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Nootropic

Phenibut (caution)

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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 (caution). GABA-B agonist with high abuse and dependence potential; restricted in many countries.

How it works. GABA-B receptor agonist (like baclofen).

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Anxiolytic short-term (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: Not recommended; if used: ≤500 mg, max 2×/week.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Severe withdrawal syndrome.

Stacking. Pairs well with Magnesium glycinate, L-theanine. Avoid combining with Regular use, Alcohol.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

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

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

Phenibut (caution). GABA-B agonist with high abuse and dependence potential; restricted in many countries.

Molecular structureC10H13NO2 · 179.22 g/mol

What it is

GABA-B agonist with high abuse and dependence potential; restricted in many countries.

Food sources

Synthetic

Goals

How it works

GABA-B receptor agonist (like baclofen).

Pathways

  • GABA-B agonism

Effects

  • ↓Anxiety (short term) decreases

What the research supports

Anxiolytic short-termlimited

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
Not recommended; if used: ≤500 mg, max 2×/week
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the phenibut hcl form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness

Serious

  • Severe withdrawal syndrome
  • Dependence
  • Overdose with alcohol

Medication interactions

Alcohol / benzos / opioidssevere

Severe additive sedation / respiratory depression.

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

Combines with

Pairs well

Avoid combining

  • Regular useSevere withdrawal and dependence.
  • AlcoholLife-threatening interaction.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Phenibut (caution) — Anxiolytic short-term ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion

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