Phenibut as a sleep aid?

[CrazyC]

Good evening, peoples!

I have been plagued with insomnia for years, and like so many other insomniacs, I have fallen into the Ambien trap. Taking an Ambien does not guarantee a good night's sleep for me, but NOT taking one guarantees a night of pure hell. I have a running prescription for them with plenty of refills on it, but - as is the case with just about every pill I take - I end up over-taking them and running out for at least a few days every month. Which is why I am here tonight. I have investigated just about every over-the-counter or herbal sleep aid that there is and I have not had success with a single damned one of them. My latest failures include Blue Lotus extract - aka "Zaney Bars" from the smokeshop and "L 5 HTP" from the health food store. Both of these DID have a mellowing effect, but not enough of one to justify the price tags on them.

Earlier today I ran across an article about a supplement called Phenibut that supposedly helps with anxiety and insomnia. I am willing to try ANYTHING to help me sleep, but I just can't afford to waste any more money. With this in mind I would welcome any input regarding Phenibut's effectiveness as a sleep aid. Any suggestions AT ALL for a sleep aid that actually works will be more than welcome.

Thanks and Peace all,

C.

 

[keeponkeepnon]

If you can assure yourself you will only use phenibut as directed ie for 3 days then off for 3 days etc then give it a go. Perhaps you could supplement days off of ambien with phenibut. That said if you cannot absolutely 100% guarantee you will remain in control with phenibut don't even get near it. I've tried everything under the sun for sleep Relora, Alteril, Melatonin, Valerian, Trazodone, Ambien, Lunesta, Benadryl, Doxylalamine Succinate, Klonopin, Phenobarbital etc. The only one that ever gave me a problem was phenibut. It causes massive activation at the GABA-B receptors which will undoubtedly knock you out and for a long time but when your body naturally withdraws the next day the dopamine upsurge can feel almost as stimulating as a high dose of amphetamine and it can be terribly scary.

Granted at the time dexedrine, Relora, Alteril, Melatonin, Valerian, Trazodone, Benadryl, Doxylalamine Succinate, Klonopin, Kratom where all in play for myself I still attribute my one and only complete break from reality with Phenibut. Sheer manic hell.

Sorry for the ramble I always feel compelled to write a response when I see Phenibut mentioned. IF you do decide to try it responsibly I would highly recommend getting it through a supplement called MRM-Relax All which is a metered dose with a number of other very calming supplements. It was when I started playing around with straight Phenibut powder all hell broke loose. Be well and hope you get some rest.

 

[cook]

I think taking ambien for extended amount time is just about the worst thing you could do, I mean anything is better than that. Have you tried antihistamine-like strong sedatives (mirtazapine, trazodone etc.)? If they work for you I bet they are a lot safer than ambien.

What comes to phenibut, it could work for insomnia if you took it several hours before bed. I have used it but never for sleep, the problem is the tolerance that skyrockets with phenibut so that's just not feasible to use it every night. And I doubt it being any better than regular benzo for sleep, but ambien is the worst there is, though I have to say it is effective but everything comes with a price. Antihistamines are your best bet and they are not addictive at all, yet not disturbing your sleep cycles in the long run like benzo's and z-drugs do.