Is Phenibut Addictive?

Phenibut is a supplement new to many markets, so most people don’t know much about its benefits or the potential of getting hooked on it. This is an important consideration for anyone starting a medication or supplement. After all, addictions are dangerous, destructive, and expensive.

Let’s say you purchased phenibut nootropic 250 milligram capsules, and now you are hearing rumors about risks associated with it. You would want to know if it is harmful to exceed that dosage, or if you are setting yourself up for an addiction. 

Here is more information about what phenibut is used for, dosing, and how it compares to other substances.

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut is a nootropic supplement, also known as a ‘smart drug.’ It’s not FDA-approved, but it’s legal to consume in the United States. It was first developed in Russia in the 1960s to calm astronauts without impairing their mental performance the way benzodiazepines would. Today, people take phenibut to help with insomnia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcoholism, among other things.

How Does Phenibut Compare to Kratom?

If you’re considering phenibut, you may have also explored kratom as an option. When considering kratom versus phenibut, keep in mind that phenibut is lab-created, whereas kratom is natural. Kratom interacts with opioid receptors, and phenibut interacts with your brain’s GABA neurotransmitter system. Some users claim that both have a lower risk for addiction than other substances like benzos, but neither one is risk-free.

How Does Phenibut Compare to Benzos?

Some people find benzos to be numbing, whereas phenibut is known to elevate your mood. However, benzos have been heavily studied because they’re FDA-approved while there’s little proven scientific information available in English about phenibut. As the nootropic becomes more popular, more studies will hopefully be done on its benefits and risks.

The Risk of Addiction

The supplement can be addicting, especially if misused. For example, if you take more than the recommended phenibut dosage for sleep, you could face withdrawal symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations. 

Many experts advise against taking phenibut every day because this can create both a tolerance and a dependence on the nootropic. If you’re finding yourself building up a tolerance to it, even at the smallest recommended doses, it may be time to try something else.

How Much Phenibut Can I Take?

Experienced phenibut users may be able to take up to 1,500 milligrams a day. However, this should not be a starting point. If you’re trying phenibut for sleep for the first time, it’s a good idea to take up to 250 milligrams two hours before bed without food in your system.

However, don’t take phenibut on a daily basis–instead, Nectac recommends taking it once or twice a week, if needed. At most, you can take it three times a week, but any more than this can lead to an addiction.

How Can I Quit Phenibut?

If you feel like you need to stop taking phenibut, people on Reddit say you shouldn’t simply quit cold turkey, as this can cause more serious withdrawal symptoms. Slowly reducing the supplement dosage until you can stop completely is a much better idea. 

Sometimes, a medical detox is necessary to manage the symptoms. In this scenario, you may be given different medications to help you manage your phenibut withdrawal, as well as professional support.

In Summary

When used correctly, phenibut is safe and effective for most consumers. However, if you need help quitting, help is available in nearly every country. 

Those looking for a safer alternative to benzos should browse CosmicNootropic for over-the-counter options. We carry nootropics to meet a wide variety of needs, and we also offer a 10% discount if you’re paying with cryptocurrency. Browse our online store today to learn more about phenibut and to see if it’s right for you!

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