Adderall With Phenibut

What is Phenibut?

Phenibut is widely used in Russia in different neurological and psychiatric disorders. In some Russian reference books, phenibut is listed as a tranquilizer, and in others as a nootropic agent. In reality, the drug appears to have both types of activity. It has been reported to diminish Phenibut tension, alleviate anxiety and fear, and potentiate neuroleptics and antiparkinsonian drugs. It has also been reported to enhance memory and intellectual function. It has been successfully used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, “asthenic-depressive” syndrome, stuttering, and even vestibular disorders.

How Phenibut Works

All Phenibut supplements and related products arrive at the US market mostly through e-commerce websites. FDA [2] has stated that Phenibut doesn’t even fall into the category of dietary supplements and has even issued warnings to companies, whose dietary supplements contain it.

It is unofficially used to treat anxiety, alcohol use disorder, insomnia, depression, stress, and many other conditions. There is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Phenibut is approved for use in Russia and some Eastern European countries. Don’t confuse phenibut with GABA. These are not the same.

According to studies, phenibut can penetrate the barrier between the brain and the blood. This barrier exists to stop harmful or toxic substances from traveling through the bloodstream to reach the brain. It can be used as a tranquilizer because it acts as a depressant for the central nervous system. One animal study from Pharmacological Research [3] shows that phenibut may be able to boost brain function after a stroke. Still, it has not been approved for therapeutic purposes in the United States, the European Union, or Australia. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment and narcolepsy (sleep disorder) [1]. It is a stimulant that can cause euphoria when taken inappropriately. It can be addictive, and Adderall’s side effects can be life-threatening in some cases. One should never assume a drug is somehow “safe” to use in any quantity or conditions simply because it’s prescribed.

Taking psychoactive drugs like Adderall and mixing them with alcohol poses a great risk. Not only is mixing Adderall and alcohol bad, but it’s also deadly. Whether an Adderall and alcohol overdose happens accidentally or on purpose, it can lead to death. Adderall by itself carries an increased risk for heart problems, such as a rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. Add alcohol into the equation, and the risk factor for these side effects increases.

Is Adderall a party drug? Adderall can also be abused, and there are concerns that it is becoming a party drug. Party drugs or rave energy pills are psychoactive drugs that are used primarily for recreational purposes. Recreational use of Adderall can quickly progress to addiction, and quitting the drug can be hellish and often leads to Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Recovery professionals recommend beginning the first phase of treatment in a supervised facility. This will all start by undergoing medically assisted Adderall addiction treatment in an inpatient drug rehab.

Can You Take Phenibut with Adderall?

It’s important to note that Adderall should not be combined with certain substances. Adderall and phenibut are often popularly used under the presumption that the combined effect can reduce anxiety. For many users, taking phenibut and amphetamines like Adderall cause a sedative effect, helping users avoid the anxiety and irritability that comes after taking Adderall. The only information available on the combination of these drugs is anecdotal. More scientific research is required to determine the potential risks.

Side Effects of Mixing Phenibut & Adderall

Some people may become calm after taking phenibut. But there are negative side effects. Breathing issues, sadness, and nervous system abnormalities are a few of these adverse consequences. After using Phenibut and Adderall, some persons may also suffer the following side effects:

After a few days, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to phenibut. In order to get the same effects as when you initially started taking a drug, you must take more of it. If the dosage is lowered or they stop using phenibut, some persons who tolerate it may develop withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia or anxiety may result from this.

Phenibut Mixed With Adderall Withdrawal

When someone reaches the point when stopping or reducing their Adderall and phenibut dosage results in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, they have developed a physical dependence on those drugs. When a user starts acting in ways that are harmful to them in order to maintain their usage, addiction to these drugs has begun.

Phenibut Interaction with Adderall

Phenibut’s safety level has not been established. Phenibut might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Its effects can be altered when it is combined with other nootropics and sedative drugs. Taking phenibut with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness. It is important to remember that phenibut should not be taken with any other drugs. Chronic use of this drug promotes tolerance to its sedative action. Chronic use has also been associated with psychosis and physical dependence. The increased risk of overdose could be caused by taking this drug regularly.

A male with a history of anxiety presented at an emergency department for severe agitation and psychosis with reported phenibut addiction characterized by consumption of approximately 5 g daily for two months. His toxicology results were also positive for amphetamines ( the generic name of Adderall is amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). Another patient began using low dose phenibut (0.1-0.3 g every few days) before escalating the dose in conjunction with heavy use of alcohol one week prior to admission to the emergency department, the patient reported visual hallucinations and anxiety [4].

Phenibut Interaction with Alcohol

Phenibut Side Effects

Because of the lack of clinical research on Phenibut as a prescription drug in the US, there are no definite conclusions about the cause of Phenibut’s side effects. However, reportedly the most common reason for the adverse reactions is taking over high doses of this drug.

Short-term side effects

Taking low doses does not save the user from having adverse Phenibut side effects, although the severity of these reactions differs according to the dose. It is important to note that most of these are anecdotal evidence by users and have not been extensively studied or researched.

Following are some common phenibut side effects:

Higher doses can cause more Phenibut side effects. Following are some of the expected severe side effects caused by the Phenibut abuse by taking overly high doses.

They include:

Side Effects Caused By Long-Term Use

The most extreme long-term effects of Phenibut happen when the substance starts directly affecting the liver and the bloodstream. The most extreme consequence of long-term use of this substance is psychosis, which happens due to dissociative intoxication and prolonged withdrawal. This is a rare but possible occurrence with inotropic agents such as Phenibut.

Following are some of the long-term effects:

According to CDC [5], between 2009 and 2019 poison centers reported 80 cases when Phenibut use led to coma, including one adolescent. Besides, there was one death reported caused solely by Phenibut (no other drugs involved).

Side Effects of Adderall

These side effects of Adderall on the body can manifest even in someone who is taking the drug as prescribed, so it is good to be aware of them. Adderall’s side effects can be life-threatening in some cases. One should never assume a drug is somehow “safe” to use in any quantity or conditions simply because it’s prescribed. People without ADHD taking high doses of Adderall can result in more severe consequences, including cardiovascular issues. In addition, when someone dependent on this drug stops taking it, they can feel hazy, lazy, and sad.

Here are a few of the more serious consequences of Adderall misuse:

Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

The physical dependence on Adderall happens when someone has reached a situation where if they stop taking Adderall or reduce the dosage they take, they start to experience unpleasant Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Addiction to these drugs starts when the user begins to act in ways that are damaging to them in order to continue their use.

An Adderall addiction also refers to a person’s psychological or physical reliance on this drug, along with a specific set of behaviors. These people are usually unable to cope when they stop taking Adderall and will go to any length to obtain more of the prescription drugs

The brain of an addicted person is dependent on Adderall to stimulate alertness and productivity. Without Adderall, addicted people often feel tired and mentally foggy. in addition, a person who is abusing this drug may become uncharacteristically talkative or active. In group settings, they may also lose their inhibitions and appear extremely happy.

Addiction to Adderall can occur when someone takes:

• More than their prescribed dose
• Adderall for longer periods of time than prescribed
• Adderall more frequently than prescribed

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for People Abusing Adderall with Phenibut 

Mixing Adderall with Phenibut may increase the side effects of both and may promote more use of both. One may be taken to offset the effects of the other, to enhance the “high,” or lessen the “crash” that can ensue when one substance wears off. Increased dosage of stimulants and intensified Phenibut consumption may cause a person’s brain chemistry to be altered. A wide variety of options are available to help the person stop taking Adderall with Phenibut and avoid serious side effects from Adderall with Phenibut abuse. Many Adderall users respond well to residential rehab programs. 

If you are mixing Adderall with Phenibut and showing side effects, dependency, and tolerance to these drugs, it’s crucial to first get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. When the symptoms have been evaluated by a mental health professional, it may be determined that another form of mental condition is present and needs a particular type of treatment. Very often, some combination of psychotherapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes are effective for coping with functional. 

Medically-Assisted Detox for Adderall and Phenibut Addiction

Detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of Adderall and alcohol withdrawal, but it doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Psychotherapy for Adderal with Phenibut Addiction

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves making changes in both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
• Solution Focused Therapy – is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorder and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. In this strategy, both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.