Phenibut is a substance that can cause addiction and physical dependence. People can develop a tolerance to this drug quickly, and they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.
In the United States, phenibut is unscheduled and unregulated and can be purchased online as a pill or powder. It is commonly sold as a dietary supplement for sleep and anxiety.
What is Phenibut?
Phenibut (B-phenylg-aminobutyric acid) is a central nervous system depressant that is used medically to treat anxiety disorders. It is also marketed as a sleep aid and nootropic to enhance cognitive abilities. It has a similar structure to GABA and acts as an agonist of the GABA-B receptors. It also inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels, which causes sedating and antianxiety effects.
Recreational use of the drug leads to feelings of euphoria and increased perceived sociability. It does not take long to build up a tolerance to the drug and psychological and physical addiction can develop if it is abused.
In the United States, phenibut is not a controlled substance and can be found in many dietary supplements without a prescription. However, it has been linked to severe withdrawal symptoms and overdoses when abused. The FDA is working to regulate the ingredient and requires that U.S. manufacturers remove it from their products.
How Does Phenibut Work?
Phenibut is similar in structure to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), binding to some of the same receptors and producing effects like reducing stress, easing sleep and boosting cognitive function. It crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than GABA, slowing neural excitability and calming the central nervous system. At high enough doses, it produces euphoria and feelings of well-being.
It is commonly prescribed in Russia and Eastern Europe as a tranquilizer, but it’s sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and other countries. In some cases, it’s marketed as a nootropic to boost memory and cognition. Phenibut can be physically addictive and has been linked to withdrawal symptoms that resemble those of benzodiazepines. Recovery from addiction to this drug is best achieved in a program that addresses co-occurring mental health issues. Getting treatment at a facility that’s certified to treat anxiety, depression and other disorders is the first step toward overcoming Phenibut addiction.
What Are the Benefits of Phenibut?
Buy Phenibut Europe is a GABA analog that has the added benefit of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier thanks to the phenyl ring. This makes it one of the most popular nootropics and is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Phenibut enhances cognition by promoting relaxation, improving mood, and improving sleep quality. It is also effective in reducing anxiety and stress, boosting self-esteem and enhancing social ability. It increases the production of neurotrophic factors, which are chemicals that help the brain reorganize itself by creating new neural connections.
In a clinical trial, Phenibut improved the symptoms of chronic fatigue and poor brain circulation by increasing energy levels. It also reduces headaches, improves focus and concentration, and promotes euphoria and feelings of wellbeing. In addition, it raises GABA levels in the brain and inhibits excitation of neurons. In animal studies, it prevents apnea and normalizes breathing in rabbits exposed to negative emotional stimuli. It also boosts the immune system in mice with suppressed immune systems.
What Are the Side Effects of Phenibut?
A person may experience many different side effects when using Phenibut. These side effects usually include extreme relaxation and drowsiness. Some people report feeling euphoria from taking Phenibut at higher doses. These feelings can lead to a loss of control and may cause someone to spend significant time daydreaming or not being active. Other signs that a person is misusing Phenibut are avoiding activities that they normally like to do, spending money on purchasing more of the drug and having withdrawal symptoms in between uses.
Structurally, phenibut is similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and can activate GABA receptors. It is often used as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever in Russia. In the United States, it is marketed as a nootropic to improve cognitive function and has little clinical support for these claims. It is not approved for medical use in the United States and is often bought from unregulated online sellers. This is a risky practice as it may be contaminated with other substances.