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Many nootropics users will often use Phenibut for anxiety and depression. Phenibut may offer many anxiolytic benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood and emotional well-being.
Many people take it as a sleep aid or to help them relax and decompress during periods of high stress and nervousness.
The use of Phenibut for anxiety has even been endorsed by the Russian government, which is where the compound was developed.
After it was developed and tested in the 1960s, it was mandated as standard equipment in Russian cosmonauts’ medical kits since it is thought to help lower stress levels without adversely affecting performance. Nowadays, Phenibut is used as a prescription medication for anxiety in Russia.
What is the right way to use Phenibut for anxiety and depression? This article will discuss how the compound actually works, if there are any tolerance issues, and possible side effects of Phenibut.
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What Is Phenibut & How Does It Work?
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Phenibut is actually a derivative of GABA, a powerful neurotransmitter within the brain.
GABA is considered to be the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter within the body.
GABA is responsible for calming down an excited brain and keeping your neurons from over-firing. By opening potassium channels in the membranes of our brain cells, GABA helps to bring their equilibrium back into balance.
GABA prevents excessive excitatory activity which can happen when your neurons are over-stimulated, as is the case when suffering from anxiety.
In order for Phenibut to be effective at treating anxiety and depression, the supplement needs to first be able to cross the protective membrane that separates the bloodstream from the brain tissue (blood-brain barrier).
This is something that is very difficult for most substances including natural GABA. While some people take GABA as an anti-anxiety supplement, this is known to be ineffective because GABA itself cannot cross the blood-brain barrier to any great degree. Any GABA produced in the body must be made in the brain for it to have a noticeable effect there.
Phenibut is structurally the same as GABA, with the addition of a phenyl ring. This addition of the phenyl ring to its molecular structure allows Phenibut to transport across the blood-brain barrier. Once it reaches your brain, it binds to GABA receptor sites on the synapses of your neurons and levels off excessive neuronal and brain activity.
Another possible method of action by which Phenibut reduces anxious thoughts and causes calm is by increasing the level of Dopamine within the brain. This is another powerful neurotransmitter, primarily responsible for influencing mood and movement.
Dopamine is a key chemical for feeling happy and motivated, two things which are generally not present in those with stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Improves sleep and may reduce insomnia
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Phenibut Usage
An appropriate dosage depends on many factors including age, physiology, and personal sensitivities. The below dosage recommendations are guidelines only, and it is important to discuss dosages with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine the best Phenibut for anxiety dosage for your personal needs.
Depending on a number of factors such as individual body chemistry and other supplements and/or drugs used, it may take as much as 3 hours for Phenibut to start working.
Once this happens, however, the effects may last for as long as 24 hours. Of course, this is also highly dependent upon the dosage level that was taken.
For stress relief, the recommended dosage is approximately 500 mg of Phenibut powder. At this level, a user will likely experience a feeling of quiet calm and comfort for several hours.
If this supplement is being used for social anxiety, taking up to 1.3 grams will extend the desired effects to as much as 24 hours. You will likely go to bed and then wake up in the morning still feeling the comforting effects of this powerful nootropic supplement.
Most of the scientific research on Phenibut is from the 1960s in Russia when the compound was developed. More current research needs to be done to determine the full effects Phenibut may have. While Phenibut is used as a prescription medication in Russia, at this time, in the United States the FDA has not approved Phenibut as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Phenibut for Anxiety
One of the most touted benefits of Phenibut is the ability to lessen anxiety – especially social anxiety or shyness. By increasing the stimulation of both GABA and Dopamine, you may feel slightly sedated like your thoughts are no longer racing through your mind.
Phenibut for anxiety reviews say that it helps to turn down the volume on some of the “mental background noise” that the brain is constantly processing. As you become more relaxed, this will also help to lessen symptoms of stress and depression.
Interestingly, it also has an effect on lowering inhibitions which may explain why people feel more outgoing and confident when taking Phenibut.
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Phenibut & Tolerance
This nootropic is quite strong and with persistent use it is possible to build up a tolerance for Phenibut.
It is difficult to really say precisely how long it will take for tolerance to develop since it is likely different for each person.
That said, a number of experts state it should be approximately six months before tolerance begins to set in. However some user reviews say that tolerance can begin to form after as little as two weeks.
The best way to avoid tolerance is by not taking the supplement every day. Possibly use a schedule of three days on followed by two days off, or a longer schedule of up to two weeks on followed by two or more weeks off. Or even consider only using it on an occasional basis. Also pay attention to the specific effects that it is having and adjust accordingly.
Phenibut for Anxiety Side Effects
While using Phenibut for anxiety is remarkably well-tolerated and considered safe when the cautions above are followed, there have been reports of several side effects. Some users have reported ‘interesting’ and nightmarish dreams. Others sometimes have pain in their limbs.
Another common side effect is becoming drowsy, especially when taking a Phenibut dosage early in the day. This supplement is after all a sleep enhancer and is best reserved for usage in the afternoon or evening. You should also not combine Phenibut for anxiety with other anxiolytics or antidepressants, especially other GABAergic compounds that work on similar pathways.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
I began using phenibut for (bad) social anxiety. It’s worked great for that; I use a daily dosing regimen. But…a totally unexpected benefit has arisen: phenibut is the most effective antidepressant that I’ve ever come across.I didn’t expect this benefit.
I used to wake up with a crushing feeling of, ‘My life means nothing; I have nothing to look forward to’. (Normally, as I got my day going the horrible dreas would go away. But that initial morning feeling was really bad.) This feeling of worthlessness has totally disappeared while using phenibut, on a daily dosing regimen, for social anxiety.
I wake up feeling really optimistic, refreshed & raring to go. No more feelings of dread when I first open my eyes. And this is even before I take my first dose of the day. Again, a totally unexpected benefit of phenibut. I cannot praise enough the antidepressant effect of phenibut.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Gary – much appreciated!
I was reading in the above post that Gary uses this daily. Everything I have read has said to not use this daily because of tolerance and withdrawal issues. I have taken my first dose and so far like the effects.
Please comment as to whether this is considered safe to take daily. I have only taken 300 mg as my first dose because of my sensitivity to most medications and supplements.
Like nearly all antidepressant medicines, one shouldn’t abruptly quit. If using this or any other antidepressant a slow, gradual taper is indicated when and if you decide to quit.
Heather Winer, have you received any feedback privately or publicly about your question here? Because I, too, would like to know for myself. Thanks.