LiftMode Phenibut FAA (free amino acid) is advertised to help to reduce stress and anxiety, brighten the mood, improve sleep, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
LiftMode Phenibut FAA is the free amino acid form of the cognitive-enhancing and anxiolytic nootropic agent called phenibut. [1]
This product is also available in a hydrochloride form as Phenibut HCl powder, capsules, granules and crystals.
Phenibut FAA gets converted into a hydrochloride salt when it reacts with the hydrochloric acid inside the stomach. That means that after you take an oral dose of the free-amino acid form, it becomes the same molecule as phenibut HCl.
The difference between Phenibut HCl and FAA is purity as well as its potential methods of administration. The hydrochloride version is about 87% pure phenibut and the other 13% is hydrochloric acid.
LiftMode Phenibut FAA is reported to be 99.5% pure phenibut with no other additives. This makes it more potent and means that the powder can be taken sublingually.
This article looks at how this compound works, some commonly-recommended dosages, possible cognitive and physical benefits, and its safety profile.



- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Stimulates GABA receptors & supports sleep
- Neuroprotective & supports cognitive function
LiftMode Phenibut FAA
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Most phenibut supplements sold online are formulated as the HCl version because it is less expensive, mixes easily in water, and is generally considered to be effective.
According to LiftMode, “In the HCl form, Phenibut (an amino acid) is a zwitterionic HCL salt. A zwitterion can also be called a dipolar ion, because it has both a negative and a positive electrical charge.”
However, many people prefer the free amino acid form for the following reasons:
- Contains a higher amount of pure phenibut per milligram of dosage, meaning the dose required to induce the same effects is smaller;
- Taste milder and less metallic than phenibut hydrochloride;
- Is more suitable for sublingual dosing and insufflation;
- Induces noticeable effects faster than the HCl salt;
Pharmacologically, there is no significant difference between the effects of the FAA and HCl formulations, other than some moderations in their pharmacokinetic profiles.
The hydrochloride salt can be irritating to mucous membranes (such as the membrane under the tongue) and may cause damage to tooth enamels. This means that the HCL version is not suitable for sublingual administration.
Some user reviews claim that FAA phenibut is more cost-effective because it requires less in each dose.
Liftmode write, “Phenibut F.A.A. is a fine white powder, and is therefore less dense than the crystalline HCl form (an equal mass of Phenibut F.A.A. occupies approximately twice as much volume as Phenibut HCL crystals). When consumed in the usual way, Phenibut F.A.A. is about 15% more efficient than Phenibut HCl.”
This advantage is even greater when used sublingually. The free amino acid form is purported to be 3-fold more effective if taken under the tongue, meaning that only one-third the dosage is required. Furthermore, it is rapidly absorbed into the blood and has a faster onset of effects.
How LiftMode Phenibut FAA Works
Phenibut FAA works the same way as Phenibut HCl. When ingested orally, they end up being the same molecule after the free amino acid form reacts with stomach acid and cause the same biological effects.
LiftMode is one popular brand of phenibut FAA, but they also carry the hydrochloride salt formualtion.
The scientific name of this molecule is beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a phenylated derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA has a smolecular formula of C4H9NO2.
You will also see phenibut referred to as beta-phenyl-GABA. As a phenylated derivative, it exhibits some of the same effects as its parent molecule but has better ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Improves sleep and may reduce insomnia
- Neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects
Phenibut vs GABA
Under normal circumstances, humans are able to endogenously produce all of the GABA that they require for mood regulation and to facilitate efficient neurotransmitter.
GABA is considered a non-essential, non-proteinogenic amino acid. In the brain, it functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It’s role is to balance the effects of the brain’s primary excitatory signaling chemical called glutamate.
GABA and Glutamate work together to maintain the chemical balance in the brain and CNS (central nervous system). GABA stops Glutamate from over-exciting the brain and “burning out” its neurons.
There are some situations in which artificially increasing the activation of GABAergic receptors in the brain may be beneficial. Many medications used to treat anxiety disorders are GABA receptor agonists.
Synthetic GABA produced in a laboratory is considered to have poor ability to cross the blood-brain barrier; a protective filtration device that keeps toxic substances out of the brain.
This means that if you consume oral GABA supplements, only a small amount of the molecule reaches neuroreceptors in the brain. Some research suggests it may interact with receptors in different parts of the nervous system (like the Gut-Brain Axis), but there have not been any clinical trials demonstrating an anti-anxiety effect in humans from taking oral GABA pills.
Phenibut was developed as an alternative, formulated in a way so that it can cross the BBB (blood-brain barrier).
Phenibut is GABA with an added phenyl ring; a 6-carbon molecule with the chemical formula C6H5. Also called a phenyl group, C6H5 is a “Benzene Group” with a missing hydrogen atom.
Scientists added the phenyl ring to the synthetic GABA molecule to make it better able to cross the BBB and enter the brain.
Mechanism of Action
Once phenibut enters the brain, it can stimulate the same receptors as the GABA neurochemical does. These are called GABA-A and GABA-B receptors.
Phenibut is reported to stimulate GABA-B receptors much more than it does GABA-A receptors, especially at low doses.
GABA-B receptor stimulation is associated primarily with analgesic (pain-relieving) and muscle-relaxant effects. GABA-A receptor stimulation is linked more to nootropic (cognition function-enhancing), anxiolytic, and sedative effects.
According to information on the LiftMode website, “Since Phenibut acts as a GABA-B agonist, it is also able to reduce pain and muscle tension, along with other anxiolytic effects that include mood-lift and a calm sense of well-being, sometimes perceived as euphoria.” [1]
In animal research studies, this compound has been shown to exert a neuroprotective effect. It has been found to protect the brain in cases of oxygen deprivation, extreme physical exertion, injury, or drowning.
However, these results have only been demonstrated in animals. Double-blind placebo-controlled clinical research is needed to see if exhibits neuroprotective effects in humans.
Common Uses of Phenibut FAA
Phenibut hydrochloride was initially developed in Russia to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety without interfering with mental faculties. It continues to be sold as an over-the-counter medicine for a number of conditions and mood disorders.
Based on user reviews, Phenibut FAA is commonly taken to help users relax when feeling nervous or agitated, promote a calm and focused mind and to enhance mood.
Many people report using LiftMode Phenibut FAA powder to help them open up more in social situations and to address occasional feelings of social anxiety. Some people use this nootropic and anxiolytic compound to give a speech, or ask someone on a date, or perform on stage.
Phenibut is also purported to have cardioprotective effects, meaning it might help protect the heart muscle and blood vessels from certain types of damage. However, more research from human studies is required to substantiate this claim.
Some users describe experiencing cognitive enhancement when they use this product. In some individuals, it appears to help them concentrate and boosts productivity.
However, others do not experience significant cognitive effects when taking Phenibut. It does not appear to work reliably as a nootropic agent in all people.
Some GABA-B agonist substances, like baclofen and arbaclofen are being studied for their effects on:
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
- Sleep disorders including insomnia;
- ADD (attention deficit disorder);
- Asperger’s disease;
- Chronic stress;
- Autism;
There has not been significant recent research into Phenibut’s cognitive effects. While it continued to be used in Russia and certain neighbouring countries, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.
LiftMode Phenibut FAA Benefits
Phenibut FAA acts as an anxiolytic and appears to have positive effects on mood. However, there is limited research available from Western institutions to evaluate many of the claims made about this product.
Its purported benefits are largely based on animal research and anecdotal evidence from user experience logs and other non-authoritative sources. This does not necessarily mean that the purported benefits are unfounded, but that they currently lack human research to substantiate them.
There have been millions of people worldwide who have taken Phenibut products and many reviews cite the following positive effects: [2]
- More positive and social mood;
- Increased sense of well-being;
- Decreased stress and anxiety;
- Decreased muscle tension;
- More restful sleep;
- Increased calm;
- Reduced pain;
However, not everyone experiences positive effects when taking this product. Some find that the negative effects outweigh the potential benefits.
To determine whether this product is safe and appropriate for you, it is best to discuss LiftMode Phenibut FAA with your doctor before you start taking it.

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LiftMode Phenibut FAA Dosage
LiftMode Phenibut FAA is sold as an amino acid dietary ingredient. It is labelled as a raw ingredient and not as a finished dietary supplement product.
According to the manufacturer, the serving size of this product is 500mg. LiftMode includes a 0.625cc measuring scoop with the product and states that one serving equals approximately two scoops. They recommend using a digital milligram scale to verify dosage.
LiftMode states that as a dietary supplement, users should take 1-2 servings once or twice a day. It is advised to start at the lowest suggested dose to gauge your response to the product.
Phenibut powder can cause unique effects in user, like most other nootropic agents. Various factors determine how one person will respond to this product including age, weight, diet, health status, and medications used.
Some online sources recommend using phenibut in doses between 500-2000 milligrams (mg) daily.
Dosages of 500 mg are reported to help with relieving stress and brightening the mood. Larger doses induce more potent sedative and hypnotic effects.
Many phenibut users state that they continue to feel the effects of a single dose for up to a full day (24 hours). Some experience a hangover effect and recommend not taking this product if they have important events the following day.
The Liftmode packaging state that phenibut should not be used more than twice weekly and recommends not using it in amounts that exceed 4 grams weekly.
This compound is known to cause tolerance development and has been reported to cause addiction or dependence in some individuals. Overdose is possible and phenibut withdrawal symptoms are commonly reported, especially in users who do not cycle this potent nootropic agent.
It is strongly recommended not to exceed 2 grams (2000 mg) in a day or 1 gram (1000 mg) in a single dose.
You should wait at least 3 days in between repeated use of LiftMode Phenibut FAA. This will help to prevent tolerance from forming and will minimize the risk of habituation, withdrawal symptoms, and other adverse side effects.
Many users only take it occasionally to address feelings of nervousness or intermittent social anxiety. In Russia, it is labelled for use as a prophylactic against temporary stress.
Some students report abusing phenibut as a party drug to enhance the effects of other GABA agonists like alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, sedative, and muscle relaxants. Taking LiftMode Phenibut FAA recreationally is strongly advised against and can cause severe side effects and life-threatening reactions.
LiftMode Phenibut FAA Safety
The LiftMode website states, “It is strongly recommended NOT to exceed the daily or weekly maximum recommended consumption of Phenibut, as negative effects can occur when too much Phenibut is consumed.”
When used occasionally and appropriately, LiftMode Phenibut FAA is generally well-tolerated in most healthy users. However, adverse effects can occur even if it is taken properly in some individuals.
Side effects of phenibut can include dizziness, nausea, lethargy, vertigo, or a headache. Common withdrawal symptoms experienced include depression, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.
Gastrointestinal discomfort, negative thoughts, tiredness, panic attacks, and memory loss are also possible. Long-term or otherwise excessive use of LiftMode Phenibut FAA might cause acute psychosis, unresponsiveness, or unconsciousness.
Some people use megadoses to induce a euphoric or “high” sensation. This is strongly not recommended and overdoses can cause severe side effects as well as potentially life-threatening reactions.
The manufacturer of LiftMode Phenibut FAA states that it should never be taken with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Avoid taking this substance with other drugs or supplements that have GABAergic effects as this could result in too much activation of GABA receptors and excessive sedation or feelings of discoordination or intoxication.
Consult with a doctor before taking this product to determine whether it is appropriate for you. If you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are currently taking prescription drugs, it is important to have your doctor’s approval before you begin to use Phenibut Free Amino Acid powder.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment