Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Why is Phenibut used for Sleep?

Phenibut has tranquilizing effects

Phenibut is commonly prescribed for anxiety treatment and as a sleeping aid in Russia. It is not used as a medical substance in the West, but it can be bought as a supplement. Phenibut is known as a GABA-agonist and it specifically targets GABA-B receptors to achieve its effects, as well as stimulating dopamine production (increases mood). This is a very interesting mechanism and similar to the mode of action of many other anti-anxiety substances including benzodiazepines. At higher doses, phenibut is thought to also target GABA-A receptors – the same receptors that are targeted by alcohol.[1]

Phenibut can be used as a sleeping aid

Phenibut works in such a way that it helps to depress signals from the Central Nervous System (CNS). People with anxiety often suffer from insomnia as a result of their constant worrying (sometimes subconsciously). Anxiety is often linked to hypersensitivity, irritability and impatience[2]. Phenibut works primarily as an anxiolytic, which means it acts against anxiety. By depressing signals from the CNS, the main effects of anxiety, including insomnia, can be reduced.

phenibut-sleep

Phenibut helps to reduce the higher than normal CNS signals commonly associated with anxiety and works as an aid in achieving a good night’s sleep. However, like alcohol, which is also a GABA-agonist, higher doses may interfere with natural sleeping patterns. Human sleeping patterns are intricate and are easily influenced.[3] After having a few drinks, you may feel like you’ve slept the entire night but have actually missed a whole number of sleep cycles due to the effects of alcohol. The same may be true for phenibut, although this has not been studied sufficiently. We recommend using a low dose if you are using phenibut to aid in sleep.

Is there a hangover after using phenibut?

Phenibut generally does not produce any hangover effects, which makes it a good choice as a sleeping aid. However, higher doses can produce hangover effects and grogginess the next day. Also, since phenibut lasts for a long time in the body, it is not recommended to use phenibut more than twice per week to prevent the body from building a tolerance. Phenibut works as a substance that aids in reducing anxiety, boosting mood and promoting a feeling of calmness. This may allow the user to fall asleep easier.[4]

Natural sleeping aids

 

If you have anxiety or difficulty falling asleep then phenibut may provide a short-term solution (not more than twice weekly). It would be a good idea to see a psychologist for anxiety or a health practitioner for insomnia. Healthy eating and an active lifestyle will also help to aid in getting a good night’s sleep. rest-phenibut

Using phenibut requires cycling. The body builds up a tolerance to phenibut easily, and we recommend using phenibut no more than twice a week. If you are using phenibut to aid in falling asleep we’d recommend trying a low dose (no more than 300mg) to prevent a possible interference in natural sleeping patterns. On the off days in the phenibut cycle, there are other natural sleeping aids that may help. These include:

  • Chamomile (often taken as a tea)
  • Valerian
  • Melatonin supplements
  • L-theanine (see our products page)[5]

References:

Phenibut (β-Phenyl-GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic Drug, Lapin, I, CNS Drug Reviews

Volume 7, Issue 4, pages 471–481, December 2001

The Basics on Generalized Anxiety, Anxieties.com: http://www.anxieties.com/116/the-basics-on-generalized-anxiety#.V0lZZJN961s, retrieved 26-05-2016

Natural Patterns of Sleep, Division of Sleep Medicine at

Harvard Medical School, December 2007: http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science/what/sleep-patterns-rem-nrem, retrieved 26-05-2015

Phenibut supplement side effects, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, dose and dosage, caution, danger, adverse reactions, addiction, capsules, powder, Ray Sahelian, M.D., January 2016: http://www.raysahelian.com/phenibut.html, retrieved 26-05-2016

Natural Sleep Aids, Matthiessen, C. WebMD Feature: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/sleep-supplements-herbs, retrieved 25-05-2016

[1] Phenibut (β-Phenyl-GABA): A Tranquilizer and Nootropic Drug, Lapin, I, CNS Drug Reviews

Volume 7, Issue 4, pages 471–481, December 2001

[2] The Basics on Generalized Anxiety, Anxieties.com: http://www.anxieties.com/116/the-basics-on-generalized-anxiety#.V0lZZJN961s, retrieved 26-05-2016

[3] Natural Patterns of Sleep, Division of Sleep Medicine at

Harvard Medical School, December 2007: http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science/what/sleep-patterns-rem-nrem, retrieved 26-05-2015

[4] Phenibut supplement side effects, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, dose and dosage, caution, danger, adverse reactions, addiction, capsules, powder, Ray Sahelian, M.D., January 2016: http://www.raysahelian.com/phenibut.html, retrieved 26-05-2016

[5] Natural Sleep Aids, Matthiessen, C. WebMD Feature:

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/sleep-supplements-herbs, retrieved 25-05-2016

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