What Is A Phenibut Hangover?

When you hear the word “hangover,” you may think of alcohol. However, other substances can also have unpleasant, hangover-like effects as they leave your body. 

One of these substances is called phenibut. Here’s what you should know about phenibut hangovers.

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant. It acts similarly to benzodiazepines, a class of CNS depressants that includes Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. 

Like those drugs, phenibut increases the amount of GABA in your brain. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that slows down brain activity, causing sedation. 

By raising GABA levels, phenibut makes you feel calm and relaxed. It can also cause euphoria (intense joy), especially at high doses. Other side effects of phenibut may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and poor coordination. 

History Of Phenibut

A synthetic (human-made) substance, phenibut was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Today, doctors in Russia and some Eastern European countries use the drug to treat various conditions, including insomnia, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Is Phenibut FDA-Approved?

Due to concerns about physical dependence and addiction, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved phenibut for medical use in the United States. 

However, it’s legally sold as a dietary supplement. Many people who buy phenibut don’t realize it can have negative effects, including hangovers. 

Phenibut Hangovers & Withdrawal Symptoms

A phenibut hangover is a set of withdrawal symptoms that can occur as the drug leaves your system. The symptoms usually start within a couple days of phenibut use and may include:

• fatigue
• headache
• depression
• anxiety
• irritability 
• restlessness
• trouble concentrating
• poor memory

Some people also experience psychosis, or a temporary disconnection from reality. 

All phenibut withdrawal symptoms occur because the drug floods your brain with an excessive amount of the brain chemical GABA. In response, your brain starts making less GABA naturally. 

Once the phenibut wears off, it takes time for your brain to start making normal amounts of GABA again. Until then, the lack of GABA may cause withdrawal symptoms.     

How Long Does A Phenibut Hangover Last?  

A phenibut hangover can last anywhere from a couple hours to a couple weeks. The exact duration depends on factors such as:

• dose (higher doses tend to cause worse hangovers)
• how long you have been using phenibut 
• whether you mixed the phenibut with alcohol or other drugs
• your overall health

Phenibut Addiction

Phenibut addiction is a serious disease that makes you feel unable to control your use of phenibut. Common symptoms include:

• physical dependence, which means you regularly experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use phenibut
• tolerance, which means you need increasingly higher doses of phenibut to feel the desired effects
• mood swings
• loss of motivation
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Like other types of addiction, phenibut addiction is treatable. The most popular treatments include medical detox, mental health counseling, and support groups.

To learn more about phenibut addiction treatment options, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay healthy.