Phenibut

Description

Phenibut is a depressant drug with anti-anxiety effects, with similarities to pregabalin and baclofen. Phenibut is used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Latvia. It is not approved for medical use in the UK, but is sold online as an unlicensed nootropic supplement.

Pharmacology

Phenibut has been classified as an atypical tranquiliser due to its mixed pharmacological action. Phenibut is a full agonist of the GABA-B receptor as well as a gabapentinoid, which block α2δ-1/2 calcium channel subunits (see Pregabalin for further information about gabapentinoids). Compared to baclofen and benzodiazepines, phenibut had considerably weaker anti-anxiety and tranquilising effects.

Alongside its GABA-mimicking and gabapentinoid effects, it has also been shown to stimulate dopamine receptors and block β-PEA in animal studies – a natural stimulating amine thought to contribute to anxiety.

There is not much research on the pharmacokinetics or toxicology of phenibut in animals or humans.

Interactions

The combination of phenibut with other depressants, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, is likely to carry the same increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose as other gabapentinoids. As opioid tolerance leads to more calcium channels in nerve cells, phenibut may also reduce opioid tolerance which can lead to accidental overdose. Drinking alcohol alongside taking phenibut can lead to increased sedative effects on the brain and body.

Harm Reduction

• Start low, go slow: Take a small amount and wait until you can feel the effects before taking more/anything else
• Try not to use alone: If something goes wrong, someone is there to get help
• Be careful mixing: Mixing phenibut with other depressants increases overdose risk – avoid if you can, otherwise take less of each, as they can increase the effects and risks
• Carry naloxone: In case opioids are in the mix
• Test your stuff: Find out how to send a sample to WEDINOS for testing here: https://www.wedinos.wales or pick up some test strips at our Harm Reduction Hub
• Don’t suddenly stop taking them, or you may start to experience symptoms of withdrawal: these can range from a return of your original symptoms (possibly even worse than before) to totally new symptoms.
• If you have become physically dependent on phenibut, the symptoms of abruptly stopping are likely to be even worse. It’s important to get proper medical advice on how to reduce your intake slowly.
• It’s also possible to become psychologically dependent on the drug (feeling like you need it all the time). If you think this is happening, see your doctor as soon as possible, but don’t suddenly stop taking it.

History

Phenibut was first synthesised by Prof Vsevolod Perekalin and colleagues at Herzen Pedagogic Institute, and introduced into medical use in the USSR in the 1960s. At the start of the 21st century, the niche prescription drug gained popularity within bodybuilding and online communities, and started appearing in unregulated ‘nutritional supplements’. As phenibut grew in popularity, more reports appeared of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawals similar to benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids. Since 2018, phenibut has become a controlled substance in Australia and several European countries.

Law

• Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

Possible offences

• Possession With Intent To Supply
  • Maximum sentence – 7 years/fine/both
• Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
  • Maximum sentence – 7 years/fine/both
• Import/Export
  • Maximum sentence – 7 years/fine/both

In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.