30 Seconds Summary
Phenibut: The Soviet smart drug

  • Phenibut, synthesized in 1963 in the Soviet Union, was originally developed to calm psychiatric children.
  • By 1975, Phenibut was widely used by the public and Soviet astronauts for its tranquilizing yet cognitively stimulating effects.
  • It acts primarily as a nootropic enhancing motivation, attention, and concentration, and as a strong anxiolytic treating various neurological disorders.
  • Phenibut crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively due to its structure, making it more potent than direct GABA supplementation.
  • It also increases growth hormone secretion, which can benefit bodybuilders by enhancing muscle recovery and potentially increasing muscle strength in neurotic or psychotic individuals.
  • Regular use can lead to addiction; withdrawal symptoms can be severe, paralleling Phenibut's powerful effects on GABA receptors.
  • Optimal dosage calculated based on body surface area can mitigate side effects and prevent addiction; typically, no more than 3 grams per day is recommended.
  • Despite its legal status, Phenibut should be used cautiously due to potential side effects and the risk of addiction.

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