Overview – Benefits and Effects – Mechanism of Action – Dosage – Side Effects – Legal Status – User Experience
Summary: Phenibut is a a GABAergic agent that works on the GABA neurotransmitter distinctly reducing anxiety. It also lessens depression, and PTSD symptoms, improving sleep, and providing an overall feeling of ease and well-being. Due to the euphoric-like effects it offers, users prefer to stick to occasional use rather than frequent in respect of its abuse and addiction risk potential.
Overview
What is Phenibut?
Phenibut might not have as widespread use as other nootropics on the market. However, it has demonstrated numerous benefits over tens of decades through both formal studies and anecdotal documentation. It's a nootropic designed to simulate the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that acts on the central nervous system. It marketed as a psychotropic with a positive effect on mental capability and improved neurological functioning. The anxiety diminishing effects of phenibut are the most praised of all its attributes. Once anxiety is resolved, natural sleep patterns and enhanced cognitive processes shortly start following.
Phenibut was invented in the Soviet Union almost half a century ago. A fascinating, documented anecdote reveals that Russian cosmonauts were supplementing with phenibut especially during the 1975 mission Apollo-Soyuz at the joint of the USSR and US. It remains in use to date in Russia as a treatment and remedy to many conditions including anxiety, depression, prevention of motion sickness, even alcohol withdrawal syndrome, to name a few. Not to mention, of course, its nootropic attributes.
Phenibut, sold under the brand names Anvifen, Fenibut, and Noofen among others, is a central nervous system depressant with anxiolytic and stimulant effects which is used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and for a variety of other indications.
Benefits and Effects
What Are Phenibut Benefits?
- Reduces Anxiety and Stress Levels
- Increases Sociability
- Promotes Healthy Sleep Patterns and Quality
- Improves Symptoms of ADHD
- Promotes better sleep quality
- Neuroprotective: it prevents damage to neuronal cells under stress
- Increases Sociability and Enhances Mood
Supporting Research:
Reduces Anxiety and Stress Levels
Anyone who suffers from anxiety knows that it can be extremely hard to control, it’s not just something that can simply be ‘switched’ off. When taking Phenibut, you will be able to gain more control. Once administered, you can expect to feel more relaxed and composed.
This attribute is the most appreciated benefit of phenibut which is documented by Izyaslav Lapin (R). Anxiety is often the result of overactivity in brain's concentration and overthinking and analyzation of unnecessary, or irrelevant matters; often with the inability to realize the direction to which the train of thought is heading. Turning down and resting the continuous and distracting neuron processing frees the negative thought preoccupation which in turn opens a fresher, vibrant, and often productive range of possibilities.
Increases Sociability
The anxiolytic effect leads to openness towards social interaction which by itself is an issue almost always associating with anxiety disorders. Studies suggest phenibut to be a promoter of enhanced cognitive processing, but the fundamental reason practically still due to the anxiety relief. Those seeking to improve interaction in social settings report better results with the supplement in comparison with alcohol or prescription medication such as benzodiazepines. While attempted anxiety-reduction using traditional tranquilizers often lead to drowsiness and reduction in motor skill and cognitive ability, phenibut seems to mitigate the feelings, except without the associating and undesired side effects that associate with traditional prescription medication. [R]
Promotes Healthy Sleep Patterns and Quality
People living through the depression, anxiety, stressful life events, while going through hormonal changes such as menopause, often report degenerating sleep quality, sleep disturbance, and insomnia. While melatonin is a remarkable and beneficial supplement to consider, some require pharmaceutical sleep aid for more sedating and sleep-inducing effects. Lack of continuous quality sleep can cause an impairment in cognitive processing, opening the way to more anxiety and more sleep disturbance. Used consciously, Phenibut an excellent supplement that can restore significant, natural sleep patterns, duration, and quality. The ability to fall asleep, remain asleep, maintaining an extended period of healthy, rejuvenating deep sleep is attainable with phenibut. [R] [R]
May Improve ADHD
Since phenibut improves attention, it may also help with ADHD symptoms. In one clinical trial of 50 children with ADHD, it improved cognition, self-control, sustained, attention, and memory after 1 month (500-700 mg/day). One month is a short time for evaluating ADHD effects; long-term studies need to determine if the beneficial effect can be sustained. – Selfhacked
My Thought on That
Well I am ADHD and have taken Phenibut and similar “GABA-acting” drugs, such as gabapentin for about a year. Its interesting that, at the time, I had not been diagnosed with ADHD yet and was not aware nor had a clue what ADHD is. I self-medicated with gabapentin and phenibut along the way, and now years later, looking back at how routinely I was taking it, I realize the reason I was hooked and amazed by it was its effect on me as an ADHD, prior to any anxiety triggers that might associate. It was a transformative medication – but overtime, mister W (withdrawals) had been sitting and just waiting for me to get off it in order to introduce himself – and that horrible experience was almost equally as transformative.
Mechanism of Action
How Does Phenibut Work?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (also known as GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in our central nervous system.The blood-brain barrier makes supplementing with GABA close to being ineffective due to its inability to bypass the blood-brain barrier. However, phenibut crosses the barrier due to the addition of the phenyl group molecule. Once in the brain, it slows the neuronal excitability, resulting in the effects as mentioned earlier.
GABA frees up channels in the neurons, reduces the function of other neurotransmitters, and diminish collective fears and anxieties in the neuron. It remains vague whether or not phenibut binds to the GABA receptor, although some studies suggest that it only does so in high concentrations.
Lapin’s research found that phenibut increases the levels of dopamine as well. Dopamine is another vital neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It regulates emotions and creates the reaction of what we call motivation.
More from the Web
In order to affect one’s cognitive functioning, mood, and overall relaxation levels, this supplement needs to cross the blood-brain barrier. GABA cannot effectively do this, while Phenibut can. This is due to a phenyl group that is attached to GABA’s structure.
Naturally, GABA balances out the effects of chemicals that stimulate neurons. When neurons are overstimulated, this can lead to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Since Phenibut works like GABA, it helps to restore this balance.
The result is neurons firing only when they’re supposed to. Once Phenibut reaches the brain, it targets GABA receptor sites.
It is believed that Phenibut is non-selective, as it stimulates both GABA-A and GABA-B receptors. This allows you to feel a sense of relaxation, lessening anxiety. This is fairly different than other nootropic supplements, which is why it’s beneficial in a stack.
Phenibut also stimulates dopamine receptors, which is key in terms of your mood. Once dopamine is increased, you will experience a more positive mood. Users also tend to experience high levels of motivation, allowing them to achieve more.
Dosage
How to Take Phenibut?
Phenibut is a potent compound. Start at the lowest effective dose and monitor your response to it, then adjust according to your needs. A dose of 250 mg is a good starting point for first-timers with no tolerance. 500 mg would be ideal in my opinion.
Phenibut effects build up gradually, so avoid taking a second dose without a reasonable timeframe in between. Initial kick-in is around 45 minutes after consumption, and optimal peak effect is usually 2 hours later.
Phenibut is GABA (the major calming neurotransmitter in your brain) with a phenyl ring attached, which allows the molecule to pass your blood-brain barrier and reach receptors in your brain. Phenibut was originally developed for Russian astronauts, to ease the stress of flight and help them sleep in space. It relieves anxiety and drives you into deeper sleep. Phenibut is also a nootropic: it boosts cognition, giving you relaxed clarity of thought.
For people trying to figure out which capsules to buy, here's how much phenibut I can pack into each capsule size (using liftmode fine crystals phenibut HCL powder):
Terms:
“Packed body” is when you press as much powder as you can into the long inner portion of the capsule.
“Entirely packed capsule” is when you pack the cap (top) of the capsule and the body of the capsule as tightly as you can while still being able to close it to the point of “popping” together.
Size 000
Packed body: ~1100-1150
Entirely packed: ~1200-1250
Size 00
Packed body: ~800 mg
Entirely packed: ~850 mg
Size 1
Packed body: ~410mg
Entirely packed: ~430mg
Dave Aspey on Phenibut
Phenibut can be addictive, so it’s very important to take it correctly. The two common mistakes people make are taking phenibut daily and increasing the dose over time. Phenibut’s effects last for 48-72 hours, so you only want to take it once every three days (twice a week max).
You also want to cycle it to avoid tolerance. Go two weeks on phenibut, two weeks off. Don’t go past 250 mg doses; if you stop feeling the effects at 250mg, cycle off for a couple weeks. Don’t mix phenibut with alcohol, either. It amplifies the effects, which can be dangerous.
Dose: 250 mg (never higher)
Time: Anytime, but only twice a week max (Monday and Thursday, for example).
Do two weeks on phenibut, two weeks off.
Dave Asprey
Side Effects
What Are Phenibut Side Effects?
Like anything we put inside our body, the best source of measurement and criticism is the human body itself. To avoid adverse effects, start at a low dose and see your body's reaction and adaptation to it.
Often individuals report dizziness and drunk-life sensation as a side effect. On the other hand, many people use to supplement with phenibut for the very same impact.
The experience is entirely subjective. Rarely users report fatigue, nausea, and stomach discomfort. People on epilepsy medication or MAO inhibitors are advised to consult a professional doctor before taking phenibut. Alcohol should be consumption should cautiously within reasonable limits ion due to the synergistic effects of alcohol and phenibut.
Avoid taking on a daily basis.
Phenibut has high abuse potential. If taken regularly, be mindful of possible withdrawal effects upon discontinuation. It's wise to limit intake to once or twice a week. Thereby maintain a low tolerance, enjoy its benefits, and avoid building a destructive habit of use. Do not underestimate the power of phenibut and do your research if you decide to include it in your stack.
Phenibut Withdrawals
Important and useful resource on phenibut usage, abuse, withdrawals, and much more can be found on reddit's phenibut sub. Please use with caution.
It is very important to be aware of the possible withdrawal effect upon discontinuation of phenibut which can be mild to wild, depending on whether or not it has been abused or not, the dosage, period of use, amongst other things. An example from the wilder end is the following opinion, from a long-time, high-dose phenibut (ab)user:
In my experience it is the worst feeling ever. If you had problems in your life anyway, and were using Phenibut to mask them, then they will come back twenty times as bad. Withdrawal strips away any optimistic delusions the Phenibut might have given you, and puts you into a state of intense ‘depressive realism'. You see things seemingly for how they are, and find it physically impossible to believe in potential hope of a miracle happening. You are forced to confront the crushing hopelessness of your situation. Any optimism you remember from your Phenibut days seems like meaningless self-delusion. Regrets and doubts multiply. You start planning for the worst, expecting the worst.
Waking up at 3am every morning after ultra-depressing dreams, your energy reserves are depleted. Your range of vision widens so you can see out of the corners of your eyes, like a prey animal. It feels like there are cold, damp, grey clouds above your eyes. Vision becomes blurry and you feel old. Smiling becomes physically impossible and fake. Breathing is difficult, you can hold your breath for a long time before having to force yourself to take a big, stressful gulp of air. You may get audible hallucinations, such as hearing a chorus of a particular song repeated over and over again, almost mockingly loudly, when you lie in bed. Things like tooth pain that were masked with GABA are felt again. If you were worried about balding, your scalp will feel cold. Your worst fears will be played upon, as if by a demon, and exaggerated. You find it easy to believe in Hell, but impossible to believe in Heaven.
It gets worse for the first three days, then stays bad, becomes manageable by the end of the first week of cold turkey, though you stay melancholy for about two more weeks. This is based on having taken a relatively high dose daily for several months. With more sensible dosage, the withdrawal will be far milder.
Phenibut Warnings
The following reddit page is valuable for anyone using or planning to use or stop phenibut:
Legal Status
Is Phenibut Legal?
Australia and Hungary
As of 2018, Phenibut is not a controlled substance in any country apart from Australia and Hungary.
In 2015, it was suggested that the legal status of phenibut in Europe should be reconsidered due to its recreational potential.
In February 2018, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration declared it a prohibited (schedule 9) substance, citing health concerns due to withdrawal and overdose. [R]
As of 14 November 2018, Hungary added phenibut and 10 other items to its New Psychoactive Substances ban list. [R]
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE
While the subject on nootropics is quite a grey area, Phenibut as per the law is unregulated. This means that it is not illegal to posses for personal use, however, it is not permitted for retail sale. If you order Phenibut from oversees, if has a chance of being siezed by customs, but that won't be an issue of serious importance where customs will be on the lookout for the person who ordered Phenibut to Dubai/Abu Dhabi/UAE. That wouldn't be something to worry about as far as you are placing an order (aside from the risk of losing your money due to siezing), however, it is an issue for companies importing the product from manufacturers for reproduction and sale. We have had a handful of manufacturer shipments siezed by customs in Dubai which caused us to remove Phenibut from our inventory. However, every now and then, we do manage to restock it, so if you are looking to order phenibut within the UAE, shipped locally which guarantees the delivery of product as well as cash on delivery to eliminate risk, you can check our store for Phenibut 250mg capsules availibility.
User Experience
This is one of the most interesting user experiences I've read on Phenibut. It was posted by on Phenibut sub-reddit:
Reddit Review
We all love phenibut. It removes our social anxiety (which everybody has nowadays), removes inhibitions we have as humans, removes a mental condition we didn't know we had before the use of this substance, makes us more motivated so we can focus on tasks.
Phenibut is a substance which is very handy to treat all of this. You can use it for the rest of your life. You will have continuous anxiolysis, but the motivational aspects will disappear. This is because of a down-regulation of GABA-B on the lesser hand and especially down-regulation of your dopamine receptors. It's called tolerance.
I was 3 years addicted and I have a long road of nootropic use behind me. Herbal extracts, synthetic nootropics, soft- and hard drugs… Some to get high, others to make me smarter and others to remove phenibut tolerance. But 99% of these maybe 100+ compounds I used really helped.
However I discovered 2 very useful substances on my long road.
First of all, memantine. It's an Alzheimer's medication. It works as an NMDA-antagonist. NMDA receptors are receptors in your brain part of the glutamate system, used for learning and memory. These are said to reverse tolerance for stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamine. Phenibut can be classified as a relaxant and stimulant, and while it has like all the other stimulants tolerance problems, NMDA antagonists come in handy to reduce this. Various reports of people you can find on the internet indeed back this claim up. Other compounds who work in this system are ketamine, DXM (cough surpressant), MXE and N20. We also call these compounds dissociatives. Memantine is dissociative in higher doses as a recreational drug but for Phenibut it's more suited in 1-10mg doses for tolerance reduction. It's also a dopamine agonist. You read that good: an NMDA-antagonist (reduces tolerance for dopaminergic stimulants) and dopamine antagonist. So memantine is a stimulant while reducing tolerance for stimulants. In my use of this substance I learned this: start low – with 1 mg to begin with. Because memantine is also a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, it can have anti-nootropic effects the first week while starting. This may contribute to initial worsening of cognitive function during early memantine treatment and is the reason why many people don't take memantine for longer than I week and why you can't find many succesful reports on the internet. I was very succesful in doing this but had to way for minimum 2 weeks. Memantine is also the best in the 2 chemicals I describe in the post when comparing price/efficacy. You can find 10 grams for €75 on the internet (contact me when interested).
The other succesful substance I used is fasoracetam. It's a nootropic in the racetam family. Some other nootropics in this family are piracetam and aniracetam. 2 famous nootropics known for there ability to increase blood flow in your brain and make you more sharper. But only fasoracetam has the ability to increase GABA-B receptors in the brain. It's no GABA-B agonist and no GABA-B antagonist. This is good to know because GABA-B antagonists have a negative on your ability to relax in the beginning and are dangerous in general (because they can damage your nervous system). GABA-B antagonists don't know as far as I know, so this is purely hypothetical. Just wanted to say fasoracetam is an ideal substance. Fasoracetam is more expensive compared to memantine, I can find 10 grams on the internet for €60. Since you need to use higher doses (10-50mg) it will cost you more.
Because of my discovery of these substances and success with it, I decided to be a social butterfly and highly motivational person for the rest of my life. I decided it long before I discovered this, but I couldn't make it true because of the disappearment of phenibut's effects. I hope I stay them for the rest of my life.
My current method? I make 000 capsules which hold approximately 800mg powder. With a weighing scale I weigh 100g phenibut, 2.5g fasoracetam and 0.5g memantine. Then I mix it. By doing this I get a nice mixture of these powders. Be aware, people will say this is not 100% mixed because you do it manually. But this is not a huge problem, it's not really a bad thing if you get sometimes 1 mg memantine and other times 3 mg memantine. If you want to do it more precisely, you can buy a super accurate weighing scale and put 1mg memantine every morning under your tongue. But you lose the comfort of easy dosing.
Conclusion
Phenibut is a useful anxiety-relieving supplement that does not cause the infamous drowsiness often accompanying anxiety medication. It is well-studied and standing amongst the top in line when it comes to anxiety relief, sleep regulation, and cognitive improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Phenibut, sold under the brand names Anvifen, Fenibut, and Noofen among others, is a central nervous system depressant with anxiolytic and stimulant effects which is used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and for a variety of other indications.
Based off my experience, I'd only only tried and therefore recommend Nootropic Depot's Phenibut. But you can simply search online and make your choice from the different vendors. And make sure you research those vendors too, before actually making a purchase.
As of 2018, Phenibut is not a controlled substance in any country apart from Australia and Hungary.
In 2015, it was suggested that the legal status of phenibut in Europe should be reconsidered due to its recreational potential.
In February 2018, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration declared it a prohibited (schedule 9) substance, citing health concerns due to withdrawal and overdose.
As of 14 November 2018, Hungary added phenibut and 10 other items to its New Psychoactive Substances ban list.
The average half-life of phenibut is around 5.3 hours. The peak effects of phenibut can take four to six hours to appear when it's taken orally, although the effects are felt on average around two hours after it's taken and usually you will feel it for more than 6 hours.
Start at the lowest effective dose (250mg) and monitor your response to it, then adjust according to your needs. A dose of 250 mg is a good starting point for first-timers with no tolerance. 500 mg would be the ideal in my opinion.
Phenibut effects build up gradually, so avoid taking a second dose without a reasonable timeframe in between. Initial kick-in is around 45 minutes after consumption, and optimal peak effect is usually 2 hours later.
Phenibut has a long onset time of around 1.5 – 2 hours until its peak effect, for most people. The time that it takes to kick in depends on the amount of food in your stomach, your metabolism, the dosage, and how you took it. Taking Phenibut sublingually results in a faster onset time that taking it with water or juice.
For first-time, 250mg, If you're experienced and know well enough about it, you can take 500mg. The best approach is to start low and see how you react to it, and increase accordingly if needed. But keep in mind that it takes around an hour and a half to be felt, so make sure you keep about 2 hours interval between doses.
If you'd like to buy phenibut in dubai or abu dhabi, as well as get more information about nootropics, availibility, and more, go to the “Nootropics in Dubai” page under the resources tab on the menu. Alternativley, you can click here
White the subject on nootropics is quite a grey area, Phenibut as per the law is unregulated. This means that it is not illegal to posses for personal use, however, it is not permitted for retail sale. If you order Phenibut from oversees, if has a chance of being siezed by customs, but that won't be an issue of serious importance where customs will be on the lookout for the person who ordered Phenibut to Dubai/Abu Dhabi/UAE. That wouldn't be something to worry about as far as you are placing an order (aside from the risk of losing your money due to siezing), however, it is an issue for companies importing the product from manufacturers for reproduction and sale. We have had a handful of manufacturer shipments siezed by customs in Dubai which caused us to remove Phenibut from our inventory. However, every now and then, we do manage to restock it, so if you are looking to order phenibut within the UAE, shipped locally which guarantees the delivery of product as well as cash on delivery to eliminate risk, you can check our store for Phenibut 250mg capsules availibility.
Further and Related Readings
- If you're intrigued by Phenibut, you might like and find Fasoracetam quite interesting too due to the two nootropics interaction. You may also find Agmatine Sulfate & Sunifiram worth exploring.
- Reddit's Phenibut Endless Information (from first-hand experiences)
- Phenibut – Wikipedia
- Nootropics Information Frequently Asked Questions
FDA on Phenibut
Phenibut is a substance that does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines a dietary ingredient as a vitamin; mineral; herb or other botanical; amino acid; dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake; or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of the preceding substances. Because phenibut does not fit any of the categories of dietary ingredients under the FD&C Act, any dietary supplements that declare phenibut as a dietary ingredient are misbranded.
Phenibut is also known as:
- fenibut
- phenigam
- PhGaba
- Phenigamma
- Phenygam
- 4-Amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid
- β-(aminomethyl)benzenepropanoic acid
- beta-(Aminomethyl)hydrocinnamic acid
- β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid
Phenibut in Dietary Supplements
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Overview – Benefits and Effects – Mechanism of Action – Dosage – Stack – Side Effects
Pending review. Contribute to this article.
Summary: PRL-8-53 (chemical name Methyl 3-(2-(benzyl(methyl)amino)benzoate) is a synthetic nootropic compound that was discovered in 1972 and patented in 1975 by then Dr. Nikolaus Hansl, a neuropharmacologist at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Overview
What is PRL-8-52?
PRL-8-53 is a synthetic nootropic compound that was discovered in 1972 and patented in 1975 preliminary animal tests showed that the compound was both secure and nootropic, boosting the learning of prevention in rodents without adverse effects. However, a 1978 research on human volunteers triggered sincere interest in PRL-8-53, showing that a single dose of the compound could enhance word retention ratings by more than 200%.
Comments by author and longevity expert Durk Pearson, who was cited in' High Frontiers' as follows, fuelled interest in the compound: “PRL-8-53 is a great memory enhancer. Usually, just looking at them for a second, you can memorize about seven or eight numbers. On average, PRL-8-53 is said to increase memory span of approximately 21 to 22 digits. “Hansel's single human study on PRL-8-53, soon after patenting the compound, highly promotes the potential of the drug as a nootropic.
The research evaluated word retention between the ages of 24 and 86 in a group of 30 healthy volunteers. While participants with good baseline word retention scores showed little improvement after taking PLR-8-53, participants with low initial scores or over 30 showed significant improvement after a 5 mg dose of PLR-8-53, often more than doubling their recall rate.
In the human study, no adverse effects were observed. Anecdotal evidence seems to support claims for safety and nootropic capacities of PRL-8-53, but due to restricted testing, it is still regarded as an experimental drug.
PRL-8-53 is presently an unplanned drug and is legally available for purchase in the United States.
Benefits and Effects
Improves Memory
The elderly participants showed necessary improvements in memory after taking a single 5 mg dose in the only human research on PRL-8-53. A double-blind study using word memorization as a measure, testing the capacity of the respondents to recall a list of 12 one-syllable phrases, first to create a baseline and then again after PRL-8-53 or placebo has been ingested. The participants were screened for their capacity to remember the phrases 24 hours after hearing them, and then one week later again.
Results of the research show that respondents with higher baseline scores showed the least improvement after PRL-8-53 was ingested, while subjects with imperfect first memory or over 30 years of the era showed significant improvement in recall. Hansl described the impact on elderly respondents in an article on the exam as follows: “This group was 30 years of era or older. Rote memory, as could be anticipated, did not come to this group as readily as it did to younger learners. After 24 hours on placebo, the average retention was just under three words out of a possible 12.
After a week, the average retention was two words. However, the same topics maintained an average of 5.85 phrases after 24 hours and 5.25 words after a week when learning after drug administration.
Again, there were statistically essential increases. The enhancement expressed in percentage of placebo results was 108 percent for the 24-hour test and 152 percent for the one-week recall. “Many individual nootropic users who have attempted PRL-8-53 confirm their memory boosting impacts, sometimes comparing it to a more strong variant of other nootropics such as nefiracetam and Noopept.
Mechanism of Action
How Does PRL-8-53 Work?
The precise mechanisms of action of HOW IT WORKS PRL-8-53 are not well understood, but the production and reaction of the brain to several key neurotransmitters is thought to be regulated. Hansl stated in his reports on human and animal studies that PRL-8-53 potentiates dopamine, partly restricts serotonin production and enhances the reaction of the brain to acetylcholine. While Hansl's research report on the human research of 1978 indicates these activities, the mechanism of action is not delineated.
The fact that older participants saw the most nootropic advantage from taking the drug promotes the notion that modulation of dopamine plays a significant part in the consequences of PLR-853. Upregulating the ordinary age-related reduction in the manufacturing of dopamine associated with cognitive decrease could have a beneficial effect on both learning and memory.
In an article in 1979 entitled “Learning and Memory Improvement Through Chemistry: Dream or Offering Reality?”Hansl said,” PRL-8-53 has been shown to increase the peripheral and central reactions to noradrenaline in the animal model. Therefore, assuming that a comparable feature may be present in humans seems reasonable.
Translated into behavioral effects, it implies that this drug potentially is capable of facilitating the conversion of short-term to long-term memory, resulting in increased storage of information code. “According to Hansl, in the same article,” PRL-8-53 has been shown to improve the response to acetylcholine, the answer being quantitatively similar over a considerable dose range, excluding the likelihood of acetylcholine. In short, we now have a possibly effective drug that will increase a particular chemical system in the brain, the cholinergic system, thereby enhancing our capacity to recall data from a pre-existing data pool.
Dosage
How to Take PRL-8-53?
The only human study on PRL-8-53 was based on a single 5 mg dose intake. No information is available on the efficacy or prospective toxicity of any other human dosage.
Stack
Because of the restricted knowledge of the mechanism of action of PRL-8-53, it may be advisable not to stack it with other nootropics.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of PRL-8-53?
No adverse effects were observed in the human study from a single 5 mg dose of PRL-8-53. Animal studies indicate that the compound has a high therapy threshold, but the proof is very restricted as there have been no extensive toxicity trials.
Keep in mind that this is exceptionally experimental chemistry for studies, so caution is recommended.
Conclusion
PRL-8-53 is a fascinating synthetic nootropic, if mainly unexplored, which many think will eventually prove to be an invaluable smart drug.
Although it gave rise to high concern when it was launched 40 years ago, after a few animal tests and a single human study, research into its opportunities came to a halt; little has been learned about it since the review that sparked such compelling interest in its potential as a memory enhancer.
There does not seem to be any continuing research on the compound at this moment, but nootropic lovers continue to be curious about its opportunities and are regarded one of the most excellent short-term memory boosters on the market.
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Pending review. Contribute to this article.
Overview – Benefits – Mechanisms of Action – Dosage – Stack – Side Effects
Summary: Picamilon is a nootropic that enhances cognitive function and increases mental energy while reducing stress and anxiety. Its unique blend of energizing and relaxing impacts makes picamilon an outstanding supplement for learners during examination periods or anyone in stressful circumstances who could benefit from faster, clearer thinking.
Overview
What is Picamilon?
Picamilon is a distinctive nootropic that enhances cognitive function and increases mental energy while reducing stress and anxiety emotions. Its unique blend of energizing and relaxing impacts makes picamilon an outstanding supplement for learners facing examinations or for anyone in stressful circumstances who wants to think rapidly and clearly.
Picamilon's unique traits make it a truly distinctive supplement. It boosts brain function like all nootropics, enhancing memory, concentration, motivation, the span of attention, and overall productivity. However, its energizing impacts are only half the image; it also calms, relaxes, and generates a tranquilizing effect that decreases stress and anxiety emotions considerably.
This combination of energizing and calming effects, along with its low price, prepared accessibility, and absence of severe side effects, makes picamilon an increasingly common option for anyone who wishes to handle stress and anxiety while maximizing their cognitive skills.
Picamilon was first created in Russia somewhere between the years 1969 and 1971 as part of the Institute's studies into possibly performance-enhancing substances.
Today, picamilon is a prescription drug in Russia and is used to treat a range of conditions and disorders ranging from depression to migraine, neuroinfections, senile psychosis, certain kinds of glaucoma, and even acute intoxication with alcohol.
Benefits and Effects
- Improves Learning and Memory
- Supports Concentration, Focus, and Mental Stamina
- Mood Stabilization
- Relaxes Without Causing Drowsiness
- Reduces Blood Pressure
- Improves Sleep Quality
Supporting research:
Improves Learning and Memory
The wide variety of impacts of Picamilon includes both cognitive enhancement and mood management. It has been shown to promote faster and more comfortable learning pace as well as enhancing both memory retention and recall speed.
Supports Concentration, Focus, and Mental Stamina
By stimulating better blood flow and circulation in the brain, picamilon has critical beneficial impacts on a broad range of cognitive functions, including improving the capacity to concentrate on thinking and improving general mental energy or endurance.
Mood Stabilization
It has been shown that Picamilon has substantial anti-anxiety impacts, significantly decreasing stress effect. It can also assist relieve depression.
Relaxes Without Causing Drowsiness
Users report that taking picamilon outcomes in a pleasant sensation of relaxation without mental fog or grogginess that is usually associated with sedatives or tranquilizers. Most individuals say it provides them a feeling of “calm energy.”
Reduces Blood Pressure
While not positive in all instances, the capacity of picamilon to decrease blood pressure can be a significant advantage to those with hypertension that is enhanced by stress and anxiety.
Improves Sleep Quality
While a single supplement seems contradictory to increase energy and create rest better, many picamilon consumers claim it does just that. Since it is not a tranquilizer, sedative, or muscle relaxer, this impact could be due to the stress reduction and anti-anxiety characteristics of picamilon insignificant portion.
Mechanisms of Action
Picamilon is a mixture of niacin and GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, two prevalent but essential nutrients. Separately each plays a critical role in brain health but linked to produce unique advantages in a compound that they respond synergistically.
Picamilon’s real strength is the capacity of the niacin element to cross the blood-brain barrier, a semi-permeable capillary filter intended to safeguard the brain and to bring with it the connected GABA element. As a result, GABA, a powerful neurotransmitter that can not cross the blood-brain barrier alone, is transferred into the central nervous system for use across the brain and body.
The real mechanism of action picamilon operates through is both fast and direct. It is a water-soluble compound that is easily absorbed and within an hour of ingestion reaches peak bioavailability.
Picamilon is hydrolyzed or chemically divided back into distinct parts of niacin or nicotinic acid and GABA after crossing the blood-brain barrier. The role of niacin acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow in the brain and enhancing oxygen and other nutrients absorption. At the same moment, this vital inhibitory neurotransmitter, which operates by decreasing neuronal excitability, raises the brain concentrations of the GABA element.
The cognitive enhancement impacts of Picamilon can be primarily ascribed to the enhanced effectiveness created by the improved circulation of the brain blood and oxygen absorption. The enhanced blood flow in the brain also enhances the delivery and uptake of glucose and other nutrients, which can boost alertness, concentrate, motivation, and brain energy as a whole. It is also thought to have an essential antioxidant impact that helps break down and remove toxins in the brain.
Picamilon's relaxing and calming impacts are produced by the enhanced concentrations of GABA, a powerful neurotransmitter that operates by inhibiting neuronal firing, decreasing stress and anxiety emotions by generating a slightly sedative impact.
Dosage
How To Take Picamilon?
Although picamilon is usually deemed well tolerated and has no severe side effects, it is a potent complement and should be used responsibly. It is wise, as with all supplements, to begin with, the smallest effective dosage possible and gradually boost as required.
Recommendations for daily dosage differ significantly, depending on the special effects you hope to experience in no small measure. Typical is a cumulative dosage of 50 to 400 mg per day, with most customers finding efficacy between 100 and 200 mg divided over two to three doses. However, it may be best for those mainly interested in cognitive enhancements of picamilon and lower dosages of overall mood stabilization, while those looking for significant rises in energy levels may want to create up to higher dosages.
Picamilon operates comparatively fast and is relatively durable. Users say that impacts are usually visible within one hour of intake and last for 4 to 6 hours. It is water-soluble and can be taken on an empty stomach in either capsule or powder form.
While some users prefer cycling picamilon with other nootropics with an anti-anxiety element, there is no negative impact of proof taking it daily.
Stack
Picamilon can be taken alone daily, cycled with other supplements or combined with other nootropics in many ways.
The behavioral improvement characteristics of picamilon will be potentiated in a pile with racetam-class nootropics such as piracetam or pramiracetam. However, depending on which racetam supplement you are combining with picamilon, you may also experience, or both, increased energy or relaxation effects.
Combined with ampakine racetam supplements like aniracetam and oxiracetam, both of which have stimulant characteristics, the energy-boosting and mood-modulating impacts of picamilon will be increased.
Some users claim that combining picamilon with other supplements such as kava can boost their energy-producing characteristics while using it in conjunction with relaxing supplements such as valerian will strengthen their calming aspects.
Side Effects
Picamilon is usually regarded as safe and well tolerated, but there have been reports of some side effects. The most severe prospective side effect is low blood pressure, so if you understand that you are susceptible to hypotension or have reason to worry about low blood pressure, you should consult a medical practitioner before taking picamilon.
Allergies and rashes of the skin have been recorded as side effects, but are not prevalent. Such side effects typically include headaches, lightheadedness or dizziness, and nausea. Red skin flushing is also sometimes revealed as a standard and harmless side effect of niacin.
Conclusion
Picamilon is a natural nootropic, and with excellent reason: it can both energize and relax, it is secure and well-tolerated, it has very few reported side effects, it combines well with other supplements, and it is inexpensive and easily accessible. Picamilon provides advantages that are difficult to beat for anyone who wishes or needs to handle their moods and retain ideal cognitive function under pressure.
Further and Related Readings
Picamilon in Dietary Supplements (FDA Post on Picamilon):
Picamilon is a substance that does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) defines a dietary ingredient as a vitamin; mineral; herb or other botanical; amino acid; dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake; or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of the preceding substances. In contrast, picamilon is a unique chemical entity synthesized from the dietary ingredients niacin and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Picamilon is absorbed into the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in the brain as a separate chemical entity. Because picamilon does not fit any of the categories of dietary ingredients under the Act, any products marketed as dietary supplements that declare picamilon as a dietary ingredient are misbranded.
The FDA has provided expert testimony to the Oregon Attorney General’s office stating that picamilon is not a dietary ingredient.
Picamilon is used as a prescription drug in Russia for a variety of neurological conditions. It is not approved as a drug in the U.S.
Picamilon is also known as:
- pikatropin
- pikamilon
- nicotinyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid
- nicotinyl-GAB
- Recent FDA Action on Dietary Supplements Labeled as Containing Picamilon
- December 2015
On November 30, 2015, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies whose products marketed as dietary supplements claim to contain picamilon. These products are misbranded because picamilon does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient.
Under existing law, including the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act passed by Congress in 1994, the FDA can take action to remove products from the market, but the agency must first establish that such products are adulterated (e.g., that the product is unsafe) or misbranded (e.g., that the labeling is false or misleading).
The companies have 15 business days from the date of receipt of the letter to communicate to the agency the specific steps they will take to bring their products into compliance with the law.
The agency will continue to update this page in the event additional actions are taken related to picamilon.
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What is Modafinil? – Benefits & Effects – Mechanism of Action – Dosage – Side Effects – Frequently Asked Questions
Summary: Modafinil is a powerful stimulant that promotes ‘wakefulness' and treats sleep disorders. It prevents daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as offering nootropical benefits such as enhancing mood, increasing mental alertness, increasing motivation, improving reaction time, reducing fatigue, and even enhancing memory.
Introduction
What is Modafinil?
In use by the French army, the American Air Force, the Indian Air Force, and Canadian astronauts….. (astronauts!) [R]. Modafinil is a powerful stimulant that promotes wakefulness and treating daytime sleep disorders such as narcolepsy – excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. Besides tats, it offers nootropic benefits such as enhancing mood, increasing mental alertness, increasing motivation, improving reaction time, reducing fatigue, and even enhancing memory.
As a prescription medicine, Modafinil is available in the US, Canada, the UK, and almost every developed country today. It is also available in the UAE where I had it prescribed for a month. Aside from the original name, it also sells under brand names Provigil, Modvigil, and Alertec. It’s a eugeroic (a class of medical drugs that promotes wakefulness and alertness) used to treat conditions such as narcolepsy, a disorder that decreases the ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, as well as the effects of shift work and similar sleep disorders. It’s used off-label by students, businesswomen, men, and shift-workers due to its nootropic effects.
Modafinil, sold under the brand name Provigil among others, is a medication to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. In OSA continuous positive airway pressure is the preferred treatment. Wikipedia
Benefits and Effects
What Are Modafinil Benefits?
- Improves Alertness
- Reduces Fatigue
- Improves Cognition
- Reduces Daytime Sleepiness
- Enhances Learning Capacity
- Effective Neuroprotectant
- Reduces Anxiety and Anger Response
- Reduces ADHD and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Supporting Research:
Modafinil Improves Alertness
Although its effects are comparable to amphetamines like Adderall, which produce a temporary increase in cognition, Modafinil reports providing smoother and jitter-free energy. It also has fewer side effects and better toleration. Furthermore, it has low abuse and addiction potential. I don’t think I ever heard of any “Modafinil addict.” Definitely not Dave Asprey.
Reduces Fatigue
Modafinil increases resistance to fatigue more than amphetamines, along with improving mood, motivation, and reaction time. It is also effective at reducing “impulse response,” i.e., bad decisions. A study on forty-one military subjects receiving Modafinil shows better scores in not only fatigue but also reaction time. Additionally, measurable scores are showing in performance, mood, logical thinking, and even memory. (R)
Improves Cognition
It improves cognitive function by increasing wakefulness and enhancing mental performance during a sleep-deprivation state.
A by-product of the ground-breaking stimulant Adrafinil, Modafinil acted faster and was promoted as a different drug in the 1970’s. After extensive clinical trials, Modafinil got the FDA’s approval to use as hypersomnia treatment. (R)
Reduces Daytime Sleepiness
Modafinil is useful for shift workers. It is used to help pilots staying alert throughout operations by the American military.
According to the World Health Organization, off-label users take Modafinil as a Nootropic. Moreover, with that, reports showing they get the most cognitive boost as well as most of the compelling benefits when they are not sleep-deprived. It is useful for both, still. (R)
Enhances Learning Capacity
Modafinil is powerful strengthening the ability to learn and expanding the capacity to process information. Research confirms that it reinforces mental endurance and performance, especially in cases of drug dependence and ADHD individuals. According to the clinical trials, Modafinil enhances mood, performance, response time and even memory in healthy individuals as well as those who are sleep-deprived.
Effective Neuroprotectant
Experiments further suggest Modafinil promotes brain health. In brain tissue, its inhibitors properties decrease the manifestation of damaging free radicals, thereby making it an effective neuroprotectant (R), (R), (R).
Reduces Anxiety and Anger Response
Although less of a featured trait, Modafinil seems to have the ability to reduce anxiety as well as decreasing anger. A result of the reduction it allows in the reactivity stimuli within the brain (R). There is a paradoxical study (R) for the curious cats like myself. The research shows that on the contrary, Modafinil increases aggression and anxiety in a subject taking a 100mg dose. When the treatment is doubling to 200mg, the items display a reduction in anxiety. It’s a case where less is not more and more is more.
Reduces ADHD and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Modafinil is one of the standard stimulants for the treatment of attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, research suggests that it is an effective treatment for memory impairment in cases of multiple cases of sclerosis. Current clinical trials measure modafinil as a treatment for conditions such as depression, psychosis, seasonal depression, and even drug addiction. It confirms that it strengthens mental performance, thereby becoming beneficial in ADHD and drug dependence. [R] [R]
Mechanism of Action
How Does Modafinil Work?
The unique mechanisms of action differentiates Modafinil effect from the traditional stimulants though they are similar. Modafinil activates neurons by focusing on the hypothalamus and amygdala, unlike amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other central nervous stimulants that only induce wakefulness by general widespread neuronal activation. The precise mechanisms of Modafinil action have not been identified regarding locating a single site of action, though it modulates the brain’s histamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, orexin, and dopamine systems. However, it is evident that Modafinil’s effect on numerous essential neurotransmitters is at the heart of its potency, both as a eugeroic and nootropic.
Orexin Neuropeptide
Orexin neurons exist in the hypothalamus but project to many different parts of the brain including several areas that regulate wakefulness. Leading cause of Narcolepsy is lack of orexin, which Modafinil addresses by acting on orexin neurons. Activation of these neurons also increases production of histamines and other important neurotransmitters that are related to wakefulness and alertness.
On Histamine
Histamine is known to allergies and local immune responses, it also plays an essential part in regulating the sleep/wake cycle. Modafinil actions elevate hypothalamic histamine, a known wakefulness mechanism.
On Dopamine
Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter associating with stimuli/reward response, and therefore can enhance mood as well as increase motivation and focus. Modafinil works by blocking the receptors that remove dopamine from synapses, which raises levels of dopamine available for instant use in the brain. Unlike amphetamines, which stimulate the release and increase of dopamine levels in a high but rapid amplified manner. This indirect gradual action on the dopamine system is a primary feature of how Modafinil works in the brain. It decreases the “rush” type of euphoria that associates with addiction.
On Norepinephrine
Modafinil increases the availability of norepinephrine, a stimulant neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness and increases alertness in the hypothalamus. How Modafinil increases norepinephrine levels isn't clear.
On Glutamate
Modafinil elevates levels of glutamate, the primary neurotransmitter in the brain which is responsible for excitement, by activating the extracellular release of glutamate in the hypothalamus. Glutamate plays a crucial role in human’s psychological functions, playing a significant role in Modafinil’s enhancing effects. Such effects include increased memory, focus, and even brain modification. Not all that Modafinil has to offers is clear, but more than 40 years of extensive research reveals its powerful effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Modafinil is well-absorbed with peak plasma concentration reached approximately two to four hours after administration. Food has no effect on overall modafinil bioavailability; however, absorption (tmax) may be delayed by approximately one hour if taken with food.
Distribution
Modafinil is moderately bound to plasma protein (approximately 60%), primarily to albumin, which indicates that there is a low risk of interaction with strongly bound drugs.
Biotransformation
Modafinil is metabolised by the liver. The chief metabolite (40 – 50% of the dose), modafinil acid, has no pharmacological activity.
Elimination
The excretion of modafinil and its metabolites is chiefly renal, with a small proportion being eliminated unchanged (< 10% of the dose).
Half-life
The effective elimination half-life of modafinil after multiple doses is about 15 hours.
For patients 6 to 7 years of age, the estimated half-life is approximately 7 hours and increases with increase in age until half-life values approach those in adults (approximately 15 hours). This difference in clearance is partially offset by the younger patients' smaller size and lower weight which results in comparable exposure following administration of comparable doses. Higher concentrations of one of the circulating metabolites, modafinil sulfone, are present in children and adolescents as compared to adults. [R]
The electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)
Effects in Comparison to Amphetamines
Modafinil vs Amphetamines: despite causing the lesser motor activity increase when comparing to methamphetamine, a 1997 study still reported that Modafinil is a better inhibitor of sleep drive and a producer of more periods of wakefulness. Although it is possible to get to addiction to Modafinil is also being proposed as a treatment for methamphetamine and cocaine addictions, restoring normal levels of learning ability and generally yielding more positive results than amphetamines. [R]
Effects on Exercise and Sports Performance
Modafinil enhances sports and exercise performance by the duration of time before exhaustion and reduces the feelings of fatigue. In 2004, it got banned by Anti-Doping Agencies. (R)
Effects on Cognitive Abilities
Several years of research explain that Modafinil improves a big range of psychological feature talents. From memory and fluid intelligence to each abstract and personal memory, government performance, pattern recognition, and performance on tasks that requires a high level of thinking. Further research also states that Modafinil’s effects may be most marked among low-performing subjects. Though Modafinil might end up in anxiety, clinical trials have examined that it improves mood in healthy subjects. (R) (R)
Dosage
How to Take Modafinil?
Modafinil is safe for continuous use at moderate doses (100-200 mg). Large-scale clinical trials show no significant indications of tolerance over periods of up to several months.
Side Effects
What are Modafinil Side Effects?
Commonly reported side effect of modafinil (although minor) can include anxiety, insomnia, headache, nausea, digestion issues, dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth, and inflammation. Many of these side effects are temporary. If they persist, its advisable to seek professional advice.
Conclusion
Everyone responds differently to nootropics, but decades of research have shown modafinil is safe, effective, and well-tolerated. If you’re into maximizing cognitive abilities and minimizing fatigue, modafinil is a nootropic worth trying. My personal experience with it has been very interesting and positive. I mostly noticed the massive interest in learning as well as the capacity to process information. Nevertheless, I still prefer Adrafinil over Modafinil, even though they are almost identical products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modafinil is a medication that promotes wakefulness through a variety of mechanisms. Although Modafinil is structurally like central nervous system stimulants like amphetamines, its effects and mechanisms of action are notably different. Modafinil influences the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA and serotonin. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that seems to be most strongly affected. Modafinil inhibits the reuptake of dopamine through specific dopamine transporter channels but is very selective as to which ones it inhibits. Serotonin activity increases in both the amygdala and frontal cortex with Modafinil use.
Modafinil is a medication that promotes wakefulness. It’s prescribed to treat narcolepsy, hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil is widely used off-label as a cognitive enhancing drug. Individuals who use Modafinil as a cognitive enhancer claim that it dramatically improves focus and concentration, especially when taken to counteract fatigue. The effects of Modafinil are long-lasting compared to other medications.
The half-life of Modafinil ranges from 12 to 15 hours, although the metabolism of Modafinil can be affected by several factors, including genetic predispositions, kidney and liver health. Allergy and hypersensitivity are the only contraindications to using Modafinil. Scientists are still trying to understand precisely how Modafinil achieves its effects. Modafinil targets several neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine.
Depending on various factors, urinary excretion of unchanged Modafinil ranges from 0 percent to 18.7 percent. Most Modafinil is excreted as one of two major circulating metabolites: modafinil acid or modafinil sulfone. Modafinil and its metabolites may be present at testable levels in the urine for up to 30 hours following ingestion. Modafinil and modafinil acid can be tested for in plasma, serum and urine. Modafinil is not usually tested for in routine drug screenings and its use is unlikely to cause false positives for stimulants such as amphetamines.
If you're in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, you can order Modafinil through our page here. However, if you are somewhere else, although I know a few websites that advertise it, I never have personally bought from them nor trust them enough to list or recommend them. You can try by doing a Google search, and be cautious, and learn about its legal status in your country of residence.
Further and Related Readings
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