Phenibut & Social Anxiety

This article will cover Phenibut in relation to social anxiety, we will first understand what Phenibut is, what is it used for, if it has any harmful side effects, and whether it can cause addiction? We will also learn what is meant by social anxiety and what are the symptoms seen by socially anxious people. Finally, we will answer a few FAQs to get a better understanding of the topic. 

Phenibut Social Anxiety 

Phenibut is an anti-anxiety medication prescribed in Russia. Since the 1960s, it’s been used to treat insomnia, depression, stuttering, vestibular disorders, irregular heartbeat, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Phenibut is a GABA-B agonist and goes by the names B-phenyl-y-aminobutyric acid or phenyl-GABA. it’s a fabricated form of GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, one among the brain’s inhibitory neurotransmitters.

GABA has the effect of inducing a relaxed, calm feeling. an individual will feel reduced anxiety and nervousness in social situations, like, should have more control over feelings and thoughts. By regulating overactive neural processing, it can help people that tend to overthink and who are overly self-conscious. Phenibut can also reduce negativity and has sedative effects.

What is Phenibut?

Phenibut is a chemical that is almost like a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is used as a narcotic and as a medicinal drug.

It is used for anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and many other conditions. There is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Also, using Phenibut can be addictive.

Phenibut is analogous to the brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Research in humans shows that it decreases anxiety and has other effects on the body. It is also used for improving memory, learning, and thinking.

What is Phenibut used for?

There is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness for the following:

  • Anxiety.
  • Alcoholism.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Fear.
  • Insomnia.
  • Tension.
  • Stress.
  • Fatigue.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Depression.
  • Improving memory, learning, and thinking.
  • Other conditions.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

How does it work?

The Phenibut high begins when it binds with the GABA receptors within the brain to scale back anxiety and promote relaxation, social ease, along with pain relief by reducing the signals from the central nervous system to the brain. Phenibut doesn’t affect the performance of the body, it essentially relaxes the body without the drowsiness of sleep.

High doses of Phenibut in combination with alcohol can heighten the side effects because they both bind with the GABA receptor. Alcohol can lower the acuteness of motor skills and cause the user to become belligerent. 

This is what makes a Phenibut high so attractive, the fact that a substance can completely relax a person in stressful situations but doesn’t slow the bodily function is truly the coveted feeling nootropic addicts seek, therefore in high doses, Phenibut can be toxic.

Side effects of Phenibut include:

  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sedation and sleepiness
  • Agitation
  • Excessive muscle relaxation or tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • Tolerance
  • Serotonin syndrome 

Signs of Phenibut overdose include:

  • Shallow, irregular breathing. If you need a CPAP mask to improve your breathing during anxiety attacks, try these Best CPAP Mask for Anxiety.
  • Drowsiness and lethargy
  • Increased sweating
  • The decrease in blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lowering body temperature

Phenibut in relationship to social anxiety

This Russian anti-anxiety medication was created for cosmonauts within the program to scale back stress and promote healthy sleep. Indeed, the drug has been clinically used to relieve tension, fear, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and insomnia. 

It’s also used to enhance intellectual function in psychological state disorders. Recreationally, it earned the nickname “the happy drug” and is claimed to induce euphoria.

Phenibut is less sedating than some other anti-anxiety medications because it also has stimulating properties at low dosages, and is a purported nootropic. These are also known as smart drugs, and help to increase focus. Due to these combined effects, Phenibut is often used to reduce social anxiety, become more sociable, and get work or studying done.

Chemically, Phenibut is similar to the neurotransmitter GABA, which reduces the excitability of brain cells. That helps explain why people report feeling relaxed and happy when they take it. Phenibut helps the consumer deal with social anxiety without clouding their mind. 

Unfortunately, Phenibut tolerance can develop within weeks of occasional use. This leads people to take higher and higher doses, increasing the likelihood of forming a dependence and difficulty in the withdrawing experience. 

What we recommend for curbing Anxiety

Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety

Online Therapy

  • Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.

Anxiety Weighted Blankets

  • Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.

Light Therapy

  • Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night.  An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.

FAQs: Phenibut Social Anxiety

Is Phenibut good for anxiety?

Yes, Phenibut is used recreationally for reducing anxiety and social inhibition, and for its mood-elevating and tranquilizer effects.

Is Phenibut neuroprotective?

Phenibut is used as a mood elevator and tranquilizer in clinics,  because of its anxiolytic and nootropic effects. The neuroprotective properties of Phenibut have been reported previously in rats with cerebral ischemia after occlusion of the carotid arteries

Does Phenibut increase serotonin?

No, Phenibut did not significantly influence the levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in various brain structures,  It produces a moderate decrease in the level of norepinephrine in the hippocampus.

Can Phenibut be taken every day?

No, Phenibut is not intended for daily use given its side effects. Unlike other nootropics that recommend a daily dosage, those containing Phenibut recommend only taking it for 2-3 days in a row and then taking 3-4 days off.

Can people OD on Phenibut?

This gives the drug significant abuse potential and the risk of dependence forming, it increases the risk of toxicity from unintentional overdose and withdrawal. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that patients may experience significant withdrawal symptoms, including agitation and even psychosis. 

Conclusion 

This article covered Phenibut concerning social anxiety, we first understood what Phenibut is, what it is used for if it has any harmful side effects, and whether it can cause addiction. If any more questions arise regarding this topic, feel free to reach out to us.

What we recommend for curbing Anxiety

Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety

Anxiety Weighted Blankets

  • Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.

Online Therapy

  • Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.

Anxiety Course

  • With over 50,000 participants, this anxiety course may be just what you need to regain control of your life.

Light Therapy

  • Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night.  An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.

References 

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1184/phenibut

https://www.rxlist.com/phenibut/supplements.htm

Is Phenibut Safe?

https://www.verywellmind.com/phenibut-withdrawal-symptoms-4691460

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