Is Phenibut safe?

Introduction

Phenibut is a psychoactive substance that acts on GABAB receptors and has been used for its anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Its safety profile has been questioned due to reports of dependence, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms, particularly when obtained online and used in doses exceeding recommended therapeutic levels.

Key Insights from Research Papers

Phenibut is generally safe and well-tolerated at therapeutic doses, with minor adverse effects such as somnolence reported in only 5.66% of patients in clinical trials; however, higher doses and online purchases have been associated with dependence and intoxication.
There is a growing concern over phenibut's potential for physical dependence, withdrawal, and addiction, with case reports indicating severe intoxication and mental status changes in users .
Self-directed detoxification using phenibut can lead to serious risks, including altered mental status and severe withdrawal symptoms, as highlighted by case reports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
F-phenibut, a derivative with higher affinity for GABAB receptors, may lead to more serious intoxication than phenibut, suggesting a potential for severe damage by inhibiting neuronal excitability.
Despite FDA warnings, the quantity of phenibut in over-the-counter supplements has increased, with some doses exceeding those of pharmaceutical tablets manufactured in Russia, raising concerns about the potential for toxicity.
Phenibut's availability as an unregulated "dietary supplement" is misleading, given its potent psychoactive effects and the risk of adverse outcomes such as lethargy, delirium, psychosis, and coma .

Conclusion

While phenibut can be safe at therapeutic doses under clinical supervision, there is substantial evidence of its potential for abuse, dependence, and serious adverse effects, especially when used in high doses or obtained from unregulated online sources. The discrepancy between the safety profile in clinical settings and the risks associated with recreational use or self-medication underscores the need for caution and regulation.

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights from Research Papers

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Safety and Tolerability of the Anxiolytic and Nootropic Drug Phenibut: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Case Reports

Phenibut is a safe and well-tolerated drug at therapeutic doses, with minor adverse effects, but questions remain about its quality and its potential role in dependence and intoxication.

Phenibut (β-Phenyl-γ-Aminobutyric Acid): an Easily Obtainable “Dietary Supplement” With Propensities for Physical Dependence and Addiction

Phenibut, marketed as a "dietary supplement," is a potent psychoactive substance with potential for physical dependence, withdrawal, and addiction, and its marketing as a "dietary supplement" is inaccurate and misleading.

A Case of Phenibut Directed Detoxification Leading to Toxicity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Phenibut use for self-directed detoxification during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to toxic effects and disrupt addiction treatment plans.

F-phenibut (β-(4-Fluorophenyl)-GABA), a potent GABAB receptor agonist, activates an outward-rectifying K+ current and suppresses the generation of action potentials in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells.

F-phenibut is a potent GABAB receptor agonist that activates an outward-rectifying K+ current and suppresses action potential generation in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells, potentially leading to severe damage.

Phenibut, the appearance of another potentially dangerous product in the United States.

Phenibut, a novel substance with potential toxicity and abuse potential, has been found in the United States, potentially contributing to internet-purchased synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones.

Quantity of phenibut in dietary supplements before and after FDA warnings

After FDA warnings, the quantity of phenibut in over-the-counter supplements increased in 3 out of 4 brands, potentially increasing the risk of coma and death.

[Phenibut: harmless dietary supplement or dangerous drug?]

Phenibut, a freely available online dietary supplement, has potent and potentially harmful psychotropic effects, leading to addiction and withdrawal in users.

Phenibut Addiction in a Patient with Substance Use Disorder

Heavy phenibut use with alcohol may contribute to an extended and exacerbated withdrawal syndrome, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and detoxification strategies.

Chronic Phenibut Use: Symptoms, Severe Withdrawal, and Recovery.

Phenibut abuse can lead to dependence and withdrawal, and clinicians should be aware of its potential for dependence and withdrawal.

Phenibut (4-amino-3-phenyl-butyric acid): Availability, prevalence of use, desired effects and acute toxicity.

Phenibut is readily available in the UK from internet sites selling NPS, with desired and adverse effects similar to other gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonists.

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