The discovery of phenibut in a commercially available product in Richmond, VA: A case study

Phenibut is an anxiolytic and nootropic substance with GABA-mimetic properties. Phenibut is readily available on the Internet and is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. Adverse effects of phenibut include tremors, decreased appetite, agitation, and insomnia. In this study, a sample was obtained from a tobacco shop in Richmond, Virginia. The product was labeled as “Moon Water” and contained a yellow liquid. The Moon Water sample label content promotes energy and focus properties. Labeled ingredients included filtered water, fructose, citric acid, <2 % ascorbic acid, maltodextrin, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium citrate, magnesium oxide, calcium fumarate, artificial color, and tocopherol.

The Moon Water sample was screened using Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) for the detection of active compounds not described in the label. Phenibut and other substances absent from the label such as caffeine were detected with DART-MS analysis. Their presence was confirmed using GC–MS.

Phenibut exhibits agonism at the GABA receptors, specifically the GABA_B receptor. High doses of phenibut can result in combativeness, delirium, and aggression. Phenibut usage can result in dependence and subsequent withdrawal, with effects ranging from anger, irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and heart palpitations. This work highlights the need for proper regulation of commercially available products, specifically those sold in smoke and tobacco shops. The presence of psychoactive substances that are not labeled on the product are a public health concern and an utmost risk to the consumer.