conjunction with other substances.
In terms of its pharmacokinetics, phenibut is well-absorbed and distributes widely throughout the body and across the blood-brain barrier. It has a delayed onset of effects, which can lead to accidental overdose as first-time users may mistakenly take an additional dose. Recreational users typically take the drug orally, but there are reports of rectal administration and insufflation, which can cause painful nostril swelling.
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Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and fatigue
Phenibut (β-phenyl-aminobutyric acid) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with anxiolytic effects. It is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety. It is also used recreationally due to its ability to produce euphoria. It was developed in Russia in the 1960s and is currently approved for medical use in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia. In the United States and most of Europe, it is not approved for clinical use but is sold online as a supplement and purported nootropic.
Despite its medicinal benefits, phenibut has several side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also cause reduced consciousness, poor balance, and muscle spasms. The risk of these side effects may increase when phenibut is combined with other substances, particularly opioids or other CNS depressants such as alcohol or sedatives. In such cases, more severe withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Nausea is a common side effect associated with phenibut use. It can be experienced as a standalone symptom or as part of a broader set of withdrawal symptoms that arise when abruptly discontinuing phenibut after continuous use. This nausea is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal issues, contributing to an overall feeling of discomfort and unease.
Dizziness is another adverse effect that some individuals may experience when taking phenibut. This dizziness can range from a mild sensation of lightheadedness to a more severe feeling of vertigo, impacting balance and coordination. In some cases, dizziness may be accompanied by related symptoms such as blurred vision or disorientation. It is important for individuals experiencing severe or persistent dizziness to seek medical advice.
Fatigue is also a known side effect of phenibut. It can manifest as a general feeling of tiredness, lack of energy, or physical exhaustion. Fatigue may occur in conjunction with other side effects, such as sleepiness or sedation, further contributing to an individual's overall fatigue. In some cases, fatigue may persist or become a long-term symptom, even after discontinuing phenibut use.
While nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are among the more common side effects of phenibut, it is important to recognize that this drug can also lead to more severe adverse effects, including muscle spasms, seizures, and even coma in rare cases. As with any medication or supplement, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects and to consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reactions occur.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, phenibut can cause muscle spasms, especially when trying to quit the drug.
Other side effects of phenibut include decreased appetite, nausea, fast heart rate, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, seizures, delirium, sedation, sleepiness, irritability, dizziness, euphoria, and headaches.
Withdrawal symptoms of phenibut include anxiety, insomnia, agitation, psychosis, mania, restlessness, tremors, and nausea.
