![Pills sprawled out [Image via Pexels]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/12/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/image-found-on-pexelscom-free-to-use_1743385.jpg "Pills sprawled out [Image via Pexels]")
Phenibut is growing in popularity, and many people with anxiety and sleep problems (even those without) are trying this drug. Before you jump on the Phenibut train, here is some vital information you should know.
What is Phenibut?
Phenibut is an over-the-counter nootropic supplement (cognitive enhancer) that is primarily used for stress and anxiety. It directly affects the central nervous system and it was developed in Russia's Academy of Medical Sciences in 1960. Originally, the drug was created for astronauts and was part of their kits for stress and anxiety; it was designed to boost performance without affecting it.
What are people using Phenibut for?
Today, users of Phenibut take it for it's known anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects. An article published on LiveStrong.com reports that Phenibut is used as a prescription drug to treat forms of anxiety and sleep disorders in Russia. In other countries, such as the United States, Phenibut is not approved for clinical use, according to writer Abby Campbell of Science-Based Medicine. Instead, the drug is sold as a nutritional supplement online. When used in moderation, it helps the user feel relaxed and sociable while keeping them calm and reducing stress. Some users are taking the drug to help them sleep at night. When taken in higher doses, Phenibut works as a tranquilizer and is used as a sleep aid for insomnia.
Another common reason for taking the drug is social anxiety. It negates feelings of negative judgment from others and makes the user sociable.
Positive effects of recreational use
If you use Phenibut in small to moderate amounts, it has astounding positive effects. A few benefits are:
- Lowers stress
- Reduces anxiety
- Keeps the user calm
- Helps with sleep disorders
- Wanting to socialize
It provides all of these benefits without impairment.
Writers at Corpina.com have experimented with the drug and have described the feeling as "an alcohol buzz without the intoxication."
Negative effects of recreational use
Once the drug wears off, our bodies naturally want more. Continued use builds up your tolerance and leads to taking more than you should. One might think that if they take more, it'll intensify the feeling; but with Phenibut, increasing the dosage does not increase its effects.
It's not meant to be used as a long-term treatment; many clinical studies suggest taking it no more than a few months, according to LiveStrong.com. Long-term use can cause severe anxiety, insomnia, and even depression.
The takeaway
Phenibut can be a great temporary solution to anxiety and sleep problems. But if one continues to use the drug more than recommended, it can worsen the initial reasons for taking it. If you are considering using Phenibut, please be cautious of the devastating, long-term effects and use it carefully.
