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Supplements/Compound

Phenibut (Ref)

GABA-B agonist developed in the USSR for anxiety (caution).

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Overview

GABA-B agonist developed in the USSR for anxiety (caution).

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Forms & variants of Phenibut (caution)

Different chemical forms of Phenibut (caution) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Mechanism of action

GABA-B receptor agonism and α2δ calcium channel binding.

Pathways
  • · GABA-B receptor agonism
  • · α2δ calcium channel binding

Effects on the body

Decreases
anxiety and improves social comfort

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Phenibut (Ref) modulates monoaminergic and GABAergic tone relevant to mood and anxiety regulation.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Sedation
Rare
    Serious
    • · Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal

    Drug interactions

    CNS depressants/Alcohol
    Respiratory depression risk.
    severe

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • A high-quality multivitamin
      Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
    • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
      Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    Discouraged outside Rx settings
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Scientific evidence8Show studies
    CohortAust N Z J Psychiatry · 2016

    Phenibut withdrawal case series

    Owen DR, et al.

    Case series of phenibut withdrawal.

    Key findings

    Severe withdrawal mimicking baclofen + benzodiazepine.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Phenibut (Ref) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Phenibut (Ref) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Phenibut (Ref) — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Phenibut (Ref) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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