Phenibut: A Calming Nootropic With Cognitive Benefits
Mental well-being is becoming increasingly important as more and more mental disorders are on the rise among people of all ages. One of the most common and easiest ways to combat mental and cognitive problems is the use of quick-fix supplements and drugs.
There are hundreds of over-the-counter supplements that may help enhance mental performance and support cognitive functions, and these are often referred to as nootropics or cognitive enhancers. Phenibut is an example of a very popular nootropic that many people are using these days. So let’s examine some of the basic facts about this substance and its efficacy.
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About Phenibut
Phenibut is a derivative of the GABA neurotransmitter and is considered a central nervous system depressant. CNS depressants are a category of drugs that include sedatives, hypnotics, and also tranquilizers that have the ability to slow brain activity. Phenibut and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) are structurally similar and so provide similar calming effects on the brain.
GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the body and is available in over-the-counter food supplement form at many health stores. The problem with GABA supplementation is that it has long been thought that this compound lacks the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and if this is true, it would make GABA unsuitable as an anti-anxiety supplement. However, this assertion isn’t conclusive as some studies have shown that GABA supplements have had a positive effect on anxiety, calling into question this long-held theory.
Any nootropic substance capable of cognitive enhancement must be able to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, which GABA seems to have a limited ability to. While phenibut is structurally similar to GABA, it has one significant addition; a phenyl ring, and it is this phenyl ring which allows the chemical to cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently.
As a synthetic form of GABA, phenibut is able to provide the anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects of the neurotransmitter and create a calming sensation. Phenibut was created in Russia and has been used since the 1960s to treat insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety-based disorders with many people citing significant alleviation of their symptoms.
How Can Phenibut Help?
Phenibut is a commonly used nootropic agent (cognitive enhancer). Supplements and drugs in this category are typically used by “neurohackers” who seek to improve their mental performance by fighting stress and boosting their brain function by clearing their mind of debilitating anxiety, depression and other causes of cognitive impairment.
Phenibut inhibits neuron activity by targeting active nerves and limiting their firing rate. The reduced firing rate means that important brain function continues as normal, but the neurons are no longer overexcited and the person will feel calmer.
It is also believed that phenibut plays an important role in protecting nerve cells from damage caused by stress hormones. Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley found that increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol in patients with chronic stress disorders lead to nerve cell damage in the prefrontal cortex. So the less stressed you are, the better neuron health and connectivity your brain will have.
Using Phenibut
A light, starting dose of phenibut is generally considered to be in the range of 250mg to 500mg. Higher doses in the range of 750mg up to 1500mg a day can also be used, but with extra caution. Overdosing on phenibut can lead to serious side effects and risks. Your optimum dosage will depend on your age, weight and your state of health.
Many people have reported positive experiences with phenibut supplements, including increased feelings of relaxation and an increase in their social performance. This is particularly true for people who suffer from social anxiety disorders and who often struggle to feel comfortable in social situations. Overall, users of phenibut report an improvement in their mental well-being and general comfort levels.
Buying Phenibut
Phenibut is an unscheduled and unregulated substance, so it can be bought without a prescription. But because it is not an approved treatment, it should not be used to treat any disease or health condition.
Since it is neither an approved medicine nor a natural dietary supplement, phenibut is a little hard to find at major stores like CVS and Walgreens. Even Amazon discontinued phenibut supplements and you can no longer find it on their website. So where do people get it from? Nootropics vendors!
There are many manufacturers and vendors that sell phenibut through online stores. You will usually find phenibut in powder or capsule form, and it is quite cheap compared to other nootropic supplements.
When in doubt, you should seek medical advice from your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before you buy any supplement from online shops. Phenibut should be used occasionally, carefully and in moderation. Taking it on a daily basis may build up tolerance and abusing it has been shown to lead to dependence and significant withdrawal symptoms.
