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Phenibut
Basics
by Erowid
DESCRIPTION #
Phenibut is sold as a nutritional supplement within the United States, and in Russia it is prescribed for its anxiolytic and sedative effects. Phenibut is used to help stabilize mood and as a sleep aid. It has a long half-life.
Dose #
Doses vary from less than 500 mg to 4 grams. Sometimes additional redosing is conducted.
Price #
$0.30 to $1.00 USD per gram.
Phenibut is not a controlled substance in the United States, where sales, distribution, and labelling are regulated by FDA rules if it is sold as a dietary supplement.
The chemical name for phenibut is "Β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid".
Pharmacology #
Phenibut is a GABA receptor agonist.
Production #
Production Summary Needed.
History #
Phenibut was developed by V. Perekalin and his team in the USSR in the 1960s. It is still available in Russia as a "neuropsychotropic" drug.
Terminology / Slang #
The Substance:
PhGABA; Noofen; beta-phenyl-GABA; phenigamma; fenibut; phenybut;
The Experience:
No common terms known.
EFFECTS #
Feeling of wellbeing, relaxation, slight disinhibition comparable to the effects of low-dose alcohol. Can reduce anxiety or in some people induce it after several days of use. At high doses, effects can include intoxication, nausea, and vomiting.
Onset #
Effects can first be felt after around 60 to 90 minutes. Typically takes 2-4 hours for full effect to manifest when consumed orally.
Duration #
4-10 hours; longer with redosing.
Visual Effects #
Not known for inducing visual effects.
PROBLEMS #
Side effects can include headache. At higher doses, blurred vision or nystagmus, lack of coordination, depressed respiration, nausea, memory loss ("blacking out"), and hangover have been reported. Tolerance develops rapidly. Rebound anxiety can develop after 2-3 days of use.
Contraindications #
  • Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking phenibut.
  • Phenibut may interact with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other gaba-affecting substances. Care should be taken when consuming phenibut in combination with other psychoactive drugs.


Addiction Potential #
Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation of phenibut use are commonly reported, often characterized by restless anxiety, reduced sleep quality, and free-floating anxiety.
Long Term Health Problems #
Long Term Health Problems Summary Needed.
Risk of Death #
Risk of Death Summary Needed.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid Basics pages are summaries of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, books, websites, and other resources. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but the field is complex and constantly changing. Information should always be verified through multiple sources.