[wookiegoldfur]

I myself do self-medicate with a supplement called Phenibut and it has greatly improved my anxiety and mood swings. I feel like I can finally do something with my life. I realize the topic of self-medication is very controversial. So what are your opinions about it?

[Crazy Hitch]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

I've never personally heard of Phenibut. Might have to go do some research on that and ask my pdoc what she thinks.

For me, personally, I'm willing to hear all plausible suggestions for alternative medications.

However, because I am on a number of medications for my Bipolar, I can't throw things into the mix without checking with my pdoc first, as I have no known way of knowing what the side effects or interactions with the meds that I am currently on will be.

I have heaps of friends though that take this or that, mainly from health stores, and they swear by its efficacy.

[avlady]

i hope someone who knows alot about self medication writes here, i would also be interested in this subject, good luck

[emwell]

I have tried various "self meds" myself. I went the complete herbal route for depression at one point. Right now I supplement my anxiety meds with an herbal mixture. I trust my the person who told me about it. and didn't start it until my Doctor researched it himself It definitely helps with added anxiety I might feel. Don't take anything unless you know what you are doing.

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[kiwi33]

I would be very cautious about self-medication with Phenibut without a detailed discussion of it with an evidence-based health professional. It does not have regulatory approval.

Cases of dependence, toxicity and psychosis during withdrawal have been reported for it.

http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-...284-8/fulltext

Case Report: Phenibut dependence

[wookiegoldfur]

Thank you for the case reports. I wouldn't count on myself becoming dependent on it because I only take it on days that I work (sometimes I'll even forget to take it just become it has made such a difference). And it usually takes a few days or more of not taking it for me to feel anxiety symptoms again. So for me personally, it takes a while for it to leave my system. Becoming dependent on something like that is always a concern of mine (substance control issues run in my family-aka the reason I plan on never drinking), that's why I will go without it on days that aren't necessary. So far it has been a great supplement for me personally, and I've been using it for about 3 months now. Obviously I don't recommend anyone else trying it unless they are prepared for any possible risks.

[emwell]

Originally Posted by wookiegoldfur

Thank you for the case reports. I wouldn't count on myself becoming dependent on it because I only take it on days that I work (sometimes I'll even forget to take it just become it has made such a difference). And it usually takes a few days or more of not taking it for me to feel anxiety symptoms again. So for me personally, it takes a while for it to leave my system. Becoming dependent on something like that is always a concern of mine (substance control issues run in my family-aka the reason I plan on never drinking), that's why I will go without it on days that aren't necessary. So far it has been a great supplement for me personally, and I've been using it for about 3 months now. Obviously I don't recommend anyone else trying it unless they are prepared for any possible risks.

Now I am curious. I have never heard of Phenibut either.
when I did the herbal thing, I was seeing a kinesiologist who asked my body what it needed.
I felt better with the herbs he suggested, but it got to be too expensive.
I still find it sad that money prevented me from feeling my best the best way.

[Perna]

It's used as a drug in Russia, where it was discovered. It's been compared with piracetam and diazepam: Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug. - PubMed - NCBI

I didn't like the end tales: Topic: Another Phenibut casualty | Forum

[emwell]

I think I will stick with my Stress Relief Chinese (100 caps) | Chinese Herbs
I take this when Ativan is not appropriate for whatever reason.
I cleared this with my psychiatrist so he knows exactly what is in my body.
If it works for my Mom, I knew it would work for me.
Happy Father's Day Mom

[gayleggg]

I found for me that self medicating to be a bad think, of course, I was using alcohol, which would be one of the worse ways to self medicate. I'm not familar with Phenibut, so I can't really say anything about it pro or con. I just know that for me following my doctors orders keeps me about as stable as I can be most of the time. I trust his judgement and he take me seriously when I tell him that I'm not doing well and makes medication adjustments accordingly.

But I think that everyone has to find their own way to wellness. And if
Phenibut works for you then that's great. I just haven't found and over the counter meds that do me any good.

[FedUp&Bored]

I think it depends upon the individual. Some people have no problems with it while other people can't handle it. Personally, I use fermented kanna for depression (as needed). It's an otc drug, classified as an SSRI; it's affordable and doesn't have the side effects that some prescriptions have.