Why and Where To Buy Phenibut: Benefits, Effects, Studies, and Important Factors 

November 17, 2023

Why Do People Buy Nootropics?

Nootropics are commonly known as ‘smart drugs,’ and there is evidence to suggest they can improve human thinking, learning, and memory (1). Nootropics, like Phenibut, were first introduced into pharmacology in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many nootropics have been found to have positive effects on the mind and body when the drug itself is taken as directed (8).

Unlike medications commonly used to treat symptoms like depression, anxiety, and memory loss, nootropics products don’t release neurotransmitters. Instead, they act by improving the brain’s supply of glucose and oxygen, protect the brain tissue from neurotoxicity, and can have antihypoxic (hypoxia is the absence of enough oxygen in brain tissues critical for sustaining bodily functions) effects (2).

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut is a nootropic drug that has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognition enhancing) effects. The drug stimulates dopamine receptors, which is a neurotransmitter that acts as a ‘reward center,’ giving you a sense of pleasure and gratification. 

The drug can also have positive effects on bodily functions, such as memory, movement, attention, and mood (4). Phenibut was developed in Russia during the 1960s and is now used in many countries across the world, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Latvia, among others.

Phenibut is also known as:

• Fenibut
• Phenibut HCl
• Phenigam
• Phenyl-GABA
• 4-Amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid
• Phenigama
• beta-(Aminomethyl)hydrocinnamic acid
• PGaba
• PhGaba
• β-(aminomethyl)benzenepropanoic acid
• β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid
• Phenylgam
• Noofen
• Anvifen

This substance is similar to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is why it has such relaxing effects on the brain and nervous system. Users of the drug reported improvements with anxiety, and some prefer it to treat anxiety over benzodiazepines, like Xanax (7). 

This compound is administered orally, and typically bought in pill or capsule form. However, phenibut powder is less common but available if a user prefers to dissolve it into water or juice and drink it.

Benefits of Phenibut

Phenibut consumption can offer many benefits, such as balancing mood and boosting human growth hormone. The drug can also have a positive impact on neurotransmitters in the brain.

Because phenibut raises GABA levels in your brain, it can have an inhibitory (calming) effect on overly-stimulated neurons that can make you feel anxious or depressed. By raising the GABA levels in the brain, phenibut can restore the balance of those feel-good chemicals (3). 

Phenibut is a stimulant, stimulating dopamine receptors and antagonizing beta-phenethylamine (a central nervous system stimulant). By stimulating dopamine receptors, phenibut may aid in memory formation, attention-space, and cognition. 

Beta-phenethylamine increases the action of dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which can lead to overstimulation. This overstimulation can cause irritability and agitation, which is where phenibut comes in–phenibut can counteract this effect with its cognition boost that doesn’t overstimulate your nerves (12).

Many athletes and bodybuilders alike use phenibut before engaging in resistance training, and research indicates that by raising GABA levels, consumers can in turn boost the blood levels of human growth hormone, leading to greater recovery support (11).

This Product May Improve Your Symptoms

Phenibut is often used in psychiatry practices to improve cognitive function in patients. However, a prescription is not always necessary in order to take phenibut. Many people purchase phenibut drug treatment for its calming effects and because it can alleviate symptoms that impact mood and cognitive function, including:

• Tension
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Other withdrawal symptoms
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Memory loss

Multiple studies show that phenibut can reduce excitability in the brain cells, which in turn can calm the mind and nerves, allowing for relaxation and focus (5). Some studies found that phenibut may be able to clarify the severity of cognitive disturbances in children (such as chronic tics and hyperactivity) (9) and improve memory processing and learning ability in mammals (10). When dosing phenibut for children, consult with a medical professional before use. Adult dosages for the drug are different from those for children (13).

Supplement or Medicine?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared in 2019 that Phenibut does not meet the dietary regulations of a supplement, therefore, it is officially listed as an unregulated antianxiety drug (6). According to the FDA, phenibut does not fit into any of the categories of dietary ingredients under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (6). 

While phenibut may be found in other dietary products, phenibut by itself is not a supplement nor a dietary ingredient. While phenibut can be available over-the-counter in the United States, Russia, and other countries, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before taking phenibut for treatment to see if it’s right for you.

Studies Indicate Important Effects to Consider When You Use It

Phenibut is a substance that can come with side effects, among them are:

• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Phenibut dependence
• Phenibut withdrawal
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Most research indicates the likelihood of experiencing side effects is higher in long-term phenibut users or in those who take doses much higher than recommended (2). Whenever introducing a new product or drug into your system, consult with a medical professional to check that it will not negatively interact with existing medications or conditions. It is generally recommended to start by taking low doses of phenibut under the guidance of a medical professional to gauge your unique response to the drug.

For more information about phenibut, read the articles sourced on our phenibut product page and talk to a healthcare professional today to see if phenibut is right for you. These resources can provide you with additional information.

Legal Disclaimer

Phenibut is not approved for clinical use by the U.S. FDA and in most of Europe. According to the FDA Phenibut is a substance that does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient. Note that self-prescription of Phenibut, its prolonged use or recreational overdose can cause addiction, dependence, and severe withdrawal, among other side effects. Phenibut is marketed for medical use as anxiolytic and sleep-aid in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia. 

All statements on this page are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using this product consulting a qualified MD is mandatory. See more

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References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/#:~:text=Nootropics%2C%20also%20known%20as%20%E2%80%9Csmart,where%20these%20functions%20are%20impaired
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/#:~:text=Mechanisms%20of%20Action,neurotoxicity%20%5B9%2C17%5D
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11830761/
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine
5. https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/phenibut-the-russian-cosmonaut-drug-you-can-buy-online-to-reduce-anxiety
6. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-ingredient-directory/phenibut-dietary-supplements
7. https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/phenibut-the-russian-cosmonaut-drug-you-can-buy-online-to-reduce-anxiety
8. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1819712423020125#:~:text=Abstract%E2%80%94The%20concept%20of%20nootropics,later%20became%20known%20as%20racetams
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31626167/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19334513/
11. https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenibut/ 
12. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0773.1977.tb02083.x 
13. https://cosmicnootropic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Phenibut-_pills-250-mg.pdf