Phenibut to Baclofen Taper Protocol: Conversion Guide [2025]
schedule10 min readcalendar_todayUpdated Nov 28, 2025
For high-dose or long-term phenibut dependence, specialists recommend cross-tapering to baclofen - a prescription GABA-B agonist with safer, more controllable dosing.
This requires a physician. Baclofen is prescription-only. This guide is educational.
articleWhy Doctors Prefer Baclofen
Advantages Over Direct Phenibut Taper
- Pharmaceutical grade: Consistent dosing
- Prescription: Can be managed by any physician
- Precise: Available in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg tablets
- Established safety: Decades of clinical data
- Same mechanism: GABA-B agonist like phenibut
- Insurance coverage: Often covered
Phenibut has no pharmaceutical source, variable purity, and no legal prescription pathway.
articleConversion Ratio: 1g Phenibut ≈ 10mg Baclofen
| Phenibut | Baclofen |
|---|---|
| 1g/day | 10mg/day |
| 2g/day | 20mg/day |
| 3g/day | 30mg/day |
| 5g/day | 50mg/day |
Important Notes
- Individual variation - some need more/less
- Baclofen doesn't cover α2δ (may need gabapentin adjunct)
- Start conservatively and adjust
- FDA max: 80mg/day (some use higher off-label)
articleCross-Titration Protocol Example
Example for 2g/day phenibut:
| Day | Phenibut | Baclofen |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 2000mg | 5mg TID (15mg) |
| 4-6 | 1500mg | 10mg TID (30mg) |
| 7-9 | 1000mg | 10mg TID |
| 10-12 | 500mg | 10mg TID |
| 13-14 | 0mg | 10mg TID |
| 15+ | 0mg | Begin baclofen taper |
Baclofen should be divided TID or QID (every 6-8 hours) due to short half-life.
articleTapering Baclofen After Substitution
Standard Schedule
| Starting Dose | Reduction | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 30-40mg/day | 5mg/week | 6-8 weeks |
| 40-60mg/day | 5-10mg/week | 8-12 weeks |
Example: From 30mg/day
Week 1: 30mg → Week 2: 25mg → Week 3: 20mg → Week 4: 15mg → Week 5: 10mg → Week 6: 5mg → Week 7: 2.5mg → Week 8: Stop
Slow down if: Return of severe anxiety, insomnia, tremor, or withdrawal symptoms.
help_outlineFrequently Asked Questions
See a physician (primary care, addiction medicine, or psychiatrist). Explain phenibut dependence and request baclofen substitution. Bring case report references if needed.
Gabapentin covers α2δ channels but not GABA-B. It's often used as adjunct to baclofen, not replacement. Gabapentin also has dependence potential.
menu_bookReferences & Sources
- [1]Baclofen for Phenibut Withdrawal(BMJ, 2013)
- [2]Phenibut Withdrawal Management(PMC, 2023)
Looking for Safe Alternatives?
Explore our complete guide to legal, FDA-compliant pre-workout ingredients and supplements.
verified_userView Safe Supplements