Phenibut for Alcohol Withdrawal

September 2, 2023

Around 28.6 million US adults have dealt with alcohol use disorder (AUD), as reported by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and alcohol withdrawal is a difficult road for many. 

Luckily, studies suggest that phenibut might help ease the process. In this article, we’ll dive into phenibut’s role in mitigating alcohol withdrawal and discuss its benefits and risks.

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut (β-phenyl-aminobutyric acid) is a substance known for its calming effects on the brain. It’s believed to act as a depressant for the central nervous system (CNS). This means it can slow down brain activity, making it useful for treating things like alcohol use disorder, insomnia, depression, and stress.

Although the FDA does not approve its use in the United States, it’s not illegal to consume. Because there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for phenibut’s effectiveness, it can be a great way to fight alcohol withdrawal.

How Does Phenibut Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol affects the brain by causing a rise in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. When a person stops drinking, GABA levels drop rapidly. This sudden plunge can lead to psychological and physical discomfort, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and high blood pressure.

This is where phenibut might help. It’s believed to activate GABA receptors in the brain, similar to alcohol but without the intoxicating effects. This action might provide temporary relief from the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. 

By offering this short-term comfort, phenibut may help prevent a relapse into drinking, at least in the short term. But whether you’re ordering phenibut over the counter or online, make sure to keep your healthcare provider in the loop. 

What Dose Should You Take?

The dosage of phenibut varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Veteran users recommend taking phenibut after meals, in doses ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 grams, three times a day. Users typically follow this regimen for a course of two to three weeks.

In some situations, people have also increased the dose up to 0.75 grams. But, for people aged sixty and above, it’s advised to not exceed 0.5 grams per dose. Remember, these are just standard guidelines. It’s crucial to always talk to a healthcare provider to determine the proper dosage because an overdose of phenibut may have severe consequences. 

Risks and Potential Side Effects of Using Phenibut

The Risks

Using phenibut comes with several risks that are important to understand:

• Dependence: Regular use of phenibut can lead to dependence, meaning you can start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re off it. This is very similar to alcohol addiction symptoms. 
• Tolerance: Over time, you might find that you need to take more phenibut to achieve the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms: If phenibut is stopped suddenly after regular use, it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as increased heart rate, agitation, seizures, and trouble sleeping.
• Drug interactions: Phenibut can interact with other drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system.

The Side Effects

In addition to the risks, there are also certain side effects that can occur if phenibut is dosed inappropriately. These include:

• Dizziness
• Poor balance
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headaches

Things to Consider Before Using Phenibut for Alcohol Withdrawal at Home

If you are planning to use phenibut for alcohol withdrawal at home, here are a few key things experts recommend keeping in mind:

• Don’t mix alcohol and phenibut. These both work the same way and will lead to excessive central nervous depression, which can be fatal.
• Because we all are biologically different, phenibut may not work for everyone.
• Before you take phenibut and quit drinking at home, make sure you have a support system around.
• Wait until you’ve stopped drinking before starting phenibut. 
• In addition to quitting drinking, it’s also essential to repair your body from alcohol damage by addressing nutrient deficiencies.

What Should You Avoid When Taking Phenibut?

When you’re taking phenibut, it’s crucial to be careful with other substances due to possible interactions. This includes avoiding alcohol because mixing it with phenibut can lead to over-sedation and potential respiratory distress. Similarly, other drugs that slow down your brain’s activity, such as certain painkillers, sleep aids, and anti-anxiety medications, should be avoided.

Finally, antidepressants (known as MAOIs) can potentially interact harmfully with phenibut. And stimulants, like caffeine or certain ADHD medications, could also lead to discomfort when taken with phenibut. So, it is advised to avoid taking these substances together. 

For more helpful information, read our posts on phenibut for sleep and the proper phenibut dosage for anxiety.

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