Phenibut

Evidence: ★★☆☆☆ · Status: Not Approved, OTC Supplement

💡 Did you know? Phenibut was developed in the Soviet Union and packed in cosmonauts' kits — calm without dulling performance. It's also genuinely addictive, with a rough withdrawal.

In plain English

A calming, sociable "GABA" compound — but it hooks you quickly and withdrawal is genuinely nasty. Easy to get into trouble with.

How it works

GABA-B receptor (GABBR1) agonist (and mild GABA-A / dopamine); anxiolytic and pro-social, but tolerance and physical dependence develop fast.

Molecular target & official sources

GABBR1 GABA-B receptor (NCBI Gene) · Phenibut (PubChem CID 14113)

Watch out

Rapid tolerance, severe withdrawal. Use rarely if at all.

Bottom line

Effective anxiolytic with a real dependence trap — caution.

Helps with: Focus & Cognition · Stress & Anxiety

Stacks with

Shares a pathway — often paired with: Caffeine, Modafinil / Armodafinil, Amphetamine (Adderall) / Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), Methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Availability & where to buy

Not widely approved. Not approved for general sale in most markets (Singapore included). Grey-market only — dose, purity and legality uncertain.

How it works: the GABA / Glutamate pathway →

Common questions

Does Phenibut actually work?

Human-evidence rating: 2 of 5. Effective anxiolytic with a real dependence trap — caution.

What are the risks or side effects of Phenibut?

Rapid tolerance, severe withdrawal. Use rarely if at all.

Is Phenibut legal or approved?

Regulatory status: Not Approved, OTC Supplement.