What Are The Main Side Effects Of Using Phenibut?

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut has long been popular as a supplement for promoting calmness and serenity in the former Soviet Union and nearby countries. It has only recently appeared in worldwide markets and is catching attention quickly in areas such as the United States. Loaded with multiple benefits, this supplement can be purchased without the need for a prescription and has the potential for becoming a favorite in the category of Nootropics.

Phenibut was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. It is also known as Fenibut and Noofen and is a derivative or the compound GABA, a natural substance, but with slight enhancements to the chemical structure. The difference is that a phenyl ring has been added to the GABA molecule, leaving the supplement under the category of being naturally derived.

GABA is a vital neurotransmitter in the brain, which acts as an inhibitor. Naturally occurring GABA in the body is weak. This supplement crosses the blood barrier and enters the central nervous system an delivers a powerful dosage that has superior abilities for enhancing cognitive processes to its weaker counterpart because it binds with GABA receptors and increases GABA activity within the brain.

Benefits

Phenibut is a nootropic supplement that helps in the promotion of greater calmness, for increasing mental focus and for reducing anxiety. Phenibut is one of the most powerful anti-anxiety supplements that are available without a prescription. Its major function is to create calmness and tranquility, but it is not limited to this use alone. It is widely and successfully used to relieve stress and anxiety.

This supplement has been in use in Russia and surrounding countries since its development in the 1960s. It began as a remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It has since become recognized as an excellent resource for treating anxiety, stress and depression symptoms. It also performs well in boosting mood and enhancing cognitive function. It is used by students who wish to improve focus, concentration and memory abilities.

Phenibut improves performance by reducing stress and allowing clearer and more precise thinking processes for greater recall of information when needed. This quality makes it popular for use not only by students but by a business professional who is involved with high stakes presentations and meetings. Phenibut was originally developed as a sleeping aid and is still used for this purpose. It is useful to alleviate symptoms associated with sleeping disorders, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended daily dosage of Phenibut is between 250 to 1,000 mg. This supplement is powerful so it is important to remain within the recommendations in order to avoid increasing the risk of unpleasant potential side effects. Observe the results that are achieved at the lowest dose and increase in accordance until the desired effect is achieved. It is wise, to begin with, the lowest dosage for the first week and gradually increase the dosage amount to the maximum daily of 1,000. Because of the high risk of developing tolerance to Phenibut, it should not be used more than twice per week with long periods of time in between uses. Withdrawal symptoms could occur with prolonged use.

Timing of the dose is generally during hours when the user is at their least productive because of its calming qualities. This supplement can remain in the system for a full day so it should be taken in accordance with this in mind. It may be taken with water or juice if in pill form. The powdered form has a sour, strong taste so masking with a strongly flavored beverage may be beneficial.

Side Effects

Overall, however, any Phenibut side effects, if they do persist should be extremely mild and include:

• drowsiness
• headache
• loss of appetite

One of the most common side effects of Phenibut are changes in dream patterns. There is a tendency for an increase in REM sleep. Some experience nightmares or vivid dreams with a greater recall of details the next day. Others report that dreams are more pleasant so this is a potential side effect as the majority of users report better sleep and feeling more refreshed upon waking.

Drowsiness and fatigue are also side effects which have been reported with Phenibut use. Some have experienced slower thought processes and the sense of being in slow motion with higher dosages. A less common side effect is numbness, pain or a combination in the limbs. This may be an indication that the dosage is too high and needs to be reduced or use needs to be curtailed for longer periods.

Overuse can result in an increased risk of withdrawal symptoms. This may include nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness or headache. In higher dosages, the side effects may become more intense or serious in nature. Tolerance may be built quickly and this is why daily use is not advised.

There is the potential for interactions with drugs or other supplements that affect the GABAergic system. The same is true for any type of sedatives or alcohol and Phenibut should never be taken with any of these under any circumstances.

Do The Phenibut Benefits Outweigh Potential Side Effects?

This supplement is helpful in reducing stress and anxiety levels. It may also provide some level of antidepressant benefit with the alleviation of associated symptoms. When anxiety, stress, and depression are relieved, there is a natural tendency towards elevated mood and an enhanced sense of well-being calmness and tranquility. Phenibut is also helpful in relieving the effects of sleep disorders by allowing the user to get a more restful period of sleep with most users experiencing lower levels of fatigue. It also provides the nootropic benefit of improving concentration and boosting memory and cognitive processing.

Phenibut binds with GABA receptors and increases GABA activity in the brain which decreases the level of excitement that occurs and inhibits the firing of other neurons in the brain. This is how the calming effect is achieved. The most vital signals are still operational with only some of those affecting mood being decreased.

A high can be achieved with Phenibut as the supplement begins to bring balance into the chemistry and activity of the brain. This effect is a result of the reduction of some types of brain activity and the cessation of the overstimulation that leads to high anxiety and stress levels. Characteristics of this effect are the sensation of well being, relaxation, peace, improved focus and concentration, and better memory skills. There is also an enhanced ability to control negative thoughts which can help to alleviate other symptoms of depressions.

Dopamine receptors which are located in the brain are stimulated to release more dopamine. The neurotransmitters associated with the brain’s pleasure centers are positively affected by this boost in dopamine activity. This can not only enhance mood, but it can also increase motivation, drive, and productivity.

The mechanisms which interact with one another are influenced by the addition of Phenibut, which in short duration, helps the body to achieve balance in chemistry and in simplified form. This is how the supplement can cause a dramatic reduction in feelings of depression, nervousness, anxiety, fear and other emotional responses which are associated with the stress/anxiety reaction.

In addition to these effects, it is believed that the promotion of more restful sleep may have a domino effect upon other biological processes. When sleep is improved and anxiety levels are decreased, there is less of the inherent fight or flight response with the accompanying release of adrenaline that causes more stress and anxiety.

Online Reviews

Users who have taken the supplement Phenibut and reported the results have given it remarkably high scores for being effective in a variety of different areas. As a mood booster, it received a rating of 8.5 out of a possible 10. Its effectiveness as a stress reliever was ranked with 9.5. The promotion of greater focus was noted with a rating of 8 out of 10. Users reported that Phenibut’s effectiveness is increased energy levels was a 7. This supplement received high praise of 9.5 points out of a possible 10 for positively affecting the ability to achieve a restful period of sleep. The ratings in each category of function were high for Phenibut and the cumulative response from users places it among the top choices for the relief of stress, anxiety, and as a cognitive and energy booster. Some feedback was presented with regard to the potential side effects of Phenibut, but without additional information about user dosages and frequency, it is difficult to tell if reactions were due to overuse or as a naturally occurring result of normal use.

Final Thoughts

Phenibut is a strong anti-anxiety supplement that has a positive effect on the inner workings of the brain and nervous system. In most cases, these effects are beneficial, less potential side effects. When taken in the recommended dosages and only within the recommended cycling periods of use, the benefits seem to outweigh any potential for negative consequences.

Phenibut is designed for those who are looking for a naturally derived supplement that can assist in getting a better quality of sleep. Additional nootropic benefits create an added value which makes Phenibut a multidimensional supplement that is effective for its intended purposes. The anti-anxiety properties make Phenibut a good choice when there is only an occasional need for controlling anxiety responses. Those who have more serious cases of anxiety or depression should consult with a physician prior to use of Phenibut or any other supplement.