I always hear awful things about Phenibut. Would love to hear some more from anyone with input.
I've been taking phenibut for about 4 weeks. Almost incidentally, really, which makes me feel all the more stupid. I buy various herbs online (kava, etc.) and a store sent me a small 3g sample of phenibut. It lasted me 4-5 days. I didn't read the warnings. Or if I did they didn't register. I started taking very small amounts, less than .25 a gram, maybe 2-3 times a day, so less than 1g a day. I found the results to be very subtle, but quite nice. I felt open, more able-n-ready to approach women and in general I felt very good. I was glad to talk to almost anyone. I'm not especially shy normally, but I'm not overly gregarious either. This aspect was the real seduction point for me. I bought 10g more.
This positive effect lasted nicely for the first 2 weeks. It wasn't until the end of week 3 that things got odd. I wasn't getting the pleasant effects from the small dosage, but didn't want to increase it. I felt off and uninspired (I keep very busy with a lot of hobbies). I woke up the following Monday morning with the worst panic attack I've ever had. And nausea. This is, I now understand, what people call the phenibut hangover. I was in a state of fear for most of the day. The initial morning response has gotten a little better as the week has progressed, but I've also upped my dosage to over 1g a day (I realize this is small in comparison to others, but the amount is irrelevant, it's the continuous use that gets you). I do find myself getting panic attacks throughout the day, which you must understand is entirely new. The only other times I've had panic attacks is when I'm really hungover from drinking. And that's one of a few reasons I never drink and haven't for years.
At larger doses (.60g) I find I get some of the positive results as when I started, but it's largely just a source of fear and required maintenance. I feel sleepy and weird and out of it. I use my brain a lot for my job and I've noticed some drastic changes during the hangover morning period. By around 2 or 3 I'm at normal, but I never know how long that will last. It's a roller-coaster and I've read it just keeps getting worse to the point of not being able to sleep while still ingesting it. I've basically stopped drinking coffee, my great love in life. Honestly, if I could continue to get good results, I may not be so ready to get rid of the garbage. But I just don't know where it's going, and I don't know what kind of damage it will do to my brain. And all that I gained in perceived confidence and easy feelings has largely reversed! Right now, after a .33g 1.5 hour ago, I feel like I'm nodding off. Not what I need, but obviously better than panic. Throughout the day, I feel like I'm either panicked and crazy or falling asleep at the wheel. I get small periods of calm happiness. And evenings seem to be largely pleasant and nice. I'm sure if I dumped a gram in my gullet I may feel really good, but I don't want to go there.
At this point, I'm planning to take all of my vacation time to get off of this train. Considering how hard I've worked this last year, it's a grave disappointment and certainly the product of stupidity. I think my subconscious mind probably did some math when I first found the stuff: It's so cheap, it's such a subtle, nice feeling... how bad could it be?? The answer to that is: Very, very bad. Do you see, I haven't even quit or tapered and my brain is already going haywire. In a matter of hours I could be overcome by a vicious panic attack. It's the
not knowing that gets to you. We know the tolerance builds fast, but that really translates to '
it will do the opposite of what you want it to'. That means panic attacks WHILE on it. We take these things so that we can control our mind and our well-being. This product ultimately does the exact opposite. You feel out of control and it freaks you out. And there's the reports that it will permanently effect your ability to feel calm and relaxed. I am skeptical on that count, but it's terrifying nonetheless and surely not worth it.
If you're 100% certain that you have the will to limit yourself with this stuff it MAY be worth experimenting. No more than 1-2 days at a time, followed by a long break. I'm on it right now and I feel fine. But that is temporary. And I feel overly-sleepy and out of it. I like mental acuity - this is no good. Messing with your state of mind and nervous system is really pretty crazy in the first place.
I don't cherish the 6-8 days of utter hell I have coming up, but I absolutely must get past this. The bottom line is that it ultimately gives you no value at all. You just gradually turn into a zombie. My work is suffering, while I'm on the biggest project/deadline of my career. I just can't believe I walked into this situation. And for what?? Some mild feelings of well-being? Don't be like me. Avoid it and if you must try it, then seriously limit your intake. All the labels and warnings are correct, so pay attention to them.
Edited by LordTeriaki, 20 May 2010 - 04:50 AM.