Phenibut (β‐Phenyl‐GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic Drug (2024)

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Phenibut (β‐Phenyl‐GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic Drug (2024)

FAQs

What is beta phenyl GABA used for? ›

Phenibut is widely used in Russia to relieve tension, anxiety, and fear, to improve sleep in psychosomatic or neurotic patients; as well as a pre- or post-operative medication.

Is phenyl GABA same as phenibut? ›

Phenibut is a derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Hence, it is a GABA analogue. Phenibut is specifically the analogue of GABA with a phenyl ring substituted in at the β-position. As such, its chemical name is β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid, which can be abbreviated as β-phenyl-GABA.

What does phenibut do to the brain? ›

Edward Jouney, D.O. Chemically, phenibut is similar to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which reduces the excitability of brain cells. That helps explain why people report feeling relaxed and happy when they take it.

What kind of drug is phenibut? ›

What is Phenibut? Developed in Russia in the 1960s, phenibut (β-phenyl-aminobutyric acid) is a psychoactive substance still widely used there to relieve tension, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, stammering, and insomnia, and to potentiate neuroleptics and antiparkinsonian drugs.

Is phenibut legal in the US? ›

Legal & Uncontrolled

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not regulate phenibut as a pharmaceutical product, and it is not approved for medical use. Phenibut is a GABA-B (gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype B) agonist.

Why do I feel weird after taking GABA? ›

Too much GABA can cause an increase in anxiety, a shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth and tingling in the extremities. When you start taking GABA you might experience drowsiness or lightheadedness (so don't take it before driving), and in some individuals, skin hives or a rash may appear.

What is the best GABA on the market? ›

Summary of recommendations
  • Best overall: Thorne PharmaGABA.
  • Best value: NOW GABA Supplement.
  • Best for bulk purchases: Nutricost GABA Powder.
  • Most convenient: Quicksilver Scientific GABA + L-Theanine.
  • Best with additional ingredients: Source Naturals Serene Science GABA Calm.
  • Strongest option: Pure Encapsulations GABA.
Dec 26, 2023

Are nootropics drugs? ›

What are nootropics? Nootropic also known as 'cognitive enhancers' are drugs that some people use in an attempt to improve memory, increase mental alertness and concentration as well as boost energy levels and wakefulness. There are many different nootropics.

How long does it take for phenibut to leave your system? ›

People who take phenibut orally also tend to report peak “high” effects from this drug at around five or six hours after last use. Withdrawal symptoms of phenibut may end within 24 hours. Phenibut found in blood, kidneys, brain, and urine seems to dissipate to trace levels within three hours of past use.

Is phenibut natural? ›

Phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) is a synthetic nootropic that is a GABA analogue.

Is gaba a nootropic? ›

Picamilon is an analogue of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is marketed as a nootropic claiming to enhance cognition.

What happens if you have too much GABA? ›

Too much GABA in the brain is also associated with disorders of excessive daytime drowsiness and non-restorative sleep. Special precautions may be necessary before taking GABA supplements in certain situations, including for: People who take blood pressure medications. People who take drugs to prevent seizures.

Did the FDA ban phenibut? ›

FDA has not approved drugs containing tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams for use in the United States.

Is phenibut a failed drug test? ›

Phenibut has a half-life of 5.3 hours (12). It does not show up on the standard urine drug screen.

What is the purpose of taking GABA? ›

GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear. Decreased GABA levels are associated with several neurological and mental health conditions, as well as other medical conditions.

What mental illness does GABA treat? ›

GABA inhibits nerve signaling, altering a cell's ability to send and receive messages. Abnormal or fluctuating GABA levels are found in Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depressive disorders, among others. Medications that target GABA receptors are often used to treat these conditions.

What is the downside of taking GABA? ›

Some commonly reported side effects include: upset stomach. headache. sleepiness.

Is it okay to take GABA every day? ›

Clinical studies suggest that taking up to 120 milligrams (mg) of GABA per day as supplements for 12 weeks is unlikely to cause adverse effects. People should take care when using them with other drugs. Using them with medications for high blood pressure or epilepsy may increase the impact of those drugs.

References

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