Initially developed in Russia during the 1960s to mitigate stress in astronauts, phenibut has gained traction as a nootropic supplement and sleep aid among individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and mental performance. But how does it work? What are the benefits of taking it? And are there any side effects?
We're going to answer all these questions and more in this article below!
An Introduction to Phenibut
Phenibut is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (1). It induces calmness by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. These receptors have a sedative effect, making them useful for treating anxiety and other neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Synthetic phenibut, also known as β-Phenyl-GABA or β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid (2), was created in Russia in the 1960s to assist astronauts in maintaining a peaceful state of mind. Since its introduction, phenibut has been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, sleeplessness, PTSD, and social anxiety.
It is still sold under the brand names Fenibut, Anvifen, and Noofen for the treatment of anxiety, stress, and tension, and to promote relaxation and improved sleep quality.
Phenibut vs. GABA
Unlike GABA, phenibut can cross the blood-brain barrier when combined with certain other substances. When used in small doses, phenibut may effectively alleviate anxiety due to its unique ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
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Having established some foundational knowledge about phenibut, let's delve into its primary classification as a nootropic substance.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are substances that are used to enhance mental abilities, such as learning, memory recall, and problem-solving (3). Compounds that are both natural and synthetic, such as caffeine and ginkgo biloba, may be included in this category. Other examples of synthetic substances are alpha GPC and piracetam.
The neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, are the targets of nootropics.
How Does Phenibut Function?
Like alcohol and benzodiazepines, phenibut operates by binding to the GABA-B receptor and, in rare cases, the GABA-A receptor in the human body.
The binding of phenibut to GABA-B receptors increases receptor activity, which in turn decreases neuronal activity. This has a sedative impact on the brain, making it easier for the person taking phenibut to relax.
One possible mechanism for its mood-lifting effects is that it stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure (4)
As phenibut has a lengthy half-life, its aftereffects may linger for several hours. This means that the molecule may take some time to reach peak concentrations in the brain, resulting in a more gradual start of effects.
Comparing Phenibut FAA with HCL, What Is the Difference?
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Phenibut HCL is the most well-known version of the phenibut nootropic, but there are two common types available. When the free amino acid form of phenibut is allowed to react with hydrochloric acid, the resulting hydrochloride salt is known as phenibut HCL. Once phenibut became commercially available, the HCL variety has far outsold any other kind. It's the most user-friendly option, and it's cheaper for the typical customer, too.
The free amino acid version of phenibut is known as FAA. Because of its appropriateness for sublingual administration, the FAA form of phenibut has been more widely available in recent years. Phenibut FAA is a sublingual spray that may be administered much more easily than phenibut HCL. It'll dissolve in your mouth and go straight into your circulatory system.
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Unlocking the Potential of Phenibut
When administered, phenibut acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter by binding to GABA receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid). To prevent excessive neuronal firing, your brain relies on GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter. Phenibut, like GABA, can bind to GABAA receptors and provide analgesic and antidepressant effects.
Benefits of Phenibut include:
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Reduced Anxiety
Phenibut is commonly used as an antidepressant agent, which means that it can assist to lessen feelings of anxiety and enhance feelings of calmness in those who take it. It can accomplish this by binding to GABA-B receptors in the brain and lowering neuronal activity.
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Increasing HGH levels
In recent years, phenibut has been utilized by weightlifters and bodybuilders as a means to stimulate the synthesis of HGH.
A recent study concluded that taking phenibut at the appropriate dosage and in the correct manner can assist stimulate the synthesis of human growth hormone (HGH). (5)
The findings of the study were summarized in a way that suggested that phenibut has a chemical composition that is virtually equal to that of GABA. GABA is the compound that is responsible for inducing feelings of relaxation as well as triggering the pituitary gland to produce HGH.
As a result, phenibut is regarded as a trustworthy and risk-free method that can assist in increasing HGH levels.
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Mood Enhancer
Enhancement of mood and promotion of a general sense of well-being are two of the purported effects of phenibut. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is linked to feelings of reward, motivation, and pleasure. Its capacity to increase dopamine release in the brain may be responsible for this effect.
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Increased Quality of Sleep
Phenibut has been shown to increase both the quality and length of sleep. It accomplishes this by decreasing the amount of neural activity and boosting relaxation, both of which can aid to expedite the beginning of sleep and help to keep it going throughout the night.
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Relief from Pain
Analgesic characteristics have been attributed to phenibut. This is accomplished via the drug's ability to bind to GABA-B receptors in the brain, which in turn lowers the activity level of pain-signaling pathways.
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Sleeping aid
Phenibut is effective as a sleep aid at low dosages.
A common dose recommendation for phenibut's use as a sleep aid is 500 milligrams (mg) taken 2 hours before bed on an empty stomach.
Phenibut Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
The effective dose of phenibut differs from person to person. However, most studies conclude that new users of phenibut should begin with a 200-mg daily dosage.
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Where to Purchase High-Quality Phenibut?
Many different brands and companies sell phenibut online, but it can be difficult to find out which ones are genuine and which ones are not.
When it comes to purchasing phenibut, it is important to ensure that the product is of high quality and sourced from a reliable manufacturer. Paradigm Peptides is a reputable online manufacturer of high-quality phenibut as well as many other research based supplements.
A Final Word on Is Phenibut Right for You?
Ultimately, Phenibut is a supplement that is effective in reducing stress and anxiety. However, it's important to note that not everyone will have the same experience with this substance.
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It's essential to understand that nootropics are not a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone experiencing severe anxiety or other mental health conditions should seek professional medical advice.
Disclaimer:
The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
