16 Phenibut Uses + Side Effects, Dosage & Natural Alternatives

Phenibut is a GABA -acting psychotropic drug with anti- anxiety and nootropic effects. In Russia, it’s used for PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia , depression , and alcoholism. In the US, phenibut is classified as a supplement. But it’s also used recreationally and can cause addiction. Read more below to learn about its effects, side effects, and natural alternatives. Disclaimer : By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Some of our readers requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the scientific and clinical literature. Please discuss your medications with your doctor. We also included a section about natural alternatives, as there are a variety of natural, potentially safe ways to boost GABA and achieve similar effects without the health risks . Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA) is a synthetic drug similar to the calming neurotransmitter GABA . It boosts GABA activity in the brain and stimulates dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. By boosting GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – three crucial neurotransmitters in the brain – this drug can have profound effects on cognition, mood , and energy levels [ 2 ]. Phenibut was developed in Russia in the 1960s and has since been clinically used to relieve tension, fear, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and insomnia. It’s also used to enhance intellectual function in various mental disorders. All of these approved uses are limited to Russia [ 4 ]. It’s often used recreationally to ease social anxiety and induce euphoria, which earned it the nickname “the happy drug” across online forums. Many people self-medicate with phenibut to ease fear and anxiety, boost cognition and positive feelings, and even to enhance physical endurance and libido. Students and entrepreneurs use it as a nootropic and […]

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