From the Research
Phenibut has several side effects, and its use should be approached with caution due to its potential for dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms, as evidenced by recent studies 1, 2.
Overview of Phenibut Side Effects
Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant that can cause a range of side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches At higher doses, users may experience more severe effects, such as:
- Confusion
- Coordination problems
- Respiratory depression
Dependence and Withdrawal
Phenibut is also associated with significant withdrawal symptoms when stopped after regular use, including:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Severe cases of psychosis or seizures Physical dependence can develop in as little as 1-2 weeks of regular use, with the typical dosage range being 250-1000mg, but tolerance develops quickly, leading users to increase their dose 3, 4.
Clinical Evidence
A systematic review of phenibut withdrawal found that it can cause severe symptoms, including delirium, hallucinations, and seizures, and that treatment strategies vary widely, with benzodiazepines or barbiturates with adjunctive baclofen being the most commonly used drugs for moderate to severe withdrawal 2. Another study found that exposure calls to a regional poison center regarding phenibut have increased over the past five years, with CNS depression being common and associated with significant clinical outcomes, including respiratory failure requiring intubation 5.
Recommendation
Due to the risks associated with phenibut, including its potential for dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms, it should be used with extreme caution, preferably under medical supervision, and never combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids 1, 2.