Phenibut: Difference between revisions

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Explaining the function of "Dream potentiation" from phenibut's after effects.
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{{SubstanceBox/Phenibut}}
{{SubstanceBox/Phenibut}}


'''β-Phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid''' (also known as '''Fenibut''', '''Phenybut''', '''Noofen''', '''Citrocard''', and commonly as '''Phenibut''') is a [[psychoactive class::depressant]] substance of the [[chemical class::gabapentinoid]] class.<ref name="six">Elaine Wyllie; Gregory D. Cascino; Barry E. Gidal; Howard P. Goodkin (17 February 2012). Wyllie's Treatment of Epilepsy: Principles and Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 423. | https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=j9t6Qg0kkuUC&pg=RA1-PA423&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref><ref name="seven">Honorio Benzon; James P. Rathmell; Christopher L. Wu; Dennis C. Turk; Charles E. Argoff; Robert W Hurley (11 September 2013). Practical Management of Pain. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1006. | https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=kfcDAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA1006&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>  
'''β-Phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid''' (also known as '''Fenibut''', '''Phenybut''', '''Noofen''', '''Citrocard''', and commonly as '''Phenibut''') is a lesser-known [[psychoactive class::depressant]] substance of the [[chemical class::gabapentinoid]] class.<ref name="six">{{cite book | vauthors=((Wyllie, E.)), ((Cascino, G. D.)), ((Gidal, B. E.)), ((Goodkin, H. P.)) | date=17 February 2012 | title=Wyllie’s Treatment of Epilepsy: Principles and Practice | publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | isbn=9781451153484}}</ref><ref name="seven">{{cite book | vauthors=((Benzon, H.)), ((Rathmell, J. P.)), ((Wu, C. L.)), ((Turk, D.)), ((Argoff, C. E.)), ((Hurley, R. W.)) | date=11 September 2013 | title=Practical Management of Pain E-Book | publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences | isbn=9780323170802}}</ref>  
Phenibut acts as a [[receptor]] [[agonist]] for [[GABA]], the major inhibitory [[neurotransmitter]] in the brain.  
Phenibut acts as a [[receptor]] [[agonist]] for [[GABA]], the major inhibitory [[neurotransmitter]] in the brain.  
It is chemically related to [[baclofen]], [[pregabalin]], and [[gabapentin]].<ref name="one">Lapin, I. (2001). "Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): A tranquilizer and nootropic drug" (pdf). CNS Drug Reviews | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x/pdf</ref>
It is chemically related to [[baclofen]], [[pregabalin]], and [[gabapentin]].<ref name="one">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Lapin, I.)) | journal=CNS Drug Reviews | title=Phenibut (β-Phenyl-GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic Drug | volume=7 | issue=4 | pages=471–481 | date=7 June 2006 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x | issn=1080563X | doi=10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x}}</ref>


Phenibut was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s, where it has been used as a pharmaceutical drug to treat a wide variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, asthenia, insomnia, alcoholism, stuttering, and vestibular disorders, and others.<ref name="two">Shulgina, G. I. (1986). "On neurotransmitter mechanisms of reinforcement and internal inhibition". The Pavlovian journal of biological science (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2431377</ref><ref name="three">David W. Group (25 February 2015). Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing Foods, Drugs and Nutritional Substances, 2d ed. McFarland. pp. 186–. | https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZYqoBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA186&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref><ref name="one" /> In the rest of the world, phenibut is not approved for clinical use and is instead sold as a nutritional supplement.  
Phenibut was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s, where it has been used as a pharmaceutical drug to treat a wide variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, asthenia, insomnia, alcoholism, stuttering, and vestibular disorders, and others.<ref name="two">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Shulgina, G. I.)) | journal=The Pavlovian Journal of Biological Science | title=On neurotransmitter mechanisms of reinforcement and internal inhibition | volume=21 | issue=4 | pages=129–140 | date= December 1986 | issn=0093-2213 | doi=10.1007/BF02734511}}</ref><ref name="three">{{cite book | vauthors=((Group, D. W.)) | date=25 February 2015 | title=Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing Foods, Drugs and Nutritional Substances, 2d ed. | publisher=McFarland | isbn=9780786441426}}</ref><ref name="one" /> In the rest of the world, phenibut is not approved for clinical use and is instead sold as a nutritional supplement.  


[[Subjective effects]] include [[anxiety suppression]], [[sedation]], [[muscle relaxation]], [[motivation enhancement|enhanced motivation]], and [[euphoria]]. Lower doses (under 1 gram) are typically used as a cognitive and lifestyle supplement while higher doses are used for a recreational high that is reported to be subjectively similar to [[GHB]], [[alcohol]], and certain [[benzodiazepines]].  
[[Subjective effects]] include [[anxiety suppression]], [[sedation]], [[muscle relaxation]], [[motivation enhancement|enhanced motivation]], and [[euphoria]]. Lower doses (under 1 gram) are typically used as a cognitive and lifestyle supplement while higher doses are used for a recreational high that is reported to be subjectively similar to [[GHB]], [[alcohol]], and certain [[benzodiazepines]].  


Although phenibut is commonly marketed as a [[nootropic]] by retailers, evidence that it enhances cognition is limited. It is generally accepted that phenibut has anxiolytic effects in both animal and in humans.<ref name="one">Lapin, I. (2001). "Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): A tranquilizer and nootropic drug" (pdf). CNS Drug Reviews | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x/pdf</ref> Due to its habit-forming properties, it is highly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this substance.
Although phenibut is commonly marketed as a [[nootropic]] by retailers, evidence that it enhances cognition is limited. It is generally accepted that phenibut has anxiolytic effects in both animal and in humans.<ref name="one" /> Due to its habit-forming properties, it is highly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this substance.


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
Phenibut is a derivative of GABA with a phenyl group in the β-position. The addition of a phenyl ring to the GABA molecule allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce psychoactive effects.<ref name="one">Lapin, I. (2001). "Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): A tranquilizer and nootropic drug" (pdf). CNS Drug Reviews | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x/pdf</ref> Phenibut has a near identical structure as baclofen, lacking only a chlorine atom in the para-position of the phenyl group<ref>Shulgina, G. I. (1986). On neurotransmitter mechanisms of reinforcement and internal inhibition. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science, 21(4), 129-140.</ref> and contains phenethylamine in its structure.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11830761</ref> [[Pregabalin]] also has a near identical structure as phenibut, except it has an isobutyl group instead of a phenyl group.
Phenibut is a derivative of GABA with a phenyl group in the β-position. The addition of a phenyl ring to the GABA molecule allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce psychoactive effects.<ref name="one" /> Phenibut has a near-identical structure as baclofen, lacking only a chlorine atom in the para-position of the phenyl group<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Shulgina, G. I.)) | journal=The Pavlovian Journal of Biological Science | title=On neurotransmitter mechanisms of reinforcement and internal inhibition | volume=21 | issue=4 | pages=129–140 | date= October 1986 | url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/BF02734511 | issn=0093-2213 | doi=10.1007/BF02734511}}</ref> and contains phenethylamine in its structure.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Lapin, I.)) | journal=CNS drug reviews | title=Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug | volume=7 | issue=4 | pages=471–481 | date= 2001 | issn=1080-563X | doi=10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x}}</ref> [[Pregabalin]] also has a near-identical structure as phenibut, except it has an isobutyl group instead of a phenyl group.


Phenibut is a chiral molecule and thus has two potential configurations, as (R)- and (S)-enantiomers.<ref>Dambrova, M., Zvejniece, L., Liepinsh, E., Cirule, H., Zharkova, O., Veinberg, G., & Kalvinsh, I. (2008). Comparative pharmacological activity of optical isomers of phenibut. European Journal of Pharmacology, 583(1), 128-134.</ref>
Phenibut is a chiral molecule and thus has two potential configurations, as (R)- and (S)-enantiomers.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Dambrova, M.)), ((Zvejniece, L.)), ((Liepinsh, E.)), ((Cirule, H.)), ((Zharkova, O.)), ((Veinberg, G.)), ((Kalvinsh, I.)) | journal=European Journal of Pharmacology | title=Comparative pharmacological activity of optical isomers of phenibut | volume=583 | issue=1 | pages=128–134 | date= March 2008 | url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S001429990800068X | issn=00142999 | doi=10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.01.015}}</ref>


Most commercial phenibut is reported to be in the form of the hydrochloride salt (HCl). In this form, the phenibut is reacted with hydrochloric acid to form a stable, easily dissolvable, acidic, crystalline salt.
Most commercial phenibut is reported to be in the form of the hydrochloride salt (HCl). In this form, the phenibut is reacted with hydrochloric acid to form a stable, easily dissolvable, acidic, crystalline salt.


Alternatively, phenibut can exist as a free amino acid (FAA). In this form, phenibut is close to pH neutral, non-crystalline, slow to dissolve and mildly bitter. The FAA form has about 20% more phenibut molecules on an equal mass basis compared to phenibut HCl. Phenibut FAA has the advantage of being suitable for [[sublingual]], [[Routes_of_administration#Rectal|rectal]], or [[snorting|intranasal]] use, which can be more efficient, faster acting, and predictable for some. Phenibut FAA is converted to phenibut HCl in the stomach. Equal masses of the two forms will have roughly equivalent effects when taken the same way (FAA may be slightly stronger).
Alternatively, phenibut can exist as a free amino acid (FAA). In this form, phenibut is close to pH neutral, non-crystalline, slow to dissolve and mildly bitter. The FAA form has about 20% more phenibut molecules on an equal mass basis compared to phenibut HCl. Phenibut FAA has the advantage of being suitable for [[sublingual]], [[Routes_of_administration#Rectal|rectal]], or [[snorting|intranasal]] use, which can be more efficient, faster-acting, and predictable for some. Phenibut FAA is converted to phenibut HCl in the stomach. Equal masses of the two forms will have roughly equivalent effects when taken the same way (FAA may be slightly stronger).


==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Phenibut has a more complex pharmacological profile than many other [[depressants]].  
Phenibut has a more complex pharmacological profile than many other [[depressants]].  
Unlike [[benzodiazepines]], for example, phenibut acts as a full [[agonist]] of the [[GABA]]<sub>B</sub> [[receptor]], similar to baclofen and high doses of [[GHB]].<ref name="eight">GABAb Receptor Pharmacology: A Tribute to Norman Bowery: A Tribute to Norman Bowery. Academic Press. | https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_iMDQOA2UIsC&pg=PA25&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref> At higher doses, phenibut loses its selectivity of GABA<sub>B</sub>, and gains additional activity as a GABA<sub>A</sub> [[agonist]].<ref name="ZyablitsevaPavlova2010">{{cite journal|last1=Zyablitseva|first1=E. A.|last2=Pavlova|first2=I. V.|title=Effects of the GABA Receptor Agonist Phenibut on Spike Activity and Interactions between Neocortex and Hippocampus Neurons in Emotionally Negative Situations|journal=Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology|volume=40|issue=9|year=2010|pages=1003–1011|issn=0097-0549|doi=10.1007/s11055-010-9360-y}}</ref>  
Unlike [[benzodiazepines]], for example, phenibut acts as a full [[agonist]] of the [[GABA]]<sub>B</sub> [[receptor]], similar to baclofen and high doses of [[GHB]].<ref name="eight">{{cite book | date=21 September 2010 | title=GABAb Receptor Pharmacology: A Tribute to Norman Bowery | publisher=Academic Press | isbn=9780123786487}}</ref> At higher doses, phenibut loses its selectivity of GABA<sub>B</sub>, and gains additional activity as a GABA<sub>A</sub> [[agonist]].<ref name="ZyablitsevaPavlova2010">{{cite journal|last1=Zyablitseva|first1=E. A.|last2=Pavlova|first2=I. V.|title=Effects of the GABA Receptor Agonist Phenibut on Spike Activity and Interactions between Neocortex and Hippocampus Neurons in Emotionally Negative Situations|journal=Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology|volume=40|issue=9|year=2010|pages=1003–1011|issn=0097-0549|doi=10.1007/s11055-010-9360-y}}</ref>  
Phenibut's effects at the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor are responsible for its sedating effects.{{citation needed}}
Phenibut's effects at the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor are responsible for its sedating effects.{{citation needed}}


Recent research has shown that phenibut binds to and blocks α2δ subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), similarly to gabapentinoids such as [[gabapentin]]
Recent research has shown that phenibut binds to and blocks α2δ subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), similarly to gabapentinoids such as [[gabapentin]]
and [[pregabalin]].<ref name="nine" />  
and [[pregabalin]].<ref name="nine" /> Both enantiomers of phenibut show this action with similar efficacy. The R-enantiomer possesses five-fold greater affinity for α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels relative to the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor, whereas the S-entantiomer does not have any efficacy at the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor.<ref name="nine">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Dambrova, M.)), ((Zvejniece, L.)), ((Liepinsh, E.)), ((Cirule, H.)), ((Zharkova, O.)), ((Veinberg, G.)), ((Kalvinsh, I.)) | journal=European Journal of Pharmacology | title=Comparative pharmacological activity of optical isomers of phenibut | volume=583 | issue=1 | pages=128–134 | date=31 March 2008 | issn=0014-2999 | doi=10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.01.015}}</ref>
Both enantiomers of phenibut show this action with similar efficacy.  
 
The R-enantiomer possesses five-fold greater affinity for α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels relative to the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor, whereas the S-entantiomer does not have any efficacy at the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor.<ref name="nine">Dambrova, M.; Zvejniece, L.; Liepinsh, E.; Cirule, H.; Zharkova, O.; Veinberg, G.; Kalvinsh, I. (2008). "Comparative pharmacological activity of optical isomers of phenibut". European Journal of Pharmacology (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18275958</ref>
The [[pain relief|analgesic]] effects of phenibut in rodents are not mediated by the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor but by the blockage of α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels.<ref name="nine" />
The [[pain relief|analgesic]] effects of phenibut in rodents are not mediated by the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor but by the blockage of α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels.<ref name="nine" />


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
In comparison to other commonly used [[GABA|GABAergic]] depressants such as [[alcohol]] or [[benzodiazepines]], phenibut is reported to be longer lasting, more euphoric and more recreational at higher doses.
In comparison to other commonly used [[GABA|GABAergic]] depressants such as [[alcohol]] or [[benzodiazepines]], phenibut is reported to be longer-lasting, more euphoric and more recreational at higher doses.


{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
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}}
}}
|{{effects/cognitive|
|{{effects/cognitive|
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Phenibut has medium to strong anxiolytic effects, although generally less powerful than [[benzodiazepines]].
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Phenibut has medium to strong anxiolytic effects, equivalent to alcohol but generally less powerful than [[benzodiazepines]].
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]''' - Phenibut has strong disinhibiting effects comparable to that of higher doses of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], or [[GHB]].
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]''' - Phenibut has strong disinhibiting effects comparable to that of higher doses of [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], or [[GHB]].
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - This effect is more pronounced than that of [[alcohol]] and [[benzodiazepines]], most likely due to more clear-headed and stimulative nature of phenibut.
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - This effect is more pronounced than that of [[alcohol]] and [[benzodiazepines]], most likely due to more clear-headed and stimulative nature of phenibut.
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{{#ask: [[Category:SUBSTANCE]][[Category:Experience]]|format=ul|Columns=1}}
{{#ask: [[Category:SUBSTANCE]][[Category:Experience]]|format=ul|Columns=1}}
Additional experience reports can be found here:
Additional experience reports can be found here:
* [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Smarts_Phenibut.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Phenibut]
 
*[https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Smarts_Phenibut.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: Phenibut]


==Toxicity and harm potential==
==Toxicity and harm potential==
{{toxicity}}
Phenibut has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose. However, it is [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]] or [[opioids]]]].
Phenibut has a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose. However, it is [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethal]] when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]] or [[opioids]]]].


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It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.


===Tolerance and addiction potential===
===Dependence and abuse potential===
Phenibut is [[Addiction potential::moderately physically and psychologically addictive]], although this usually only occurs with heavy abuse of the substance.
Phenibut is [[Addiction potential::moderately physically and psychologically addictive]], although this usually only occurs with heavy abuse of the substance.


Tolerance will develop to the sedative-hypnotic effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of days of continuous use]].  
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-hypnotic effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of days of continuous use]].  
After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]].  
After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]].  
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms include severe [[anxiety]], nervousness, hallucinations, tremors, agitation, [[dizziness]], tension, irritation, [[increased heart rate|rapid heartbeat]], [[physical fatigue|fatigue]], [[appetite suppression|loss of appetite]], [[nausea]], vomiting, [[psychosis]], and [[insomnia]].<ref name="three">David W. Group (25 February 2015). Encyclopedia of Mind Enhancing Foods, Drugs and Nutritional Substances, 2d ed. McFarland. pp. 186–. | https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZYqoBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA186&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms include severe [[anxiety]], nervousness, hallucinations, tremors, agitation, [[dizziness]], tension, irritation, [[increased heart rate|rapid heartbeat]], [[physical fatigue|fatigue]], [[appetite suppression|loss of appetite]], [[nausea]], vomiting, [[psychosis]], and [[insomnia]].<ref name="three" />


Phenibut produces cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[GABA]]genic depressants]], meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect.
Phenibut produces cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[GABA]]genic depressants]], meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect.
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===Dangerous interactions===
===Dangerous interactions===
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
*'''[[Depressants]]''' (''[[1,4-Butanediol]], [[2M2B]], [[alcohol]],<ref>Koski, A., Ojanperä, I., & Vuori, E. (2002). Alcohol and benzodiazepines in fatal poisonings. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 26(7), 956-959.</ref> [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[GHB]]/[[GBL]], [[methaqualone]], [[opioids]]'') - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of [[respiratory depression]]. These substances potentiate the [[muscle relaxation]], [[sedation]] and [[amnesia]] caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it.
 
*'''[[Dissociatives]]''' - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and dying from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it.
*'''[[Depressants]]''' (''[[1,4-Butanediol]], [[2M2B]], [[alcohol]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Koski, A.)), ((Ojanpera, I.)), ((Vuori, E.)) | journal=Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research | title=Alcohol and Benzodiazepines in Fatal Poisonings | volume=26 | issue=7 | pages=956–959 | date= July 2002 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2002.tb02627.x | issn=0145-6008 | doi=10.1111/j.1530-0277.2002.tb02627.x}}</ref> [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[GHB]]/[[GBL]], [[methaqualone]], [[opioids]]'') - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of [[respiratory depression]]. These substances potentiate the [[muscle relaxation]], [[sedation]] and [[amnesia]] caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it.
*'''[[Stimulants]]''' -  It is dangerous to combine phenibut with [[stimulant]]s due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the [[sedation|sedative]] effect of phenibut, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of phenibut will be significantly increased, leading to intensified [[disinhibition]] as well as [[Phenibut#Subjective effects|other effects]]. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of phenibut per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.
*'''[[Dissociatives]]''' - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the [[recovery position]] or have a friend move them into it.
*'''[[Stimulants]]''' -  Phenibut is reported to enhance the positive effects of [[stimulants]] as well as reduce jitteriness and anxiety.<ref>{{Citation | title=The Drug Classroom - Phenibut: Combinations | url=https://thedrugclassroom.com/video/phenibut/}}</ref> However, this combination can be dangerous due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the [[sedation|sedative]] effects of phenibut; once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects of phenibut will be significantly increased, leading to intensified [[disinhibition]] as well as [[Phenibut#Subjective effects|other effects]]. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to a certain dose of phenibut prior to stimulant consumption and not redose. This combination can also potentially result in significant dehydration.


==Legal status==
==Legal status==
*'''Australia:''' Phenibut is a schedule 9 substance in Australia as of February 1st 2018, meaning it is illegal to possess, import, supply or manufacture.{{citation needed}}
 
*'''Canada:''' Phenibut is not a controlled substance in Canada, meaning it is legal to possess without any sort of license or prescription. {{citation needed}}
*'''Australia''': Phenibut is a schedule 9 substance in Australia as of February 1st 2018, meaning it is illegal to possess, import, supply or manufacture.{{citation needed}}
*'''Germany:''' Phenibut is not a controlled substance under the BtMG.<ref>http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html</ref> It is legal, as long as it is not sold for human consumption, according to §2 AMG.<ref>https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amg_1976/__2.html</ref>
*'''Canada''': Phenibut is not a controlled substance in Canada, meaning it is legal to possess without any sort of license or prescription. {{citation needed}}
*'''United Kingdom:''' Phenibut is not a controlled substance in the United Kingdom. It'' may'' be illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016, which applies a blanket restriction on all "psychoactive substances" with exemptions for alcohol, nicotine and "medicinal products".<ref>Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Legislation.gov.uk) | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref>
*'''Germany''': Phenibut may be controlled under the NpSG (''New Psychoactive Substances Act'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/anlage.html|title=Anlage NpSG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref> as of July 18, 2019. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl119s1083.pdf|title=Verordnung zur Änderung der Anlage des Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetzes und von Anlagen des Betäubungsmittelgesetzes|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=December 28, 2019|work=Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2019 Teil I|publication-date=July 17, 2019|language=de}}</ref> If this law applies to Phenibut remains unclear.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__4.html|title=§ 4 NpSG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref><ref>[https://www.ift.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Literatur/Berichte/Kraus_et_al_2020_NpSG-Abschlussbericht.pdf ''Evaluation der Auswirkungen des Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetzes  (NpSG): Abschlussbericht.'']</ref>
*'''United States:''' Phenibut is not a controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is legal to possess without any sort of license or prescription.<ref name="eleven">Phenibut Legal Status by Erowid | https://erowid.org/smarts/phenibut/phenibut_law.shtml</ref>
*'''Italy''': Phenibut is a Schedule 1 controlled substance.<ref>[http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_0_file.pdf Tabella 1](PDF) (in Italian). Ministero della Salute [Ministry of Health]. p.19. Retrieved November 24, 2020.</ref>
*'''Latvia''': Phenibut is an unscheduled prescription drug, marketed as "Noofen".<ref>https://dati.zva.gov.lv/zalu-registrs/?iss=1&q=Phenibutum Database of licensed phenibut medicines and their legal status under the State Agency of Medicines of the Republic of Latvia. ''Retrieved August 26, 2023.''</ref><ref>https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/50539 Active Latvian law regarding scheduled and banned substances. ''Retrieved August 26, 2023.''</ref>
*'''Switzerland''': Phenibut is not controlled under Buchstabe A, B, C and D. It could be considered legal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref>
*'''United Kingdom''': Phenibut is not a controlled substance in the United Kingdom. It'' may'' be illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016, which applies a blanket restriction on all "psychoactive substances" with exemptions for alcohol, nicotine and "medicinal products".<ref>{{Citation | title=Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted}}</ref>
*'''United States''': Phenibut is not a controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is federally legal to possess without any sort of license or prescription.<ref name="eleven">{{Citation | title=Erowid Phenibut Vault: Legal Status | url=https://erowid.org/smarts/phenibut/phenibut_law.shtml}}</ref>Phenibut is a Schedule II controlled substance in Alabama as of November 21st, 2021.<ref>Alabama List of Controlled Substances<nowiki/>https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/assets/controlledsubstanceslist.pdf</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Depressant]]
*[[Depressant]]
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenibut Phenibut (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenibut Phenibut (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.erowid.org/smarts/phenibut/ Phenibut (Erowid Vault)]
*[https://www.erowid.org/smarts/phenibut/ Phenibut (Erowid Vault)]
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<references />
<references />


[[Category:Anxiolytic]]
[[Category:Substance]]
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]]
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]]
[[Category:Depressant]]
[[Category:Depressant]]
[[Category:Anxiolytics]]
[[Category:Nootropic]]
[[Category:Gabapentinoid]]
[[Category:Gabapentinoid]]
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{{#set:Featured=true}}