Is there really a “gabapentin jr.”? Why phenibut and other “under the radar” drugs are worrying
We’ve talked a lot about gabapentin over the years—its uses, misuses, and what it could eventually lead to. But there’s a new kid on the block—phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Phenibut is a neuropsychotropic drug discovered and introduced into clinical practice in Russia in the 1960s. It is not legal in the US because it was never considered worthy of the FDA’s consideration. However, since the US has the largest market for illicit drugs, phenibut is here to contend with. Phenibut has anxiolytic activity with neurotropic effects, which means it enhances cognition and produces a euphoric effect.
In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, we’ll talk about drugs that fly under the radar—such as phenibut, nitazenes, tianeptine (gas station heroin), and others—and how they can affect your patients and ultimately their dental care.
Thumbnail background image credit: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus
More Medical History Mysteries videos …
- What you need to know about gas station heroin
- Updates on synthetic opioids: Nitazenes
- The scoop on Zyn: Its oral and systemic effects
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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.
