Phenibut for bulimia - mechanism of action, side effects and contraindications

What is this?

Phenibut is a drug that has anti-anxiety and nootropic effects. Widely used in the treatment of various neurological and mental disorders. Phenibut is well suited for simultaneous:

eliminating anxiety;
maintaining clarity of thoughts;
effective ability for mental and physical work.

Phenibut from SNS Smart Powders can be purchased without a prescription in sports nutrition stores. The drug is a dietary supplement and is available in dosages of 300 and 500 mg.

Fig 1 - Phenibut SNS Smart Powders

The drug Phenibut contains several components - the main active ingredient and additional ones. The main active ingredient of Phenibut is aminophenylbutyric acid, full name gamma-amino-beta-phenylbutyric acid.

The active substance is obtained from a combination of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA for short) and phenylethylamine.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid ensures metabolism and increases the efficiency of brain cells. It is classified as a nootropic substance, that is, a means that increases the efficiency of intellectual work, concentration and memory.

The second component of the drug, phenylethylamine, has the effect of a tranquilizer and an anti-anxiety agent. According to reviews, Phenibut reduces feelings of anxiety and attacks of fear, panic, enhances performance and normalizes sleep.

Together, GABA and phenylethylamine act as a nootropic activating agent with an anti-anxiety tranquilizer effect. It is this combination that increases the intellectual functioning of the brain under conditions of severe stress and the need to get rid of anxiety and other nervous conditions.

In addition to the main substance, the medicine contains auxiliary substances, such as lactose (milk sugar), potato starch, and calcium stearate. These substances enhance the properties of Phenibut, improve the effect on the body and prolong the effect of its use.

The question often arises: Is Phenibut an antidepressant or a tranquilizer?

As mentioned above, Phenibut simultaneously has a psychostimulating and tranquilizing effect, and in addition it also has an antioxidant and antiplatelet effect. The medicine is often used as an antidepressant because it increases the level of dopamine, the “happy hormone.” In addition, it has a mild tranquilizer effect. You can buy Phenibut without a prescription.

Phenibut quickly and effectively removes feelings of tension, emotional abnormalities and neuroses. Most doctors classify Phenibut as a nootropic drug with an anti-anxiety effect. But in some cases it is used in treatment precisely as a tranquilizer.

The international nonproprietary name of the product is Phenibut or gamma-amino-beta-phenylbutirate hydrochloride, after the name of the main active ingredient.

For what?

Phenibut is not prohibited. This is a medicine with a broad complex effect, it:

helps reduce the level of internal tension;
relaxes, increases motivation, improves mood, increases creativity;
normalizes oxygen exchange and blood circulation in the vessels of the brain;
increases the speed of passage of nerve impulses;
Phenibut enhances the ability to conduct physical and mental activity, endurance;
relieves headaches, dizziness, sleep disorders;
normalizes muscle tone;
speeds up metabolism.

Phenibut is prescribed as a sedative and anti-anxiety agent:

for insomnia at night to improve sleep;
with nightmares;
with asthenia (apathy, lethargy, feeling of exhaustion and powerlessness);
with vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD);
various neuroses and depression;
for children to combat hyperactivity;
for stuttering, tics, speech disorders, enuresis in children.

Some patients write that they use Phenibut for weight loss. This effect is explained by the fact that the product increases the level of growth hormone, speeds up metabolism and removes toxins from the body.

Phenibut is used to improve the well-being of athletes; it is prescribed in bodybuilding and sports as a restorative agent for:

reducing fatigue and tension;
muscle recovery after training, relaxation and normalization of muscle tone;
increased muscle activity;
removing toxins from the body;
stimulation and support of the production of hormones that affect the building of muscle mass;
Phenibut helps normalize sleep and rest of the body;
treatment of psychological disorders associated with stress in the body due to physical activity, to get rid of anxiety, normalize sleep;
recovery from physical and psychological exhaustion of the body;
increasing endurance.

Action

Let's look at the mechanism of action of the drug Phenibut.

When Phenibut enters the body, it first affects the functioning of nerve impulses and improves the activity of nerve cells. Phenibut normalizes tissue metabolism, increases the rate of blood circulation in the brain, dilates blood vessels, from large to small, which increases oxygen saturation of cells and prevents blockage of arteries with blood clots, reduces the tone of brain vessels, and improves blood circulation. This improves the functioning of the brain, leads to stimulation of thinking, memory, and attention. Phenibut neutralizes the effects of free radicals.

The active substance enters the body, dissolves in gastric juice and enters the blood. The effects of Phenibut after administration on average begin to act and appear within an hour. Due to individual characteristics, the onset of action of Phenibut may vary - it may be slightly shorter or longer.

After 3 hours from the moment of entry into the body, the concentration of the drug in the blood becomes maximum. And it begins to weaken due to gradual elimination from the body. The effectiveness of the drug taken lasts 6-8 hours. After this time, more than 50% of Phenibut is excreted from the body. To maintain the medicinal properties, repeat taking the medicine. Phenibut is completely eliminated from the body within 9-12 hours from the moment of administration.

In the case of a single dose, the effect is not always sufficient. To improve the functioning of the nervous system and brain function, it is necessary to take a course of Phenibut.

The greatest effect is usually observed after the fifth day of treatment with Phenibut. After stopping the course of taking Phenibut, the residual effect lasts up to two weeks.

The main active ingredient of Phenibut is non-toxic, has a minimum of side effects when used correctly, and does not cause allergic or carcinogenic effects.

Pharmaceutical properties of the drug

The drug has an antiamnestic effect and has an antihypoxic effect. As a result of antioxidant activity, the drug prevents thrombus formation. In addition, Noobut has the following effects on the body:

reduces psycho-emotional disorders;
eliminates feelings of fear, nervousness and anxiety;
improves sleep;
increases indicators of memory processes, speed and accuracy of psychological reactions, attention.

Another property of the drug is to enhance the effects of neuroleptic, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Its effectiveness against epileptic conditions has been proven.

After internal use, Noobut is quickly absorbed into all tissues of the body. Distributed evenly in the kidneys and liver.

But the distribution of the active substance in the blood and brain is relatively uneven. It is excreted in the urine within three hours, although the active substance in the brain is observed even after six hours.

Compatibility

Mexidol

Mexidol is an antioxidant drug that increases resistance to stress, improves blood circulation, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, with the active ingredient ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate. Not all patients can be treated with this drug due to contraindications to its use; the drug is poorly tolerated with high blood pressure and problems with the liver or kidneys.

The question often arises about whether it is possible to take medications together. From a pharmacological point of view, they are compatible. Both products have a calming effect, so they enhance each other's effect.

The combined use of the drugs Phenibut and Mexidol is possible only as prescribed by the attending physician, depending on the disease, characteristics of the body and contraindications. To avoid negative consequences, medications should be taken together only in accordance with the regimen specified in the instructions and doctor’s prescriptions regarding dosage, frequency of administration and time interval for use of the drugs. The dosage of each medication will be reduced. There is no need to separate medications from each other by time.

Coffee (caffeine)

Caffeine provokes increased activity, stimulates, increases cardiac activity, accelerates the pulse, dilates blood vessels, increases energy and improves mood. Caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in other foods and drinks - tea, chocolate, and in painkillers.

Since Phenibut has a calming effect, it can be taken with coffee. While taking the product and caffeine, you must avoid other caffeine-containing drinks. This is due to the fact that caffeine has a stimulating effect. Large doses of caffeine can cause overexcitement, depletion of the central nervous system and a strong increase in blood pressure.

Glycine

Glycine is an aminoacetic acid (amino acid) that is a constituent of proteins. It has a rate-reducing effect on the central nervous system and has antioxidant and antitoxic properties. The product improves metabolism, with regular use, stress resistance increases, aggressiveness and conflict are reduced, emotional stress and anxiety are reduced, and sleep is normalized.

Phenibut and Glycine are similar analogues; both activate neurons in the cerebral cortex, have a positive effect on mental state, improve sleep, and relieve stress. They belong to different pharmacological groups and can be taken simultaneously, and the drugs will enhance each other's effects.

Phenibut increases the effectiveness of any psychoactive substance, and the amino acid reduces side effects. Therefore, they are often prescribed together. Since the effect of the amino acid is mild, dosage adjustment is not required.

However, in individual cases, when taken together, side effects may occur, such as drowsiness, weakness, and decreased concentration.

Corvalol

Corvalol is a drug with antispasmodic and sedative effects. Consists of peppermint oil, ethyl alcohol alpha-bromo-iso-valeric acid and phenobarbital. The drug relieves spasms, reduces anxiety, and dilates blood vessels. It is not recommended to take it for a long time due to the negative effects of its components.

Combined use with Phenibut can be prescribed for anxiety, various worries, panic attacks, for psychological disorders in the process of giving up alcohol, in the complex treatment of VSD.

The drugs are compatible, but their combination should be taken only according to the regimen prescribed by a qualified specialist. Phenibut repeatedly increases the effect of phenobarbital and ethyl alcohol, which are part of Corvalol.

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is an anti-depression drug, an antidepressant. The medicine increases the production of serotonin, improving mood. Prescribed for panic attacks, mental disorders, neuroses. The medicine has a wide range of side effects and is prescribed when psychotherapy does not bring results.

It is allowed to take simultaneously with Phenibut. Phenibut, due to its anxiolytic effect, enhances the effect of the antidepressant and eliminates its negative side reactions. When combining medications, you can easily cope with manifestations of panic and fear, dizziness and migraines, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

In case of joint use, the dosage of drugs is determined exclusively by a qualified specialist depending on the specific disease.

Pantogam

Pantogam is a nootropic that has a wide spectrum of action. The medicine reduces motor excitability, restores memory, stimulates mental and physical performance, reduces convulsive syndrome, and slightly reduces blood pressure. Prescribed for stuttering, mental retardation, cerebral vascular disorders, after traumatic brain injury, epilepsy. The active ingredient is hopantenic acid.

The drug is compatible with Phenibut. Both drugs have a different mechanism of action, but belong to the same group of nootropic drugs, increase brain efficiency, intelligence and performance, improve attention and memory. When used together, the effect is enhanced.

Prescribed together when, against the background of brain diseases, insomnia appears, excitability, irritability, and fears increase. The decision on simultaneous use is made by the attending physician; they must be taken strictly according to the prescribed plan.

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant. The drug has a sedative and hypnotic effect, reduces pain. It has a wide range of contraindications.

In some cases, it can be taken with Phenibut. Prescribed simultaneously for increased anxiety, severe and prolonged depression, insomnia associated with mental disorders. Medicines belong to different drug groups and differ in their mechanism of action. But when combined, they enhance each other’s effect. Phenibut reduces the side effects of amitriptyline, for example, it reduces the degree of aggression, nightmares, disturbances in memory and motor coordination, and the risk of epileptic attacks.

At the same time, it can be taken only in certain cases and strictly as prescribed by a specialist, depending on the patient’s condition, taking into account contraindications. In this case, the dosage of medications must be reduced to avoid such negative consequences as excessive hypnotic effects and lethargy.

Teraligen

Magnesium B6

Magnesium B6 is a medicine that replenishes magnesium deficiency. Consists of two components: magnesium and vitamin B6. It is drunk when there is a lack of magnesium, which appears due to an unbalanced diet, during pregnancy, increased mental and physical stress and stress. The substance stimulates the production of blood cells, regulates phosphorus metabolism, maintains cholesterol levels, and relieves vascular spasms. The vitamin increases the absorption of the main substance, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and improves heart function.

Can be taken together with Phenibut. The dosage and regimen are prescribed by a qualified specialist - the attending doctor, since when determining the doses of drugs, you need to focus on the characteristics of the condition.

Picamilon

Picamilon is a nootropic drug. It is prescribed for insomnia, neuroses, depression, instability in the emotional sphere, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and for the treatment of cognitive diseases. The active substance is nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid and the additional one is nicotinic acid (vitamin B).

The drug is compatible with Phenibut. Both drugs are based on aminobutyric acid, but in different chemical forms. Both are used to treat similar disorders. When used simultaneously, they increase each other's effect.

The possibility of taking two medications together, the dosage and administration plan are determined by the attending physician. Doses in this case are reduced due to a similar therapeutic effect. In some cases, compatibility of funds is undesirable.

Features of therapy in special conditions

The drug should be taken with caution by patients with diseases of the digestive system, since the active substance irritates the mucous membranes of the organs. In this case, a reduced dosage of the drug is recommended.

If the nootropic is used for a long time, then liver function indicators and blood properties should be monitored.

The drug is not prescribed for hereditary diseases of galactose intolerance.

It is important for patients who experience side effects from using the drug to refrain from driving or doing work that requires quick reactions.

The drug can be used in combination with other medications, even with antipsychotics and tranquilizers. The therapeutic effect of simultaneous use is enhanced. In addition, the medicine increases the effect of many hypnotics and anticonvulsants.

Noobut is not prescribed to nursing mothers and pregnant women, since the active substance tends to pass into breast milk. During pregnancy, the use of medication can cause disturbances in the development of the fetus.

Noobut can be prescribed to children aged three years and older. From this age, the recommended dose of the drug is from a quarter to half a tablet. From the age of eight, the dose at a time increases to 0.25 g. Taken three times a day.

There is a form of the medicine designed specifically for children. The course of treatment with it is up to six weeks.

Instructions for use

Before you start using Phenibut, you need to study the instructions for its use and agree on the dosage and dosage plan with your doctor.

The most common recommendation is to take Phenibut in courses of 2-4 weeks; depending on the symptoms, the course of treatment is extended to 4-6 weeks. The duration of treatment according to the time of admission for each patient is determined by a qualified medical specialist based on symptoms and individual characteristics. May vary depending on changes in the patient's condition, the presence of contraindications or side effects. Between courses of Phenibut you need to take at least two weeks.

The annotation for Phenibut states that the average dose per dose for patients over 14 years of age is in the range of 250-500 mg, sometimes up to 750 mg. It must be remembered that for each patient the dose size and frequency of taking Phenibut per day may vary individually.

To maintain the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to take the medication every 6-8 hours. The instructions indicate that Phenibut should be taken 3 times a day.

Many people are interested in the question: when to take Phenibut - before or after meals?

The medicine should be taken after meals to reduce the possibility of negative effects of the drug on the stomach and intestines. The tablet should be swallowed completely, without crushing or chewing it, with plenty of water (approximately 200-250 ml).

If one or more doses of Phenibut are missed, then you should simply continue the course according to the prescribed regimen. It is not recommended to take a double dose the next time you take it.

If there are no contraindications or other doctor’s recommendations for changing dosages, Phenibut is usually prescribed in usual doses:

Adult patients with depression, neuroses and other similar disorders are usually prescribed 500 mg of Phenibut three times a day. If indicated, the dosage is increased to 750 mg.
To restore normal sleep for insomnia, 250 mg twice a day is often prescribed.
In accordance with the annotation, in order to eliminate dizziness, you need to take 250 mg of Phenibut three times a day.
In cases of heavy mental stress, it is often recommended to drink 250 mg of medication per day.
To prevent motion sickness, it is recommended to drink 250-500 mg of Phenibut at the first symptoms or 1 hour before getting into the place of expected motion sickness.

If Phenibut is prescribed to children, it is recommended to adhere to the following dosage sizes:

children under 8 years of age - ranging from 20 to 150 mg three times daily;
at the age of 8 to 14 years - the dose should not exceed 250 mg, the number of doses - 3 per day;
Children over 14 years of age are prescribed doses similar to the dosages of Phenibut for an adult.

The medication is prescribed to children because it has low toxicity, is gentle, and has virtually no side effects.

When using Phenibut, you need to pay attention to contraindications for use. The medicine should not be taken if you are sensitive to the substances of the drug.

Under the supervision of a specialist, drink Phenibut with caution:

during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding);
under the age of 3 years;
with liver failure;
for erosions and ulcers of the intestines and stomach.

Do not mix Phenibut with alcohol to avoid negative consequences. Alcohol, when mixed with Phenibut, is quickly absorbed and excreted slowly. When mixed, the effect of stimulating GABA receptors is greatly increased, which can be dangerous for the body.

During the course of taking the medication, it is recommended not to engage in activities that require concentration, and not to drive various mechanisms or vehicles. This is especially true at the beginning of the course, since a drowsy state is possible, so taking Phenibut and driving is dangerous. If you abruptly stop taking the drug, withdrawal syndrome may develop, so drivers should make sure that any effect of the drug has already worn off.

Afobazole

Afobazole is an anti-anxiety drug-anxiolytic, an analogue of Phenibut based on fabomotizole. The drug is prescribed in the case of: asthenia, alcohol or drug exhaustion, systemic lupus erythematosus, ischemic heart disease or acute myocardial infarction, asthma, arrhythmia, blood pressure surges, tumor growth, skin rashes of a neurological nature, chronic dermatoses of unknown etiology.

In addition, Afobazole is effective for: PMS, VSD, withdrawal syndrome when giving up cigarettes or alcohol. Limitations include childhood and adolescence, pregnancy, and lactation. The drug is contraindicated in patients with individual intolerance to the components of the drug, lactose.

Afobazole is taken after meals, at a dose of 10 mg, three times a day. The duration of the course is one month. The dose of the drug and duration of administration can be adjusted by your doctor.

Afobazole is well tolerated, but side effects such as weakness, cephalalgia, skin rashes, cardiac arrhythmias, shortness of breath, and rhinitis are possible.

The price of the drug is 532 rubles.

Side effects

Typically, Phenibut is well tolerated by patients without any unwanted effects. Sometimes side effects may occur: drowsiness or nausea at the beginning of treatment. Possible headache or dizziness, increased excitability, allergies.

The medicine Phenibut is quite safe if all doctor’s instructions regarding doses and dosage regimen are followed. In case of overdose or violation of the prescribed dosage plan, the severity of side effects increases.

If the dosage is exceeded, you need to rinse your stomach, take activated charcoal and medications to alleviate the symptoms.

If Phenibut doses are exceeded for a long time, liver dysfunction or sudden changes in blood pressure may occur.

Changes in pressure due to Phenibut occur due to the treatment process in the body, but they are insignificant. Patients with low or high blood pressure, before taking Phenibut, need to normalize their blood pressure by taking the necessary medications. Frequent significant changes in blood pressure levels occur when the Phenibut intake regimen is violated. If you adhere to the regimen recommended by the doctor, do not violate the dosage or frequency of use, then the drug does not negatively affect blood pressure.

The drug is processed and broken down in the liver, which increases the load on it. Therefore, in case of prolonged use of Phenibut, it is necessary to monitor liver function indicators. With long-term use in high doses, liver dysfunction may occur, often due to existing diseases. Phenibut should be taken with caution, under medical supervision, if the patient already has liver dysfunction. If signs of liver failure appear, the drug is discontinued.

Long-term use of Phenibut is not recommended. If you drink the product for more than 2-3 months, addiction may form. Especially in case of exceeding doses, when used simultaneously with other psychoactive substances or alcohol.

The body gets used to the effects of the medicine, and a slight dependence occurs. To avoid any kind of dependence on the drug Phenibut, you need to drink it exactly as prescribed by the doctor and reduce the dose at the end of the course.

Psychological dependence occurs due to a feeling of relaxation, proper rest during sleep, increased mental and emotional activity, and improved mood. Physical pain with long-term use occurs due to a decrease in the sensitivity of nerve cell receptors.

To avoid any kind of dependence on the drug Phenibut, you need to drink it exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Abrupt withdrawal from Phenibut is strictly prohibited. Since during the course of treatment the body is rebuilt and reduces the independent production of nervous system mediators, this is what I received from the work of the medication. And to return to the previous mode of operation, the body needs time. Upon completion of treatment, especially abrupt withdrawal, the symptoms of the disorder return, and often in a more pronounced form.

At the same time, the threshold of sensitivity to the components of Phenibut is reduced, and repeated treatment will be more difficult and will require a longer time. Therefore, it is so important to observe the duration, dosage, and frequency of taking pills.

The Phenibut course is completed only by gradually reducing the amount of the substance received, so that the body can wean itself off the intake of substances, adapt and return to its previous functioning. Most often, the dose is reduced by a quarter of a tablet each time.

If your health worsens, you should consult a doctor who will give recommendations to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Phenibut for panic attacks

Panic attacks are attacks of fear that are extremely painful for a person. VSD and neuroses are very often accompanied by PA. Against the background of these attacks, various vegetative symptoms arise, worsening a person’s quality of life, and phobias develop.

How does Phenibut work for panic attacks? First of all, it suppresses nervous excitability. Taking the medicine reduces the number of attacks, reduces the level of anxiety and restlessness.

Taking Phenibut for panic attacks can have the following effects on the body:

Nootropic: enhancement of cognitive functions;
Antiplatelet;
Antihypoxic
Antioxidant;
Tranquilizing;
Psychostimulating.

The medication improves the functional state of the human central nervous system several times. This becomes possible by improving blood supply to all parts of the brain, as well as normalizing metabolic processes in it. With normal functioning of the central nervous system, autonomic lability decreases and the body stops randomly releasing hormones into the blood

On a note!

Panic attacks cannot be treated with medications. Medicines can stop attacks and reduce the frequency of their occurrence, but are not able to completely cure them, since the problem is psychogenic in nature. If the patient has serious symptoms of the disorder, the use of medications is extremely advisable. However, if there is a choice between their use and non-drug therapy, it is better to choose therapy. This will help avoid any unpleasant future problems that may arise once the treatment is completed.

conclusions

Phenibut is an effective drug that combines sedative and nootropic effects with a wide range of indications for use. This is its advantage; it reduces neurotic disorders, but at the same time increases brain function and performance.

Many doctors prescribe Phenibut due to its effectiveness and speed of action, low toxicity, safety, and a small range of contraindications and side effects. Phenibut is used by athletes to improve their condition, and is used by astronauts. The drug is used to treat not only adults, but also children. It is important to follow the instructions for use to avoid unwanted effects.

In the modern world, people are constantly surrounded by stress in their daily lives. Many experience daily frustrations over trifles, nervous breakdowns, difficult life circumstances, family tragedies, and the development of anxiety. In order to cope with such conditions and at the same time remain capable of high intellectual activity and physical labor, it is recommended to take Phenibut.

Restrictions on use of the product

The list of restrictions on the use of the medicine is small. The main contraindications to the use of Noobut are:

hypersensitivity to the active component of the drug or other excipients;
renal dysfunction;
preschool age;
first trimester of pregnancy;
breast-feeding;
tendency to allergic reactions.

If there are such contraindications, it is recommended to choose a drug identical in action. Only a specialist can prescribe such remedies.