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Phenibut Risk of Addiction

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Antianxiety medications are known to cause the brain to slow down.

They can sometimes make it difficult to concentrate and reduces attention span.

Many people seek alternatives to relieve their anxiety so that they do not have to sacrifice their productivity and alertness in everyday life.

Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant that also contains chemical properties that make it an anti-anxiety and nootropic drug.

Phenibut is known by its full name, B-phenyl-y-aminobutyric acid (phenyl-GABA).

It is marketed and sold under the brand names Anvifen, Fenibut, and Noofen.

It was first prescribed in the 1960s in Russia.

It is used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, stuttering, vestibular disorders, and irregular heartbeat.

Phenibut is not currently approved for medical use in the U.S.

However, it is widely available for legal use at the user’s discretion.

It is available for sale on many online stores and e-commercial sites.

It is marketed as a supplement that helps relieve anxiety while increasing focus and attention.

Since a prescription is not required, it leads people to believe that it does not contain any chemical properties that can produce negative effects or is a risk of addiction.

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History of Phenibut

In 1963, phenibut, known as phenigamma then, was first used to experiment on young patients receiving psychiatric treatment in Russia. It was documented that it had tranquilizing effects on the patients. In 1975, it was popularized and known as phenibut.

In addition to the common use as an antianxiety medication, it was used by Soviet cosmonauts for its calming effects that stimulate cognitive functioning. It is currently marketed and sold as a supplement for the purposes of mood enhancement, sleeping aid, enhancing cognitive abilities, and exercise recovery aid.

It has been coined the name “smart drug” because it is known for its calming effects and allows those who struggle with anxiety to think more clearly. Often, people use phenibut because they have social anxiety, and the drug helps calms them down so that they can perform tasks to the best of their ability. It increases attention span and focus. A prescription for phenibut is not needed in the U.S.

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Understanding Phenibut

Phenibut has many uses because of its calming effects. It is an antianxiety drug that allows people to focus and expands the attention, without having any of the typical effects of other stimulating drugs. Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts use phenibut for muscle-enhancement and as a performance booster.

However, there is no empirical evidence that phenibut plays a role in increasing muscle mass. One study in medical sports science provided evidence that there may be a link between ingesting GABA and increased human growth hormone levels and muscle response under an intense exercise regimen. Phenibut acts as a gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) memetic and is a GABA-B agonist. It is also a GABA synthetic. GABA is responsible for inhibiting neurotransmitters. This makes the drug produce calming effects. At low concentrations, phenibut increases the amount of dopamine in the brain.

This is what allows the user to concentrate, but not feel as sedated as other antianxiety drugs. It can exacerbate the effects of other central nervous depressants, such as antipsychotics, opioids, and alcohol. However, upon repeated use, the body can develop a tolerance to the drug. Tolerance means that the drug no longer produces the same effects as it first did. More of the drug is needed in order to achieve the same results, which can lead to addiction. While phenibut addiction is not common, it is possible. Some people have reported that they have had difficulty with depression and anxiety when using phenibut for an extended period of time.

Effects of Abusing Phenibut

Phenibut poses a risk of abuse and addiction like it does with any drug. The correct dosage to produce the desired effects of the drug varies on the individual’s personality and chemical composition. Phenibut is typically used as an alternative to other prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs that provide similar effects.

Many people are uninformed or misinformed about phenibut. Phenibut is typically labeled as a “natural” supplement in health food store websites and other places where phenibut is sold. This misinformation and lack thereof lead people to believe the drug is a natural supplement. They believe there are no negative side effects or addiction risk. The withdrawal from phenibut may be severe and unexpected. Withdrawal can occur as early as three to four hours after use and can last up to two weeks.

This leads people to increase the current dosage so that they can find relief from these symptoms. Addiction to phenibut can result in chronic depression and anxiety. Like any addiction, phenibut may be difficult to recover from. It is important to know what the substance is, how it works, and what effects may occur in the body and mind.

Symptoms of Phenibut withdrawal include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression and irritability
  • Tremor
  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive deficits
  • Nausea
  • Muscle cramps
  • Hyperactivity/hyperkinesia
  • Reduced appetite
  • Decreased pain threshold

Phenibut overdose symptoms:

  • Exhaustion
  • Lowered body temperature
  • Excessive muscle relaxation
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation

Mental Illness and Phenibut

Approximately half the people with mental illness will abuse drugs to combat the overwhelming symptoms of mental illness. This is only a short relief from their distress. Using phenibut can attribute to abuse and addiction. It can cover up the true problem and creates more issues, such as further deterioration of your mental health and dangerous physical health problems. If you know that you have a preexisting mental illness or illnesses, staying away from drugs is the safest thing to do.

Any psychoactive substance comes with its risks, especially in those with mental illness, who are more susceptible to adverse effects. If abused, phenibut can exacerbate depression, anxiety, delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, insomnia, and cognitive problems. If you have a phenibut abuse problem or addiction, you must know that help is available. There is always hope for a better future.

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Seeking treatment for your dependency is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself. Do not let your situation stop you from contacting Resurgence Behavioral Health. We provide honest and accurate pricing information for all of our treatment options. We offer free insurance verification. Call us today to see if you qualify.

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Reach Out and Receive Treatment Today

Phenibut addiction can be a tough thing to recover from.

This is why it is important to surround yourself with professionals that care about what happens to you. The time is now. Do not wait any further! Help is available to you when you need it. You are not alone in this struggle.

The trained professionals at Resurgence Behavioral Health genuinely care about you and dedicate their lives to make sure you can live yours. To overcome substance addiction, proper drug therapy treatment is required.

It is not an easy walk, but our treatment is the best option when it comes to your health. We provide the most professional treatment to give you a fighting chance in a rough battle.

Let today be the day you reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health so that you can begin to reclaim the life you have been missing!

David Rofofsky
David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.


Research | Editorial

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