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Anvifen is one brand name for a popular nootropic drug called Phenibut. It is also commonly called Noofen, Fenibut, Phenigam, PHG, and PhGABA.
Anvifen is a central nervous system depressant that has anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) and sedative (promotes relaxation and sleep) effects. Some users claim that it promotes cognitive function and helps them concentrate on their work without getting distracted.
In Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, Anvifen is a prescription drug used to help patients experience less stress and anxiety, get better sleep, increase energy and strength, and treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
In some other countries, phenibut is not regulated and does not require a doctor’s prescription to buy. In the UK and Australia, it has been banned and is not an approved medication.
While millions of people in Russia have used this over-the-counter medications to reduce feelings of stress, it does have a risk of serious side effects if it is overused or misused. Taking Anvifen at high dosages or using it with other substances can cause dangerous reactions or lead to symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. [1]
This article reviews what is known about how Anvifen works, what it used for, recommended dosages, and its safety risks.
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What is Anvifen?
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Anvifen is primarily used as a nootropic for promoting relaxation and a state of mental calm.
The drug was initially developed in Russia for use in cosmonauts on long space missions. It was designed to help them overcome feelings of stress without impairing mental faculties.
As a nootropic “smart drug”, it has been used for reducing feelings of stress or anxiousness and helping to quite the mental chatter that can interfere with productive work.
Users who take phenibut claim that it reduces feelings of hyperactivity and promotes tranquility without impairing memory, learning or cognition at appropriate dosages.
Anvifen powder and pills have been used clinically in Russia and a small number of nearby countries to treat: [2]
- Various neurotic and psychotic disorders.;
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder);
- Enuresis (involuntary bedwetting);
- CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
- Vertigo vestibular dysfunction;
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- Kinetosis (motion sickness);
- Stuttering and tic disorders;
- Meniere’s disease;
- Depression;
Anvifen is also used to treat irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and to reduce fear and tension associated with social situations.
Phenibut is purported to be beneficial for reducing social anxiety. Based on user reviews, it can reduce feelings of fear and lower social inhibitions, enabling more social behavior and making it easier to speak in public.
Some college students abeuse Anvifen as a party drug to enhance the effects of other substances including alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedatives, and cannabis. This use is strongly discouraged due to a serious risk of harmful reactions and potentially life-threatening effects.
While this drug has been researched in Russia, it has not received much research attention in recent years from Western institutions.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there is not enough reliable information about the effects of Anvifen to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for any of the purposes it is commonly used for. More clinical study is required to determine the potential benefits and risks.
- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Improves sleep and may reduce insomnia
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How Does Anvifen Work?
Researchers have proposed several mechanisms of action for how anvifen works in humans, but the effects are not fully understood.
Scientifically, Anvifen is called 4-Amino-3-phenylbutyric acid. It is a synthetic derivative of GABA – an important amino acid and neurotransmitter found in the body that is involved in mood regulation. [3]
GABA is used in the CNS as a neurotransmitter that helps neurons to communicate with one another. GABA is the primary Inhibitory Neurotransmitter in humans. This means that it reduces the rate of activation of neurons in the brain.
It is used to balance the activities of the CNS’s primary Excitatory neurotransmitter called Glutamate. As an excitatory chemical, glutamate increases the rate of activation of neurons in the brain.
Phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid) is structurally related to GABA and is able to stimulate both GABA receptor-A and GABA receptor-B, although it seems to activate the B-type more than the A-type. The difference may depend on which dosage of this product is used.
In animal research, anvifen has been shown to work similarly to GABAergic drugs like baclofen, gabapentin and pregabalin that are commonly used to treat muscle spasticity and pain.
Some of the specific effects that anvifen has caused in animals include: [4]
- Decreased improper behaviors due to alcohol consumption;
- Decreased desire to consume alcohol;
- Slower breathing rate;
- Reduced anxiety;
- Faster heart rate;
- Central Nervous System sedation;
Much like alcohol, Anvifen is a CNS depressant that seems to initially induce stimulant effects in many users.
This nootropic agent crosses the blood-brain barrier into the brain where it binds to GABA receptors on the neurons. This makes it unique from GABA itself which has poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier.
GABA has been studied for its effects on enhancing certain cognitive functions. While it does appear to promote mental performance in some circumstances, it does not work in all circumnutates.
RUPharma states, “Anvifen improves the functional state of the brain due to the normalization of its metabolism and effects on cerebral blood flow (increases the volume and linear velocity, reduces vascular resistance, improves microcirculation, has an antiplatelet effect).”
Anvifen powder is also being studied for its effects on cardiovascular toxicity. It is said to have anticonvulsant (works against epileptic fits), antioxidant (works against oxidative stress), and antiplatelet (reduces blood cloting) effects.
This drug has not been studied in modern large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials. More research is needed to understand precisely how anvifen pills or powder works in humans.
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Anvifen Dosages
Anvifen is sold in 25mg, 50mg, 125mg and 250mg oral capsules with either white or blue coloring.
According to the prescribing guidelines distributed by one supplier, it should be taken for 2-3 weeks, orally (by mouth), after meals, in the following amounts: [6]
- 250-500 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day for those 14 years and over;
- 250 mg 3 times per day for those between 8-14 years of age;
- 50-100 mg 3 times per day for those between 3-8 years;
Do not give Phenibut to individuals who are under the age of 18 without first consulting with a doctor. This product may be used in children in other countries, but it has not been approved by the FDA for use in children.
The manufacturer states that users should not exceed 750mg for a single maximum dose. In people over the age of 60, the maximum dose is 500mg.
This product is also labelled as containing water, gelatin, dye azorubin (E 122), brilliant blue (E 133), methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and titanium dioxide (E 171).
The US Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated Anvifen and there are no standardized dosage guidelines available from the FDA. [5]
Anvifen is not an approved pharmaceutical in Canada or the United States. Most users who are not in Russia buy generic phenibut powder or capsules online for use as a nootropic or prosocial supplement.
According to the manufacturer’s product insert, 250-500 mg 3 times daily is recommended for people going through drug or alcohol withdrawal. If you are withdrawing from drug or alcohol use, do not self-medicate. It is important to consult with a qualified physician to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.
250-500 mg 3 times daily is also the recommended dosage for the treatment of Meniere’s disease. This is a disorder of the inner ear marked by vertigo (sense of spinning) and tinnitus (ear ringing).
Anvifen doses between 250-500 mg 3 times per day are also commonly recommended for treating or preventing motion sickness, dizziness, and related vestibular function disorders.
The sedative effects of phenibut are said to become more pronounced with higher doses. Lower doses are used more for inducing calm and increasing prosocial behavior.
According to Medsideen, the maximum daily dose of anvifen that is safe is 2500 mg (2.5 grams).
Note that 2500 mg in one day is a very high amount of anvifen, especially for those not familiar with the effects.
Users are advised to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your intended use. Do not exceed 750mg in a 24-hour period or you could experience overdose symptoms.
When stored properly, Anvifen has a 3-year shelf life according to several suppliers. Keep it out of contact with air, light, and heat higher than 25 C (77 F).
Anvifen Safety
Anvifen overdose is possible. Some of the most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, eosinophilia (low white blood cell count), renal (kidney) dysfunction, excessive drowsiness, and hepatic (liver) toxicity.
According to the manufacturer, using more than 7 grams at a time could result in fatty degeneration of the liver.
Stomach flushing and use of activated charcoal are recommended for treating an anvifen overdose.
Taking anvifen powder or hard gelatin capsules can increase the effects and/or side effects of certain medications, including:
- Antiepileptic drugs like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc.);
- Antiparkinsonian drugs like L-DOPA and tyrosine hydroxylase;
- Analgesics NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
- Neuroleptic drugs like Abilify, Zyprexa, and Risperdal;
- Hypnotics like Ambien, Butisol, and Halcion;
- Alcohol;
To be sure that this product is safe for you, discuss using one beforehand with your doctor.
Anvifen is not recommended for children under 3 years of age, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding an infant.
Be careful using a product that contains phenibut if you have hepatic or renal insufficiency or digestive ulcers.
When used orally and appropriately, most healthy adults tolerate this product well. Some temporary side effects can include a sense of dizziness, irritability, excitement, drowsiness, nausea, allergic reactions, and headache.
Long-term use or overuse of this drug can result in addiction. If you take it for multiple consecutive days, you may develop a tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.
It is recommended to only take it as directed by a physician for occasional use or to cycle your dosages to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms from Anvifen.
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- Zhezlova AV, Belolipetskaia VG, Blagodatskikh SV, Merkulova EV. [Bioequivalence of anvifen and phenibut]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2011;74(5):43-4. Accessed April 12, 2018
- Drugs Staff. Anvifen. Accessed April 12, 2018
- RU Pharma Staff. ANVIFEN®, (aka Phenibut, Noofen, GABA) 20pills/pack, 250mg/pill. Accessed April 12, 2018
- Medsideen Staff. Anvifen. Oct 21, 2014. ACcessed April 12, 2018
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Phenibut Professional Monograph. Accessed April 12, 2018
- Medicalmed Staff. Anvifen. Accessed April 12, 2018
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment