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Case Reports
. 2018 Apr 30:2018:9864285.
doi: 10.1155/2018/9864285. eCollection 2018.

Phenibut (β-Phenyl- γ-aminobutyric Acid) Dependence and Management of Withdrawal: Emerging Nootropics of Abuse

Tania Ahuja  1 , Ofole Mgbako  2 , Caroline Katzman  3 , Allison Grossman  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Phenibut (β-Phenyl- γ-aminobutyric Acid) Dependence and Management of Withdrawal: Emerging Nootropics of Abuse

Tania Ahuja et al. Case Rep Psychiatry. .

Abstract

This case report describes the development of withdrawal from phenibut, a gamma-aminobutyric acid-receptor type B agonist. Although phenibut is not an FDA-approved medication, it is available through online retailers as a nootropic supplement. There are reports of dependence in patients that misuse phenibut. We report a case in which a patient experienced withdrawal symptoms from phenibut and was successfully treated with a baclofen taper. This case report highlights the development of phenibut use disorder with coingestion of alcohol and potential management for phenibut withdrawal. We believe clinicians must be aware of how phenibut dependence may present and how to manage the withdrawal syndrome.

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