What is Phenibut

Phenibut is not as known nor does it have as widespread use as other nootropics such as piracetam, Alpha GPC, caffeine, or L-theanine. However, phenibut has demonstrated numerous benefits over tens of decades through both formal studies and anecdotal documentation.

Phenibut is a nootropic supplement designed to simulate the naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that acts on the central nervous system.

It is sold as a psychotropic with a positive effect on mental ability and improved neurological functioning. The anxiety-reducing effectiveness of phenibut is widely accepted. Once anxiety is addressed and improved, natural sleep patterns and enhanced cognitive processes often follow.

The supplement was discovered in the Soviet Union nearly half a century ago. An interesting, documented anecdote is that Russian cosmonauts were approved to supplement with phenibut. In fact, phenibut was part of the 1975 joint USSR – US mission Apollo-Soyuz.

Today, it is used in Russia to treat a variety of ailments in addition to anxiety.

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS

1.Phenibut is a derivative of the naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.
2.Phenibut is used by bodybuilders to reduce fatigue and improve neurological functions.
3.Phenibut is still used medically to treat stress, relieve tension, improve sleep, and as a potentiate for other medications.

HOW IT WORKS

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring brain inhibitory neurotransmitter. The blood-brain barrier makes taking supplements of GABA ineffective, but phenibut can cross the barrier because it has an additional phenyl group molecule or ring. Once in the brain, it slows down the neuronal process. GABA opens up channels in the neurons, decreases the function of other neurotransmitters, and reduces collective anxiety in the neuron. It is not exactly clear if phenibut binds to the GABA receptor or not. Studies have shown that it does and others that it might but only in high concentrations.

Lapin’s study also found that phenibut increases levels of the body’s dopamine. Dopamine is a well-known, often-studied neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that has been shown to regulate emotion and promote motivation and happiness. It is believed that dopamine depletion leads to Parkinson’s disease.

DOSAGE

Phenibut is a powerful compound that is best started at a low dosage with careful monitoring.

While the exact ideal phenibut dosage is not known and can vary from person to person, many users report that that 250 mg daily helps them to operate at their optimal level. Others have needed slowly to increase ingestion, gradually reaching levels closer to the 1000 mg daily target. Phenibut lasts up to 24 hours in the human body, so once a dose is ingested, it is best to wait for the supplement to be fully assimilated before further dosing.

We reiterate that this supplement must be started out slowly. Some people have found that starting with larger doses has resulted in feelings of “drunkenness” and other undesired, but avoidable, side effects. On the other hand, others have found phenibut to be an effective anxiety reducer and sleep promoter for them when other products have failed.

SIDE EFFECTS

Whenever a new food, supplement, or medication is introduced, the best source of criticism is the human body itself. Any person deciding to take supplements of phenibut should start with a low dose and be tuned into the feedback provided by his or her body.

In addition to the “drunkenness” feeling that overdosing can produce, other side effects may include lightheadedness and dizziness. Other users have reported fatigue, nausea, and stomach discomfort following ingestion of phenibut. Furthermore, individuals on epilepsy medication or MAO inhibitors should consult with their doctor before taking phenibut.

Alcohol should be avoided when taking phenibut due to synergistic effects.

Phenibut should not be supplemented daily. It has the potential to be addictive, especially when taken excessively. If taken regularly, tolerance will also be developed reducing its efficacy. Limiting usage, as others have, to a couple of times each week will minimize the possibility of addiction and tolerance.

You may want to consider using it only when you know you will be in an anxiety-inducing situation or find that stress or anxiety have become disruptive to your sleep schedule.

We encourage you to respect the power of phenibut. It would also be wise to speak to a medical professional before taking phenibut, especially if you are on any other medications or have an existing medical condition.