Overview

Phenibut is a chemical similar to a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It's used recreationally and as a drug in Russia. It may be unsafe.

Phenibut might decrease anxiety and have other effects on the body, but most research on phenibut has been published in Russia.

People use phenibut for anxiety, alcohol use disorder, insomnia, depression, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Phenibut is approved for use in Russia and some Eastern European countries. Due to safety concerns, it's not approved in the US for use in dietary supplements. Don't confuse phenibut with GABA. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for PHENIBUT overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Phenibut is likely unsafe. Phenibut can cause many side effects, including reduced consciousness, dizziness, nausea, poor balance, and fatigue. Taking large doses can cause trouble breathing, unconsciousness, and death.

Phenibut can cause dependence. People who use phenibut for 3 days or more and then stop taking it might experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include decreased appetite, nausea, muscle aches, fast heart rate, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, and seizures.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Phenibut is likely unsafe. Phenibut can cause many side effects, including reduced consciousness, dizziness, nausea, poor balance, and fatigue. Taking large doses can cause trouble breathing, unconsciousness, and death.

Phenibut can cause dependence. People who use phenibut for 3 days or more and then stop taking it might experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include decreased appetite, nausea, muscle aches, fast heart rate, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, and seizures.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if phenibut is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica) interacts with PHENIBUT

    Phenibut acts on the brain in a similar way to pregabalin. Taking these two chemicals together might increase the risk for side effects.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with PHENIBUT

    Phenibut might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking phenibut with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

Despite being banned in the US, phenibut is still found in some dietary supplements. Most products containing phenibut are sold online. Taking phenibut is unsafe and can lead to dependence and withdrawal.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.