What Is Phenibut?
Nootropics, otherwise known as smart drugs are becoming more widely used across the globe. Each type of nootropic delivers a specific range of benefits which is unique to its development and formulation. Most of them share common effects but with variations that make one more effective for meeting specific user needs. Phenibut is a nootropic that is best known for the alleviation of stress and for improving sleep patterns.
Phenibut is a nootropic supplement that is also marketed with the brand name Noofen. Beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid is its chemical name. It is a GABA derivative that has been modified to include a phenyl ring around two GABA molecules. GABA is a compound which occurs naturally in the body. It is responsible for signaling the release of compounds that inhibit stress reactions which cause calmness and relaxation, but it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier in its unmodified form. Phenibut passes the blood-brain barrier and bonds with specific neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for excitability and the stress response. It is effective in mimicking the function of GABA, but more effectively. The main Phenibut benefits for health include diminished anxiety, better sleep, and improved cognition.
This supplement was first developed in 1960 in Russia and was used in the region and surrounding Soviet countries as a sleeping aid. It was kept as a secret and not released to other parts of the world until just recently.
Phenibut is commonly used together with other nootropics in stacks of supplements for a holistic approach that maximizes all possible aspects of cognitive enhancement with additional health benefits.
Benefits
Phenibut offers several benefits including its effectiveness in reducing feelings of stress and anxiousness. Those with social anxiety issues find improvement in their abilities to interact with less inhibition and greater personal confidence. It also provides calmness without an overpowering feeling of sedation, so it is still possible to function and perform the required tasks. The calming effect of Phenibut makes it easier to fall asleep and it also improves sleep patterns. It is known to have an anti-depressant effect as well as positively affecting mood.
Recommended Dosage
It is important to note that Phenibut is a very powerful compound so dosage control is vital. The recommended daily dosage is between 250 to 1000 mg. It is advised that you begin with the smallest dosage of 250 mg which may be taken once or divided into two equal parts. This is to find out how it will work with your body chemistry and to see how strong the effects are. Phenibut has a long half-life of up to 24 hours, so you may feel the effects longer so it is recommended that you allow 4-6 additional hours before the next dose administration. It may be taken in capsule form or as a powder mixed with water or juice. Phenibut should be taken on an as-needed basis for no more than two days per week with extended rest periods in between. This is to avoid tolerance building and the risk of withdrawal.
Side Effects
Although lower dosages are considered to be safe, the potential for side effects increases with higher dosages. Not all users experience side effects, but the most common for those who do are nausea, feeling light-headed, headache, stomach ache, drowsiness, and fatigue. Some users experience vivid dreams which are easier to recall the next day. Less commonly, users have reported nightmares and disruptions in sleep patterns.
The more serious side effects are generally seen when dosage recommendations are exceeded and these include memory loss, withdrawal symptoms an unconsciousness. When dosage recommendations are exceeded, or if used for extended periods of time, the chances of tolerance building and withdrawal symptoms increases. Phenibut is not to be used with alcohol or other GABA stimulators.
Long-Term Use
Long-term use of Phenibut is strongly discouraged because of the high likelihood of tolerance building and withdrawal symptoms. These consequences of prolonged use have the potential to become serious. It is considered to be safe when used as recommended in short duration with extended periods of resting time in between. Because Phenibut is a GABA stimulator, there is a need to allow the body to rest in between uses so it can recover to avoid overstimulation and dependency.
Short-Term Use
This supplement should be taken as needed with resting periods in between use. In the short term, Phenibut has a calming effect that alleviates anxiety, stress and makes it easier to fall asleep. It may also provide an anti-depressant effect along with improved ability to focus, retain information and recall for improved memory function. When taken at the recommended dosages for short term use, Phenibut is considered to be safe for otherwise healthy individuals who are not currently taking medications or supplements which are GABA stimulators.
Legal Status
Phenibut is legal for purchase and uses in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is not considered to be a controlled substance so there are no limitations or prescriptions required in these countries. It is always advisable for athletes to check the list of banned supplements to ensure that the use of any product is legal within specific countries. Doping regulations may change frequently and these rules are not always consistent within different countries.
Final Thoughts
Phenibut is a powerful GABA enhancer that is useful for attaining greater states of relaxation and as a sleeping aid to improve sleep patterns. It must be used within the recommended dosages as needed without exceeding recommended dosage amounts and duration advice. It may be stacked safely with other nootropic supplements, provided that dosage ratios are adjusted in accordance and only with those that are not GABA stimulants.
The occasional use of Phenibut is beneficial for periods in which more sleep is needed or when anxiety levels are the highest. Students or business professionals who have a high stakes event in the near future may benefit from the reduction in anxiety and cognitive enhancement that can have the effect of reducing social anxiety, allow increased focus and decreased inhibition for making presentations or interacting with others.
Leave a Reply