Supplement Scholar
Compound

Phenibut (Ref)

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Unregulated substance. Products vary widely in strength and purity, dependence and withdrawal are documented, and its legal status varies by state. Talk to a clinician before using it.

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

How it works. GABA-B receptor agonism and α2δ calcium channel binding.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: Discouraged outside Rx settings.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Phenibut (Ref). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

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

Molecular structureC10H13NO2 · 179.22 g/mol

What it is

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

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Mood & Anxiety

How it works

GABA-B receptor agonism and α2δ calcium channel binding.

Pathways

  • GABA-B receptor agonism
  • α2δ calcium channel binding

Effects

  • ↓anxiety and improves social comfort decreases

What the research supports

Reduces anxiety and improves social comfortlimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Discouraged outside Rx settings
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Sedation

Serious

  • Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal

Medication interactions

CNS depressants/Alcoholsevere

Respiratory depression risk.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — Reduces anxiety and improves social comfort ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Phenibut (Ref) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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