Phenibut FAA Versus HCl

August 27, 2023

Phenibut has recently been trending as a mood enhancer and stress reliever. Unfortunately, while this compound is believed to improve cognition and lower anxiety, it also comes in various forms, making it challenging to find the right dosage and administration method if you’re looking to try it. 

Wondering whether to get phenibut FAA or HCl? Let’s understand the differences between both forms to figure out which one is right for you. 

What Is Phenibut? 

Phenibut is a psychoactive compound that is believed to bind to y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, increasing dopamine production and causing a ‘feel-good high.’ Users have also reported it to reduce stress and brain fog, encourage euphoria, lower social anxiety, and increase creativity and focus. 

Plus, due to its neuroprotective and anti-anxiety properties, phenibut has been used as a treatment for depression, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, stuttering, workout recovery, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. 

While the supplement hasn’t been approved by the FDA, it can be legally acquired online or over the counter (OTC) in the form of phenibut nootropic capsules or white powder. 

Types of Phenibut

While there are several forms of phenibut on the market, two of the most popular are HCl and FAA. Let’s take a look at both: 

Phenibut HCl

Phenibut HCl is the hydrochloride salt form of the compound. It is available OTC in some countries or online in the form of fine crystals or white powder, which dissolve easily in water. The acidic compound is usually cheaper than phenibut FAA because of its lower phenibut concentration. 

Plus, due to the lower concentration, HCl doses are higher (about one-third more) compared to FAA. So, a typical dose may start from 350 milligrams, taken one to three times per day and once or twice per week on an empty stomach. However, because phenibut HCl is highly acidic and may damage the teeth, many users dissolve it in water or juice before ingestion.  

Phenibut FAA

Phenibut FAA is the free-amino-acid form of the supplement; it isn’t as soluble as phenibut HCl and is available as a powder and capsule. Because it’s more concentrated than phenibut HCl, phenibut FAA is more expensive. 

Plus, because of its concentration, phenibut FAA is taken in lower doses, usually as a sublingual or by dissolving it in water one hour before ingestion. A regular dose of the compound may start from 250 milligrams, taken one to three times per day and once or twice per week on an empty stomach. 

Phenibut HCl Versus FAA: What’s the Difference?  

While phenibut HCl and FAA are chemically identical and have similar effects on the body, they have several differences: 

• Phenibut FAA is more concentrated than phenibut HCl. 
• Phenibut FAA is less soluble than phenibut HCl. 
• Phenibut FAA is more expensive than phenibut HCl. 

Do Phenibut HCl and FAA Have Any Side Effects?

While most users don’t report any issues, possible side effects of phenibut HCl and Phenubut FAA include: 

• Irritability 
• Drowsiness 
• Headache
• Nausea
• Poor balance
• Visual hallucinations 
• Psychosis
• Trouble breathing 

Phenibut can also potentially lead to dependence, with people experiencing tremors, muscle aches, anxiety, decreased appetite, insomnia, and seizures after stopping their usage after at least three days of regular use. 

If taken in large doses, phenibut has the potential unconsciousness, comas, and even death. In fact, out of the 1,320 phenibut exposure calls from 2009 to 2019, eighty (6.2%) patients became comatose, and one in eight (12.6%) experienced major life-threatening effects, which led to three deaths.

So, to avoid or reduce the risk of side effects, it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage guidelines for the compound. 

What Are the Guidelines for Using Phenibut FAA and HCl?

Just like any other chemical compound, phenibut can be risky if abused. Here are some guidelines that phenibut enthusiasts recommend keeping in mind:

• Keep within the two-gram-per-day and one-gram, single-dose limits. 
• Try not to use phenibut more than two or three days per week because of its habit-forming effects.  
• Do not use it with other central nervous system depressants like anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, opioids, and alcohol. Doing so can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. 
• Don’t use phenibut if you’re pregnant and breastfeeding or have stomach ulcers, chronic liver disease, and alcohol addiction. 

Phenibut HCl or FAA: Which Is Better?

This depends on availability and reason for use. For instance, if you’re using phenibut to improve your mood, HCl might be a better choice because of its high solubility and cost effectiveness. You can dissolve it in anything, and long-term use won’t break the bank. 

However, this isn’t to say that you shouldn’t use phenibut FAA. If you have the budget, you can go with FAA for its higher concentration–but remember that it comes with lower ease of administration, which can limit on-the-go ingestion.

Wondering how long phenibut lasts in your system? Check out our latest post!

Legal Disclaimer

This product has not been approved by the US FDA. All statements on this page are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the US FDA.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. See more