Anvifen

Quick links to important sections

Anvifen

Selected form

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Anvifen

Property Description
Active ingredient Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Phenibut)
Form Oral tablets or capsules (monocomponent)
Pharmacological class Neuropsychotropic agent (Anxiolytic/Nootropic)
Origin Synthetic derivative of GABA
Route of administration Oral

Anvifen is a pharmaceutical preparation whose primary active substance is the international non-proprietary name (INN) Aminophenylbutyric Acid, commonly known as beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid or Phenibut. The medication is classified as a neuropsychotropic agent, indicating its targeted action within the central nervous system (CNS). Pharmacologically, it is recognized for its dual capabilities, acting as both an anxiolytic agent (minor tranquilizer) and a nootropic agent, a classification noting its cognitive-supporting properties. The substance is used for reducing feelings of anxiety and fear while improving attention and memory in some contexts. This demonstrates the medicine's dual influence on both emotional stability and cognitive performance.

Composition and Origin of Aminophenylbutyric Acid

The active component, Aminophenylbutyric Acid, is a synthetic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's principal inhibitory neurotransmitter. This compound is known for its structural modification—the substitution of a phenyl group—which is essential as it grants the substance a unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, a difference from naturally occurring GABA. Anvifen is prepared as a monocomponent drug, meaning Aminophenylbutyric Acid is the sole active substance. It is primarily administered via the oral route in solid oral formulations, such as tablets or capsules.

What is the General Purpose of This Dual-Action Agent?

The general therapeutic purpose of Anvifen is the normalization of emotional and cognitive states that are disrupted by nervous tension or distress. The mechanism involves modulating the body’s response to stress signals. The compound works to stabilize the nervous system, helping to diminish excessive nervous activity, which addresses anxiety, while concurrently supporting aspects of cognitive function like attention and clarity. This combined effect is intended to foster a state of relaxed alertness and stability.

What side effects are possible with Anvifen?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Anvifen (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) is officially characterized by common, expected effects related to the central nervous system (CNS) and specific, documented risks associated with prolonged high-dose use and severe pre-existing conditions. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and system-organ class according to regulatory standards.


Adverse Reaction Classification

The most frequently reported adverse reactions affect the nervous and gastrointestinal systems:

Classification Aspect Common Adverse Reactions Uncommon/Rare Reactions
System-Organ Class Nervous System, Gastrointestinal Nervous System, Immune System
Examples Drowsiness, Nausea Headache, Dizziness, Allergic reactions

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory safety information highlights the potential for serious, yet rare, adverse reactions, particularly when use is prolonged or at high doses. These include the risk of Hepatotoxicity, which can manifest as fatty degeneration of the liver, and the potential for a severe Withdrawal Syndrome (including symptoms like delirium or psychosis) upon abrupt cessation following long-term use.

Due to these risks, the medicine has explicit regulatory constraints. Anvifen is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, as well as those with severe pre-existing conditions, specifically acute liver failure or severe hepatic impairment and acute renal failure. The official profile also notes that CNS effects like drowsiness are generally more pronounced at the beginning of treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official documentation for Aminophenylbutyric Acid overdose describes a profile dominated by profound Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. Documented manifestations include severe somnolence, confusion, agitation, and delirium, which may progress to unconsciousness (coma). Further clinical signs can include nausea, vomiting, motor incoordination, dizziness, and severe systemic effects such as tachycardia and hypotension.


When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Due to the risk of life-threatening complications, the regulatory requirement is to seek immediate medical attention or emergency treatment at the first sign of a suspected overdose. Severe outcomes such as respiratory depression, seizures, renal impairment, or fatty liver degeneration (particularly after high-dose ingestion) have been documented, necessitating urgent hospitalization and monitoring. The risk of severe, life-threatening effects is significantly heightened if the substance is consumed alongside other CNS depressants, such as alcohol.


Official Management and Antidote Status

There is no specific antidote known for Aminophenylbutyric Acid toxicity. Treatment is therefore limited to symptomatic and supportive care. Procedural management may involve interventions like gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal for recent exposures, and mechanical ventilation if required for respiratory compromise. Continuous hospital monitoring is necessary to manage potential cardiovascular and respiratory instability.

Therapeutic Uses of Anvifen

What Anvifen Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The active ingredient, Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Phenibut), is used in clinical contexts primarily in countries where it is approved as a pharmaceutical agent, supporting symptomatic relief across several key neuropsychiatric domains. The substance is commonly applied in addressing conditions like general anxiety and nervous tension, sleep disorders, asthenia, and certain vestibular disorders. The application of the substance contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports the patient during symptomatic episodes by easing distress.


Symptomatic Relief and Functional Support

The medication is commonly used to provide symptomatic assistance for conditions involving heightened psychological tension, general anxiety, and pathological fear states. It is also relevant for managing symptoms of asthenia (weakness and fatigue) and assisting patients who experience difficulty initiating sleep due to underlying tension. Furthermore, it may assist with managing symptoms that create noticeable functional strain, such as motor tics and stuttering, and is relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns like dizziness or vertigo. These uses help reduce the intensity of distressing manifestations, assisting with maintaining functional stability and patient comfort during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Relief for Anxiety, Asthenia, and Sleep Issues

Regulatory References

  1. Critical Review by the World Health Organization Expert Committee

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Anvifen? — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility for using Anvifen (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) is governed by two key factors: regional regulatory approval and specific patient contraindications defined in the drug's official labeling.

Regulatory Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations Allowed Individuals aged 2 years and older (in authorized territories).
Populations Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.
Age-Related Rules Use is formally contraindicated in children younger than two years of age.

Condition-Specific Restrictions

Official regulatory documents mandate that Anvifen must not be used in the presence of certain medical conditions, defining an absolute non-eligibility for these groups. The medicine is strictly contraindicated for patients with liver insufficiency or failure. It is also contraindicated for those with ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Furthermore, the official label includes a regulatory restriction stating that prolonged use requires mandatory monitoring of liver function and peripheral blood parameters.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Anvifen (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) documents specific interaction patterns that involve pharmacodynamic synergy and altered drug clearance. This section focuses solely on officially documented interactions and restrictions.

Pharmacodynamic Potentiation and Prohibition

The most critical interaction restriction is the formal prohibition against co-administration with alcohol (ethanol). Combining Anvifen with alcohol is strictly forbidden due to the significant potentiation of central nervous system (CNS) effects. The primary documented interaction involves pharmacodynamic potentiation with other CNS Depressants. This includes specific medicinal product classes such as anxiolytics, opioids, sedatives, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Co-administration results in the mutual extension and reinforcement of these agents' effects. This potentiation increases the regulatory-documented risk of severe CNS depression, which can potentially lead to outcomes such as respiratory depression.

Exposure and Efficacy Alterations

Regulatory data also outlines specific exposure-altering interactions. Anvifen may increase the excretion rate of certain co-administered medicines, such as Bromotheophylline, leading to a reduced therapeutic effect for that substance. Conversely, the overall efficacy of Anvifen itself may be decreased when combined with certain medicinal products, including Amphotericin B or Cefalotin. No specific timing separation requirements or population-dependent interaction cautions are formally documented in the official prescribing information.

Mechanism of Action

Anvifen (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) modulates the Central Nervous System (CNS) through a dual pharmacodynamic mechanism, engaging two distinct molecular targets to modulate neuronal activity.

The primary action is direct mathbf GABAB receptor agonism, predominantly driven by the mathbf(R)-enantiomer. The drug binds to these receptors to initiate a G-protein cascade that opens potassium channels. This action hyperpolarizes nerve cells, significantly boosting the CNS inhibitory tone across key regulatory circuits, resulting in a generalized reduction of neuronal excitability.

The drug also acts by modulating the mathbfalpha2delta subunit of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels (VDCCs). This mechanism regulates the release of excitatory neurotransmitters by governing nerve cell membrane activity. By limiting the outflow of overactive signals, this action results in modulation of motor and vestibular signaling pathways and the subsequent reduction of motor hyperexcitability.

A distinguishing structural feature is the mathbfbeta-phenyl group on the molecule, which grants it the necessary lipophilicity to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This modification ensures the drug reaches its central targets at functional concentrations, enabling both the GABAB and alpha2delta cascades to occur, resulting in the observed physiological modulation of CNS activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Aminophenylbutyric Acid (Anvifen) follows established parameters defining the delivery methods, dose limits, and treatment structure.

Administration Scope

Instruction Description
Route of administration: The primary method of administration is the oral route (tablets or capsules). An intravenous solution for infusion is also an available form used in clinical settings.
Dosing schedule (Adults): The standard single dose for an adult is between 250 mg and 500 mg. The total daily intake typically does not exceed 2,000 mg (2 g).
Frequency Pattern: The total quantity is typically administered as divided daily use, meaning the full dose is split and taken two or three times throughout the day, following a structured schedule.
Special Procedural Conditions: Usage is structured into defined courses or treatment cycles. This protocol requires that the medicine be taken for a specified period and is not intended for continuous, indefinite daily use.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

These instructions provide the standardized framework for using the medication. The designated administration routes categorize the context of use, distinguishing between oral, typically for outpatient care, and intravenous, which involves professional clinical supervision. The maximum dosage limit and required divided frequency are utilized to maintain the parameters of the defined course of treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Anvifen

Evidence for Use in Anxiety and Nervous Tension

Research has explored whether Aminophenylbutyric Acid can be evaluated in settings involving anxiety and nervous tension. Studies monitored populations of adults experiencing conditions characterized by functional limitations, such as psychosomatic and neurotic disorders. The primary focus of these short-term RCTs was to study patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and changes measured using standardized psychiatric rating scales relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns.

Findings indicate patterns observed in the studies where symptom intensity or variability was monitored over defined time intervals. Some trials described measurements of shifts in tension and anxiety scores, compared against a placebo or other substances. However, evidence so far indicates that the data largely comes from regional clinical trials, and comparative evidence with widely used contemporary agents is lacking. What remains uncertain is the consistency of these patterns in modern, large-scale, international studies.

Evidence for Use in Sleep Disorders and Asthenia

Regarding sleep disorders, research was conducted on individuals with conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms, such as insomnia linked to tension. Outcomes related to physical discomfort was monitored, often considering these outcomes secondary to the main research on anxiety. Findings indicate that changes measured during the study period may be associated with reports of reduced tension. For asthenia (weakness and fatigue), the compound was studied for its use in reducing outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. The evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns, although evidence quality varies across studies.

What is Still Uncertain About the Evidence for Anvifen

Evidence quality varies across studies, and overall, the research contributes to the broader evidence landscape but does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly. Findings were mixed in some areas, and the evidence base relies heavily on older trials that may not meet current international methodological standards. Key research limitation frames include the fact that sample sizes were modest in many trials, and long-term effects are not fully established.

Key Studies & References Phenibut pre-review report (44th ECDD Meeting, 2021) - World Health Organization (WHO)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Anvifen (FAQ)

Q: Does Anvifen belong to the same category as traditional anxiety or sleep medications?

Official classification documents describe Anvifen as a neuropsychotropic agent with anxiolytic and nootropic properties. While regulatory bodies place it in the broad category of tranquilizing agents, regulatory information describes it as having a classification and dual mechanism that makes it functionally and chemically distinct from typical anti-anxiety medicines like benzodiazepines.


Q: What is the difference between Anvifen and a simple GABA dietary supplement?

The active ingredient is a synthetic derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. A key difference is the structural modification—a phenyl ring—that allows this drug to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Natural GABA, which is often found in supplements, is generally described as not crossing this barrier efficiently to reach its central nervous system targets.


Q: What specific conditions has Anvifen been historically studied for besides anxiety?

Research has examined the drug's use in several areas beyond its primary uses for anxiety and sleep. Official literature and reviews indicate that studies have also explored its use in managing conditions such as asthenia (weakness), stuttering, tics, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and certain vestibular disorders.


Q: Can individuals with existing liver or kidney conditions generally use Anvifen, according to regulatory data?

Official regulatory documents strictly contraindicate the medicine for patients who have acute renal failure or severe liver conditions, such as liver insufficiency or failure. Furthermore, if a treatment course is prolonged, the prescribing information indicates that monitoring of liver function is required.


Q: Are there any officially reported serious adverse effects associated with taking Anvifen?

Official safety constraints note the potential for rare, but serious, risks, particularly with prolonged high-dose use. These include hepatotoxicity, which is a fatty degeneration of the liver, and the risk of a severe withdrawal syndrome upon abrupt cessation, which may include symptoms like delirium.


Q: Does official information indicate that Anvifen can affect motor skills or reaction time?

Official safety information notes common effects that include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor balance or motor incoordination. These effects relate to the drug's action on the central nervous system and may be associated with impaired physical function.


Q: What do clinical reports say about Anvifen's studied efficacy for treating vestibular disorders?

The official product information states that the drug is used in the therapy of various vestibular disorders, including cases of dizziness and Ménière's disease, and for the prevention of motion sickness.


Q: Is Anvifen approved as a prescription medicine in all countries?

No, the regulatory status of this drug varies significantly by country. It is licensed as a prescription drug in some regions (such as Russia and Latvia). However, it is classified as an unapproved drug or not licensed for sale in many countries, including the US and much of Europe, and is a prohibited substance in other jurisdictions.


Q: Why is Anvifen often sold online as a 'nootropic' or 'dietary supplement'?

The medicine is frequently marketed online for its nootropic properties because it is not globally classified as a controlled substance. However, some regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have issued warnings that the drug is considered an unapproved pharmaceutical product and is not a legal dietary ingredient in their jurisdiction.


Q: Are there specific warnings for using Anvifen if a person has a history of substance dependence?

While official labels may not list a specific contraindication based on past dependence, clinical reviews highlight the risk of dependence and severe withdrawal syndrome upon long-term use. Consequently, use of the drug by individuals with a history of dependence may require careful consideration.


Q: Do the side effects of Anvifen usually decrease or go away after a person adjusts to the medication?

Official safety information notes that central nervous system effects like drowsiness or dizziness are typically more noticeable when a person first begins treatment. This phrasing suggests that these initial effects may lessen as the body adjusts to the medicine.


Q: What types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or common supplements should be reviewed before taking Anvifen?

Official warnings prohibit combining the drug with any central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which includes many other medicinal products and substances. This principle extends to common over-the-counter medicines, such as certain cold, flu, or allergy preparations that may have a sedating effect.


Q: Are there any food or drink restrictions, such as grapefruit, listed in the official instructions for Anvifen?

Official regulatory documents formally prohibit co-administration with alcohol due to the potentiation of central nervous system effects. However, the available official prescribing information does not specifically list restrictions related to consuming particular foods or non-alcoholic drinks, such as grapefruit juice.


Q: How quickly does the described therapeutic effect of Anvifen typically begin after it is taken?

Official pharmacokinetic data for the oral form of the medicine indicates that the onset of action typically begins approximately two to four hours after the dose is taken. This timing is based on official pharmacokinetic data for the oral formulation.


Q: How long does the noticeable effect of Anvifen generally last in the body?

According to pharmacokinetic data found in official documentation, the duration of the noticeable effect following a therapeutic dose is typically cited as lasting between 15 and 24 hours.


Q: What should a person generally expect to feel when the medicine is working for anxiety?

The general therapeutic purpose is the normalization of emotional and cognitive states that are disrupted by nervous tension. This intended effect may include relief of anxiety and fear, along with reported improvements in attention and emotional stability.


Q: Is it true that Anvifen can have a delayed onset of effects, possibly leading to accidental re-dosing?

The oral form of the drug has a relatively slow onset, typically requiring two to four hours before effects are noticeable. The official prescribing guidelines structure the dosage for divided use throughout the day, following a fixed schedule, which helps to manage the timing of administration.


Q: How does the action of Anvifen compare to traditional benzodiazepines, according to research?

Research has examined the pharmacological and clinical effects of the drug in comparison to traditional agents like the benzodiazepine diazepam. These studies indicate that there are both similarities in their anxiolytic actions and differences in their overall effect profiles.


Q: What is the chemical or functional difference between Anvifen and the medication Baclofen?

Official reviews of the drug's structure indicate that the psychopharmacological activity of Anvifen is similar to that of Baclofen. Chemically, Baclofen is a derivative of Aminophenylbutyric Acid, sharing a structural similarity that contributes to the functional overlap.


Q: What makes Anvifen chemically distinct from other anti-anxiety medicines?

The drug is a synthetic derivative of GABA with a beta-phenyl group that grants it the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, its mechanism involves dual action—targeting both the GABAB receptor and Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels—which helps distinguish it from many other anti-anxiety medicines.


Q: Is the powder form of Anvifen chemically identical to the capsule or tablet form?

The active substance, Aminophenylbutyric Acid, is chemically the same compound regardless of the formulation (powder, capsule, or tablet). However, it is important to note that official regulatory labeling only confirms tablets, capsules, and intravenous solution as approved and controlled forms of the medicine.


Q: Is it true that Anvifen was originally developed for use by cosmonauts in space?

Official historical and regulatory reviews confirm that the drug was initially developed in the former Soviet Union. It was previously included as part of the Russian cosmonaut space kit for its anxiolytic properties during long-duration space missions.


Q: What is the general half-life of Anvifen, and what does that mean for its presence in the body?

Official pharmacokinetic data reports that the elimination half-life is approximately 5.3 hours. The half-life describes the time required for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to be reduced by half.


Q: What should be done if an expired package of Anvifen is found?

Official labeling states that all unused or expired packages of the medicine must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations. The drug should not be thrown away with household garbage or flushed down the toilet to prevent environmental contamination.


Q: What is the significance of the R- and S-enantiomers of Anvifen?

The drug is a chiral molecule, meaning it exists in two mirror-image forms: the R- and S-enantiomers. Official mechanism descriptions state that the primary therapeutic action—the agonism of the GABAB receptor—is predominantly driven by the (R)-enantiomer.


Q: Has Anvifen been the subject of recent large-scale clinical trials?

Official reviews of the research evidence note that the existing data relies heavily on older trials that typically had modest sample sizes. The consistency of these findings has not been established in modern, large-scale international studies, suggesting a limitation in the current body of evidence.


Q: What official information is available regarding Anvifen and driving or operating machinery?

Official safety information includes warnings about the central nervous system depressant effects of the medicine, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Due to the risk of central nervous system depressant effects, the official safety information cautions against potentially hazardous activities, such as operating heavy machinery.


Q: Are there any known or reported interactions between Anvifen and common cold or flu medications?

The official interaction profile includes a warning against combining the drug with any central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This cautionary principle extends to many common cold, flu, and allergy medications that contain sedating ingredients that can also cause CNS depression.


Q: Is it common for people to report tolerance development with Anvifen over time?

Clinical and review reports indicate that tolerance to the drug's effects can build rapidly over time. The official administration protocols, which include defined treatment cycles, are intended to help manage and minimize this risk of tolerance and dependence.


Q: Does the efficacy of Anvifen differ between its original approved uses and its self-supplementation use?

The efficacy of the drug is evaluated and standardized under official regulatory approval, which ensures product quality and medical oversight. Self-supplementation in non-approved regions lacks these essential safeguards, standardization of content, and clinical supervision.

How should Anvifen be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions and Packaging

Official regulatory labeling for Anvifen (Aminophenylbutyric Acid) mandates specific conditions to maintain the medicine's stability. The product must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (77°F). It is explicitly required that Anvifen be protected from both light and moisture; therefore, it must remain in its original package.

Storing the medicine in prohibited environments such as refrigeration or freezing is not permitted. These environmental controls are essential for preserving the drug's integrity up until its expiration date.

Child Safety and Disposal

To ensure child safety, this medicine must always be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal of unused or expired Anvifen must adhere to local pharmaceutical waste regulations. The medicine should not be thrown away via household waste or wastewater (flushing) to prevent environmental contamination, as directed by official disposal statements.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Anvifen found in:

A-Z Index: