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How long does it take Phenibut to work and what is the typical duration of effects?
Phenibut is a nootropic agent that is used for reducing anxiety, enhancing sociability, promoting better sleep, and improving cognitive function.
Users typically take this product to relax, combat feelings of stress and nervousness, enhance mood and boost focus. Research shows that it can inhibit anxiousness and restlessness at low doses without causing a decline in mental performance.
According to user reviews, the effects can kick in within 1 – 4 hours of oral consumption. Because this anxiolytic has a long half-life, it is important to use it responsible to reduce the risk of side effects.
Individual responses to Phenibut supplementation vary. The onset of effects and half-life can also be affected by how you take this product, what form you take it in, other substances used and differences in metabolism.
This article reviews the pharmacokinetics of phenibut,, its duration of effects in the CNS (central nervous system) and how to take it safely.
Anxiety
Mood
Sleep & Insomnia- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Stimulates GABA receptors & supports sleep
- Neuroprotective & supports cognitive function
How Does Phenibut Work?
Related Topics
- What is Phenibut?
- User Review
- Benefits and Uses
- Dosage Recommendations
- Effects & Mechanisms of Action
- Experience Reports
- Anti-Anxiety Effects
- Using Phenibut for Sleep
- How to Take
- Negative Side Effects
- Withdrawal Dangers
- Risks with Alcohol Combination
- Comparison to Picamilon
- Buying Phenibut Guide
- Using Bulk Powder
- Primaforce Phenibut Review
- SNS Phenibut XT Review
Phenibut was developed by Soviet scientists in the 1960s to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), insomnia, stuttering, depression and various other disorders.
It was initially used in Russian cosmonauts to help them deal with the stresses of space missions without impairing cognition. Studies found it to promote feelings of well-being and calm while also supporting concentration, attention span and memory.
Phenibut (Noofen, Anvifen) is used by some people as a “smart drug” and is commonly included in Nootropic Stacks designed for reducing social anxiety, distractions, inhibitions and enhancing mood.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that people use phenibut powder and capsules for improving learning capacity, memory, and general cognition. [3]
This nootropic has also been studied and used clinically for the following:
- Insomnia and other sleeping disorders;
- PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder);
- Fear, tension, anxiety, and stress;
- Heart arrhythmia;
- Alcoholism;
- Depression;
- Fatigue;
It is sold as an over-the-counter medicine in Russia and certain European nations. Phenibut is sold under several brand names – including Noofen, Citrocard, Fenibut, and Phenybut.
Mechanism of Action
Phenibut is a synthetic derivative of a chemical the body produces endogenously called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating anxiety and over-excitation in times of stress.
GABA is very important for balancing the effects of a stimulatory neurotransmitter called Glutamate. These two nerve-signaling chemicals work together to mediate numerous CNS functions.
When taken as an oral dietary supplement, GABA has a difficult time crossing the BBB (blood-brain barrier). [1] There is on-going debate about whether it is effective if consumed orally.
Phenibut was designed as a phenylated analog of GABA, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and acting as a direct agonist of GABA (B) receptors. By binding to GABA receptor sites, it causes similar inhibitory effects as this neurotransmitter.
Some other compounds with similar effects include GABA, Lyrica, Picamilon, Gabapentin, and Baclofen.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled human research on phenibut is lacking. Much of the research was conducted in Russian in the 1960s and 1960s and is not available in English. However, in animal studies, this compound has been shown to: [3]
- Decrease alcohol-induced behavioral disorders;
- Decrease desire to consume alcohol;
- Decrease respiratory rate;
- Increase heart rate;
- Reduce anxiety;
- Cause sedation;
- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Improves sleep and may reduce insomnia
- Neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects
How Long Does Phenibut Take to Work?
Each user will have a different experience with this nootropic supplement. Numerous individual factors control how long it takes phenibut to become active in the CNS.
According to a report by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substances Abuse Services, Phenibut has an onset of effects of 60 – 90 minutes.
Some users say that they feel it working within one hour of taking a dose while others say it can take up to two hours for the benefits to kick in. These differences may be explained by individual tolerance and sensitivity, whether it is being consumed with a meal and other factors related to metabolism.
According to PsychonautWiki, this compound has a “come up” time of 1.5 – 3 hours. This refers to the amount of time between when effects are first observed and peak efficacy. This source reports that peak effects occur between 3 – 4 hours with an offset period of 4 – 6 hours.
According to Nootrohacker, “Many users find that it takes quite a while for the effects to take hold. It is common to feel nothing for 4-6 hours after taking Phenibut, then experiencing a nice calming effect.” [2]
Phenibut is sometimes administered via insufflation (through the nose) or rectally. It may work faster if taken via different methods of administration. According to an article in the Drug and Alcohol Review, this nootropic has an onset of action between 20 – 30 minutes when taken rectally.
Duration Of Effects
Phenibut capsules and powder have a longer half-life than some other nootropic drugs. Most users find they only need to take a single dose of this calming nootropic daily.
Although the reported half-life of this smart drug is about 5 hours, the duration of its effects varies significantly between users.
Some user reviews state that the noticeable effects are short-lived and begin to fade after 4-6 hours. Others state that they feel effects for up to 24 hours after a single dose.
PsychonautWiki reports a total duration of effects of 10 – 16 hours and states that after-effects may be felt for between 6 – 24 hours.
Some factors that affect how long you will feel phenibut’s effects after taking it include:
- Use of stimulants (like caffeine) taken recently;
- Concurrent use of other GABAergic substances;
- Former use of GABAergic drugs;
- Consumption of alcohol;
- Time since last meal;
- Current health state;
- Metabolism;
- Body weight;
- Gender;
- Age;
- Most effective supplements to improve mood
- Optimize levels of dopamine, serotonin and GABA
- Protect against stress and anxiety
Recommended Phenibut Dosage
Phenibut may not be safe for everyone. Using this substance in high dosages could lead to serious adverse effects.
As a result of the long period of time it takes for this nootropic to start working in the body, users should avoid re-dosing the substance multiple times a day. If taking as a sleep aid, it may be recommended to use one to two hours before bedtime.
The common phenibut dosage ranges between 250-1000 milligrams (mg) daily. [1] Be careful with high doses (more than 1 gram daily).
Consult with a doctor before taking this product to determine whether it is appropriate for you. Begin at the low end of the recommended dosage range until you observe how it affects you.
Some users take more than is commonly recommended to experience the Phenibut High. Some users report a euphoric experience after taking larger doses.
The effects are said to be similar to those of other GABA agonists – like alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
Be aware that using phenibut in doses of more than 1000 mg daily can increase the risk of developing tolerance, and some dangerous adverse side effects.
Using Long-Term
Using phenibut long-term might lead to tolerance and GABA receptor downregulation. Because of this, its use should be cycled on and off.
Some nootropics begin to work better as you take them for long periods of time. This is not the case with GABAergic drugs. The more you use these substances, the less effective they will become.
This nootropic drug affects the same receptors in the brain as alcohol. Just as users can become less sensitive to the effects of alcohol with regular use, so too can sensitivity decrease with ongoing use of Phenibut.
Individuals who take this substance sometimes report feeling a need to increase the dose to continue to experience the benefits. This is strongly advised against as it could lead to serious negative reactions.
One common approach to cycling phenibut is to use it 2-3 days each week and take the other 3-4 days off.
Some users take it daily for 2 weeks, and then stop taking it for 2 weeks so that they keep noticing its effects and minimize their risks for developing tolerance.
Most users who take it responsibly do not experience withdrawal symptoms, but they are possible. If you have a history of drug abuse or consuming large amounts of alcohol, you may be at greater risk for developing signs of withdrawal when you stop taking it.
Phenibut Not Working
What should you do if you do not feel any effects after taking this substance or notice the effects beginning to taper off?
Many phenibut users report positive experiences with this nootropic. Reviewers commonly cite the following effects: [4]
- Noticeable decrease in anxiety;
- Improved sexual performance;
- Feelings of extreme calmness;
- Increased prosocial behavior;
- Increased overall well-being;
- Increased motivation;
- Increased alertness;
Phenibut seems to work in most people who try it, but not all of them. Some people experience no noticeable effects from taking this smart drug and are non-responders.
To maximize its effectiveness, it is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Some users claim that taking the powder or capsules with 80-160 mg of caffeine helps to “kick in” its effects.
Other users claim that it is more effective if administered intranasally. Some report feeling little to no effects with the Phenibut HCL crystals but experiencing positive benefits with the Free Amino Acid (FAA) form.
According to some sources, if you weigh more than 210 pounds, higher dosages of up to 1.5 grams (1500 mg) daily may be necessary to experience effects.
Those who have a tolerance to drugs like Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), or Klonopin (clonazepam) might not notice any effects.
If you stop noticing the effects after using it for a while, then cycling off for 2 weeks will normally restore your sensitivity.
Most users seem to have positive experiences with phenibut when they use it appropriately. However, there are some possible side effects to be aware of, including: [2]
- Stomach discomfort;
- Lightheadedness;
- Headache;
- Fatigue;
- Nausea;
In rare and severe cases, extremely high doses can cause memory loss or loss of consciousness. Mixing this product with alcohol or other GABA agonists to make it work better is not recommended.
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- Examine Staff. Phenibut. Accessed Feb 26, 2018
- Nootrohacker Staff. PHENIBUT: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE, Accessed Feb 23, 2018
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Phenibut Professional Monograph. Accessed Feb 23, 2018
- Nootriment Staff. Phenibut Nootropic Effects, Side Effects and Dosage Guide. Accessed Feb 23, 2018
Article last updated on: July 16th, 2018 by Nootriment