Ketamine & Phenibut
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with a unique pharmacological profile. Ketamine primarily acts as an antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor. By blocking these receptors, ketamine disrupts the excitatory neurotransmission mediated by glutamate. This blockade contributes to the dissociative anesthetic effects, where patients may feel detached from their body and surroundings.
Ketamine's effects on NMDA receptors may lead to a secondary increase in AMPA receptor activity, contributing to its antidepressant effects. Also ketamine has some affinity for μ-opioid receptors, which may contribute to its analgesic properties. Besides, ketamine influences the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, contributing to mood modulation.
Additional information is also interesting that ketamine increases the expression of BDNF, a protein that supports neuron growth and synaptic plasticity, which is believed to play a role in its rapid antidepressant effects.
Phenibut is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with anxiolytic and nootropic effects. It is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and works through several mechanisms in the brain.
Phenibut primarily acts as an agonist at GABA-B receptors. By binding to these receptors, it mimics the action of GABA, the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to a calming effect on the CNS.
Phenibut also has a mild effect on GABA-A receptors, though this is less significant compared to its action on GABA-B receptors.
Phenibut influences the release of dopamine and can increase dopamine levels in the brain, particularly affecting D2 receptors. This action contributes to its mood-enhancing and nootropic effects. By modulating calcium channels, Phenibut can affect neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability, contributing to its overall CNS depressant effects.
Combining ketamine and phenibut can produce unique effects due to their distinct pharmacological actions. The combination has been reported to produce a range of effects, which can be both synergistic and risky.
- Enhanced Sedation and Relaxation: Both ketamine and phenibut have sedative properties. When used together, they can significantly enhance relaxation and sedation.
- Altered Perception and Euphoria: Users have reported that the combination can amplify ketamine's dissociative effects, leading to more intense and unique visual and sensory experiences. Phenibut may smooth out some of the rougher edges of a ketamine trip, making the experience more pleasant and less jarring. The dopaminergic activity of phenibut can enhance the euphoric and mood-lifting effects of ketamine, potentially leading to a heightened sense of well-being.
- Potential Cognitive and Motor Impairment: The combination may impair cognitive functions more severely than either drug alone, leading to difficulties with memory, attention, and executive function during the period of intoxication. Enhanced sedation and dissociation can lead to significant impairment of motor skills and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Possible Overdose and Toxicity: Although rare with ketamine alone, combining it with CNS depressant like phenibut could increase the risk of respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses. High doses of phenibut can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe sedation, while excessive ketamine use can lead to bladder toxicity and other complications.
We have not come across confirmed data on acute and fatal conditions associated with this combination. At the same time, massive nature of the dissociative action of ketamine and the propensity of phenibut to potentiate the action of psychoactive substances suggest that the user should have an understanding of the risks and some experience of interacting with substances. Otherwise, the chances of having a bad time and health risks increase significantly.
Given the above, we can carefully state that this combination may be a good idea under certain conditions. But we strongly recommend a meaningful approach and prudence.
Last edited by a moderator: