Phenibut Withdrawal Timeline & PAWS Recovery Guide [2025]
Phenibut withdrawal follows a predictable timeline. Understanding each stage helps you prepare and recognize warning signs.
This covers acute withdrawal (first 2 weeks) and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) that can persist for months.
articleHours 0-24: Early Withdrawal
First signs emerge 2-6 hours after missed dose in heavy users.
Physical
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Mild tremor
- Palpitations, sweating
- Nausea, insomnia
Psychological
- Rebound anxiety
- Irritability, racing thoughts
- Light/sound sensitivity
Concerning: Confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, seizure activity require emergency care.
articleDays 1-3: Peak Intensity
Symptoms peak 24-72 hours after last dose. Most dangerous period.
Physical
- Marked insomnia
- Prominent tremor, sweating
- Tachycardia (100+ bpm)
- Nausea, vomiting
Psychological
- Severe anxiety, panic
- Agitation, paranoia
- Hallucinations, psychosis (severe cases)
Emergency Signs
Seek immediate care for: seizures, persistent hallucinations, severe confusion, suicidal thoughts, chest pain.
articleWeeks 1-4: Subacute Phase
Week 1-2
Autonomic symptoms ease. Sleep still disrupted but possible. Fatigue prominent. Anxiety comes in waves.
Week 3-4
Most physical symptoms resolve. Depression may peak. Cognitive improvement begins. Mood remains unstable.
Fluctuating symptoms are normal. Good days followed by difficult ones gradually stabilize.
articleMonths 1-6: PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal)
Common PAWS Symptoms
- Intermittent anxiety waves
- Sleep disruption
- Mood instability, anhedonia
- Cognitive fog, memory issues
Timeline
| Period | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Frequent symptoms, gradual improvement |
| Month 2-3 | Less intense, longer normal stretches |
| Month 4-6 | Mostly recovered, occasional bad days |
Higher doses and longer use = longer PAWS. Good self-care speeds recovery.
help_outlineFrequently Asked Questions
menu_bookReferences & Sources
- [1]2024 Systematic Review(PubMed, 2024)
- [2]PAWS Management(AAC, 2024)
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