As the world turns and the years go by, it seems like a new drug turns up on the streets each week. Lately, we have seen an increase in people taking, and being addicted to, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medication) and nootropics. Both drugs give different positive sensations to the user but can be highly addictive and wreak havoc on the body.
So, what is Phenibut? This is a drug that is a combination of both anxiolytics and nootropics. Below we will talk about anxiolytics and nootropics, dive deeper into what Phenibut is, what it does, and why it is dangerous.
What Are Anxiolytics?
In simple terms, anxiolytics are anti-anxiety medications. These are drugs prescribed to people who have a type of anxiety disorder ranging from generalized anxiety disorder to social anxiety/phobia. They prescribe these to take on a short-term basis as they can become addicting.
The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications are Benzodiazepines. Some popular examples include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. They help calm abnormal excitability (anxiety) and are sometimes taken as a sedative to help with sleep disorders.
Anxiolytics become addicting because of helping a person be calmer and to help for sleeping.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are a type of drug that you can get without a prescription. We also know them as ‘cognitive enhancers’ as we take them to improve memory, mental alertness, and concentration. They can also help with a person’s energy levels and feelings of wakefulness.
Prescribed nootropics that you have most likely heard of include Ritalin and Adderall. Many people who have concentration problems will usually dabble in taking nootropics, whether they be prescription or over the counter. Dependence on nootropics can be particularly harmful to younger people, as their brains are still developing.
What Is Phenibut?
Introduced in Russia’s clinical practice in the 1960s, Phenibut is a neuropsychotropic drug that combines anxiolytics and nootropics. Phenibut is still used in eastern European countries; however, they never approved it for Western countries such as North America.
Since it is not approved as a medical drug in North America, they sell it online as a nootropic supplement. It has all the effects a person gets from a nootropic and anti-anxiety medication in one: mood enhancer, sleep aid, reduced nervousness and anxiety, and increased mental stimulations such as concentration, wakefulness, and memory.
However, unlike anxiolytics and nootropics alone, Phenibut can produce a high—especially when taken in higher doses. However, this high can come when taken in smaller doses, especially when used by someone new to it. Unfortunately, many people who take Phenibut will feel a high from it as it has a delayed onset, so people will often take additional doses as they think it’s not working.
The Phenibut High
Phenibut is used socially because of its ability to give a feeling of ecstasy and increased sociability. Many Phenibut users describe the high as a euphoric feeling when taken in high doses or when taken with other drugs.
Recreational use of Phenibut leads to an intense high; however, it is usually short-lived. It can usually be compared to how a person feels when drunk—effects ranging from euphoria to dizziness, to even blackouts.
Since Phenibut regulates brain activity in the central nervous system and stimulates dopamine, it can produce a profound change in a person’s mood. If taken too often, a person’s tolerance can build quickly. This leads to abuse and dependence. Since this can happen so quickly, Phenibut overdose is more likely to happen.
Phenibut Dosages
Phenibut dosage will depend on who is taking it and the intended outcome they want. Phenubit comes in different forms, the most common being Phenibut capsules and a powder to mix in drinks. Usually, people will mix it with a caffeinated beverage such as coffee; however, others will take it on an empty stomach to absorb it faster in their system.
A person who is using Phenibut for recreational reasons usually will take between 500mg and 750mg to get high. Users of Phenibut who have been using it longer will usually take a higher dose than that, sometimes as high as 1000mg, or even higher.
The Dangers of Phenibut
The dangers of Phenubit come in many side effects that can have very harmful effects on the person consuming Phenubit. What makes this more dangerous is how easily accessible it is online. Intoxication symptoms of Phenubit can be any of the following, usually overlapping:
- Hypothermia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions)
- Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes including spastic tendencies)
- Visual Hallucinations
- Catatonia
- Psychosis
- Agitation
Signs of Addiction
Addiction to Phenibut can show itself in the same way as many other drug addictions. You probably notice that your loved one is taking more Phenibut than is recommended or is taking it for longer than usual. Other signs would be hiding their use or denying it to others. Over time, you may notice that they are taking higher doses or combining Phenubit with other drugs to get the same effect.
Check out our addiction self-test to answer questions and see if you are suffering from Phenubit addiction. Remember to be as honest in that test as possible to have the right outcome.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Phenubit can be hard on the body and can last over two weeks. Symptoms of withdrawal from Phenibut include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Cognitive Deficits
- Muscle Tension
- Hallucinations
Treatment
Addiction to Phenibut is treatable. As with many other addictions to substances, treatment can include gradual tapering off the drug. This way, a person can hopefully avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Another way of treating this is by using a different medication to restore normal neurotransmissions as the person is coming off Phenibut. After this, it will taper them off this other medication.
Therapies that can help with a Phenubit addiction can include medical detox programs, co-occurring mental health disorders programs, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. When you have gone to a doctor about your addiction, they will know the best route for you to take in recovery.
Understanding Phenubit
Although Phenubit is easily accessible and sold under the pretense, it is a health supplement and a highly addictive drug that is becoming more popular every day. Due to the combination of anxiolytics and nootropics in Phenubit, it is very easy to become addicted; however, the withdrawal can be terrible.
We hope that this article has helped answer the question of what is Phenibut and that you or a loved one may see how dangerous it can be and get help if you think you are addicted to it after reading this article.
If you are looking for more resources, please reach out to us today. We are here to help.
