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

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

1. Allikmets LH, Polevoy LG, Tsareva TA, Zarkovsky AM.Dopaminergic component in the mechanism of action of derivatives and structural analogs of GABa. Farmakol Toksikol1979;42:603–606 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

2. Allikmets LH, Rago LK, Nurk AM.Effect of bicuculline, a blocker of GABa receptors, on the effects of phenibut and diazepam. Byull Eksp Biol Med1982;94:64–65 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

3. Allikmets LH, Zarkovsky AM, Nurk AM.Effect of cholino‐ and GABA‐ergic drugs on a neuroleptics‐induced syndrome of hypersensitivity of dopamine receptors. Trudy Tartu Gos Univ. Mechanism of Action of Psychotropic Drugs1982;600:3–13 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

4. Anden N‐E, Wachtel H.Biochemical effects of baclofen (β‐parachlorophenyl‐GABA) on the dopamine and the noradrenaline in the rat brain. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol1977;40:310–320. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

5. Andreev BV, Belozertseva IV, Dunaevsky VV, Patkina NA, Tikhomirov SM.Effect of GABA‐ergic drugs on formation of opiate dependence and management of withdrawal syndrome in experiment and clinic In: Prophilaxis of relapses in alcoholism and narcomanias.St. Petersburg: Bekhterev Psychoneurological Institute; 1991:102–107 (in Russian with English summary) . [Google Scholar]

6. Belozertseva IV, Andreeev BV.Effect of GABA‐positive agents on the development of morphine addiction and the cessation syndrome manifestations. Eksp Klin Farmakol2000;63:19–23 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

7. Bowery NG.GABA‐B receptor pharmacology. Ann Rev Pharmacol Toxicol1992;23:109–147. [Google Scholar]

8. Bowery NG, Hill DR, Hudson AL.[3H](‐)baclofen: An improved ligand for GABA‐B sites. Neuropharmacology1985;24:207–210. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

9. Bowery NG, Kerr DIB, Ong J.GABAB receptors: Role and therapeutic implications in CNS disorders. CNS Drugs1997;7:167–175. [Google Scholar]

10. Buu NT, VanGelder NM, Biological actions in vivo and in vitro of two γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs: β‐chloro GABA and β‐phenyl GABA. Br J Pharmacol1974;52:401–406. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

11. Davies J, Watkins JC.The action of β‐phenyl‐GABA derivatives on neurons of cat cerebebral cortex. Brain Res1974;70:501–505. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

12. Dirig DM, Yaksh TL.Intrathecal baclofen and muscimol, but not midazolam, are antinociceptive using the rat‐formalin model. J Pharmacol Exp Ther1995;275:219–227. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

13. Froestl W, Bettler B, Bittiger H, Held J, Kaupman K, Mickel SJ, Strub D.Ligands for the isolation of GABA(B) receptors. Neuropharmacology1999;38:1641–1646. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

14. Galli A, Zilletti L, Scotton M, Adembri G, Giotti A.Inhibition of Na‐independent [3H]GABA binding to synaptic membranes of rat brain by β‐substituted GABA derivatives. J Neurochem1979;32:1123–1125. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

15. Goldblat Yu V, Lapin IP. Potentiation of the therapeutic effect of antiparkinsonian drugs by phenibut. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatrii1986;86:1146–1148 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

16. Khaunma RA.Tranquillizing effects of β‐phenyl‐γ‐aminobutyric acid (“Phenigama”). Byull Eksp Biol Med1964;1:54–58 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

17. Khaunina RA.Structure‐activity relationships among phenyl derivatives of γ‐aminobutyric acid. Farmakol Toksikol1968;2:202–205 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

18. Khaunina RA.The pharmacological activity of optic isomers of beta‐phenyl‐gamma‐ammobutync acid. Byull Eksp Biol Med1971;11:49–51 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

19. Khaunina RA, Lapin IP.Use of phenibut in psychoneurology and its place among other psychotropic drugs. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatrii1989;89:142–151 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

20. Khaunina RA, Prakhie I. B.Effect of phenibut on the action of anticonvulsants. Trudy Psikhonevrol Inst Bekhtereva1969;52:382–384 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

21. Kovalev GI, Prihozan AV, Raevsky KS.Presynaptic component in the mechanism of action of phenibut. Byull Eksp Biol Med1982;94:59–61 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

22. Kovalev GV, Ed. Pharmacology and clinic of gamma‐aminobutyric acid and its analogs.Volgograd: Izd. VMI, 1979. (in Russian with English summary) . [Google Scholar]

23. Kovalev GV, Morozov IS.The effect of GABA and phenibut on neural vasomotor mechanisms. In:6th Int. Congress of Pharmacololgy (Helsinki, July 20–25, 1975). Abstracts: 1253.

24. Kozlovskaya MM, Raevsky KS, Kovalev GI, Kharlamov AN.Comparison psychotropic and neurochemical action of phenibutNeuropharmacology (New drugs in neurology).Leningrad: Izd. IEM, 1980;81–82 (in Russian with English summary) . [Google Scholar]

25. Kozlovsky VL, Gusel VA.Experimental study on antiepileptic action of phenibut. In: Abstrs. of the All‐Union Symposium “Phenibut and derivatives of GABA and α‐pyrrolidones (clinic, pharmacology, chemistry, industry)”.Tcherkassy: 1981;25–29 (in Russian with English summary).

26. Krupitsky EM, Burakov AM, Ivanov VB, et al.Baclofen administration for the treatment of affective disorders in alcoholic patients. Drug Alcohol Dependence1993;33:157–163. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

27. Lapin IP.Phenibut and baclofen as antagonists of phenylethylamine. Trudy Tartu Gos Univ. Mechanism of action and clinic of derivatives of GABA1984;687:36–44 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

28. Lapin IP.Dissimilarities and similarities between phenibut, baclofen and diazepam in interaction with phenylethylamine. Farmakol Toksikol1985;48:50–54 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

29. Lapin IP.Pharmacological differences between kynurenine‐ and pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures (participation of GABA‐B receptors and dopamine). Eksp Klin Farmakol1998;61:20–22 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

30. Lapin IP.Beta‐phenylethylamine (PEA): An endogenous anxiogen? Three series of experimental data. Biol Psychiatry1990;28:997–1003. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

31. Lapin IP.Anxiogenic effect of phenylethylamine and amphetamine in the elevated plus‐maze in mice and its attenuation by ethanol. Pharmacol Bioch Behav1992;44:241–243. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

32. Lapin IP, Khaunina RA.Pharmacology and clinical use of gamma‐aminobutyric acid and its derivatives In: Role of gamma‐aminobutyric acid in the activity of the nervous system.Leningrad: Izd. LGU, 1964:101–115 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

33. Lapin IP, Krupitsky EM, Melnik VI, et al.Phenibut (β‐phenyl‐GABA) and baclofen (chlor‐Phenibut) in treatment of affective disorders in alcoholic patients. Alcohol Alcoholism1995;30:549. [Google Scholar]

34. Lapin IP, Slepokurov MV.Anxiogenic activity of phenylethylamine in a social interaction test. Farmakol Toksikol1991;54:9–11 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

35. Malcangio M, Bowery NG.Possible therapeutic applications of GABA‐B receptor agonists and antagonists (review). Clin Neuropharmacol1995;18:285–305. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

36. Maslova MN, Khaunina RADistribution of β‐phenyl‐γ‐aminobutyric acid in the body and certain indices of its central effects. Byull Eksp Biol Med1965;8:65–69 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

37. Maslova MN, Khaunina RAPenetration of gamma‐aminobutyric acid and its phenyl derivative into the brain and their pharmacological effects in mice and rats during ontogenesis. Evol Neirofiziol Neirokhim1967;5:186–191 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

38. Mehilane LS, Rago LK, Allikmets LH.Pharmacology and clinic of phenibut.Tartu: Izd. TGU, 1990. (in Russian with English summary) . [Google Scholar]

39. Mutovkma LG, Lapin IP.Attenuation of effects of phenylethylamine on social and individual behavior in mice by ethanol pretreatment. Alcohol Alcoholism1990;25:417–420. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

40. Novikov VE, Naperstnikov VV.Effect of phenibut on ultrastructure of brain mitochondria after traumatic oedema‐swelling. Eksp Klin Farmakol1994;57:13–70 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

41. Ong J, Kerr DI.Recent advances in GABA(B) receptors: From pharmacology to molecular biology. Acta Pharmacol Sinica2000;21:111–123. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

42. Orlikov AB.Comparison of efficacy of imipramine, diazepam, baclofen, propranolol and placebo in patients with panic disorders. Obozr Psikh Med Psikhol Bekhtereva1994;4:43–48 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

43. Rago LK, Nurk AM, Korneev AY, Allikmets LH.Binding of phenibut with bicuculline‐insensitive GABA receptors in the rat brain. Byull Eksp Biol Med1982;11:58–59 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

44. Shepard RA.Direct evidence for mediation of an anticonflict effect of baclofen by GABA‐B receptors. Pharmacol Bioch Behav1992;41:651–653. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

45. Stark MB, Danilyuk VP, Weisman NA, Zinevich VSElectrophysiological study on the central effects of gamma‐aminobutyric and beta‐phenyl‐gamma‐aminobutyric acids. Fiziol Zh1967;13:154–164 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

46. Sulcova A, Krsiak M, Masek K.Effects of baclofen on agonistic behavior in mice. Activitas Nervosa Super (Prague)1978;20:241–242. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

47. Talalaenko AN, Panfilov VYu, Vozdigan SA, Pokramovich AI, Markova OP, Okhrimenko SV.Neurochemical profile of septal nucleus accumbens in anxiolytic effect of tranquillizers on various anxiety models. Eksp Klin Farmakol1997;60:7–9 (in Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

48. Talalaenko AN, Gordienko DV, Markova OP.Neurochemical profile of caudate nucleus in anxiolytic effect of benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine tranquillizers in different models of anxiety. Eksp Klin Farmakol2000;63:14–18 (n Russian with English summary). [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

49. Wang Y‐X, Bowersox SC.Analgesic properties of ziconotide, a selective blocker of N‐type neuronal calcium channels. CNS Drug Revs2000;6:1–20. [Google Scholar]

50. Zavadskaya LN.Effect of GABA and its derivatives on the ion channels of the membrane of identified neurons ofPlanorbarius corneus. Izv AN Kazakhstana Ser Biol1984;6:13–19 (n Russian with English summary). [Google Scholar]

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

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6270

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.