Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug
by
Lapin I.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychopharmacology,
Bekhterev's Psychoneurological Institute,
Bekhterev Street, 3, St. Petersburg,
193019, Russia.
spbinstb@infopro.spb.su
CNS Drug Rev. 2001 Winter;7(4):471-81.
ABSTRACTPhenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid HCl) is a neuropsychotropic drug that was discovered and introduced into clinical practice in Russia in the 1960s. It has anxiolytic and nootropic (cognition enhancing) effects. It acts as a GABA-mimetic, primarily at GABA(B) and, to some extent, at GABA(A) receptors. It also stimulates dopamine receptors and antagonizes beta-phenethylamine (PEA), a putative endogenous anxiogenic. The psychopharmacological activity of phenibut is similar to that of baclofen, a p-Cl-derivative of phenibut. This article reviews the structure-activity relationship of phenibut and its derivatives. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the position of the phenyl ring, the role of the carboxyl group, and the activity of optical isomers. Comparison of phenibut with piracetam and diazepam reveals similarities and differences in their pharmacological and clinical effects. Phenibut is widely used in Russia to relieve tension, anxiety, and fear, to improve sleep in psychosomatic or neurotic patients; as well as a pre- or post-operative medication. It is also used in the therapy of disorders characterized by asthenia and depression, as well as in post-traumatic stress, stuttering and vestibular disorders.GHB
Options
GABA(A)
Sedatives
GABA and sleep
GABAergic drugs
Benzodiazepines
GABA(B) and GHB
Pregablin (Lyrica)
GABA, pain and the cerebral cortex
Anxioselective compounds and GABA(A)
Phenibut: comparative pharmacological activity of its optical isomers
Refs
and further readingHOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World
The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family
