What is it?
What fabomotizole is
3Fabomotizole is the INN for Afobazole, a synthetic non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic developed and sold in Russia. For nootropic shoppers, the key point is that its evidence base is mostly about GAD and adjustment-disorder anxious symptoms, not healthy-person cognition, memory or productivity.
Names and identity
1PubChem lists fabomotizole as CID 9862937 with formula C15H21N3O2S and InChIKey WWNUCVSRRUDYPP-UHFFFAOYSA-N. Older literature commonly uses Afobazol or Afobazole.
Names, aliases and forms
Mechanisms of action
Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic mechanism
5Mechanistic papers describe sigma-1 receptor binding, sigma-1/sigma-2 microglial effects and GABA-related pharmacology. These findings support biological plausibility for anxiolytic action but do not prove cognitive enhancement in healthy users.
Preclinical neurotrophin and microglial signals
7Cell studies reported BDNF/NGF changes and microglial modulation, including amyloid-fragment models. These are mechanistic signals, not evidence that consumer fabomotizole improves memory, protects the brain long term, or addresses neurodegenerative disease.
Potential effects and evidence map
The best human anchor is a 150-person Russian phase III randomized comparative trial in GAD and adjustment disorders that used 30 mg/day fabomotizole for 30 days versus diazepam. Smaller older clinical work and sigma-1/GABA-related mechanistic papers support anxiolytic plausibility, but direct healthy-adult memory, focus or productivity trials were not identified.
Fabomotizole has condition-specific human data for GAD/adjustment-disorder anxious symptoms, but this should not be generalized to routine stress optimization.
The strongest human signal is anxiolytic symptom improvement, not broad mood enhancement in healthy users.
Direct evidence that fabomotizole improves attention or productivity in healthy adults was not identified.
Human memory and learning benefits are not established despite mechanistic neurotrophin and microglial studies.
Sigma-receptor, microglial and neurotrophin studies create mechanistic interest, but they do not establish long-term brain support for consumers.
Typical dosages and timing
RLS label text lists oral dosing after meals: 10 mg per dose, 30 mg/day split into three doses, usually for 2-4 weeks. It also says a clinician may increase the daily dose up to 60 mg and extend the course up to 3 months. That context should not be converted into an unsupervised supplement protocol.
Timing & effect horizon
The most relevant human data are course-based rather than same-day performance tests. The 2016 comparative trial used 30 days, and the Russian label describes 2-4 week courses. Regard immediate nootropic-effect claims as unverified.
Safety, side effects and risk profile
Russian OTC or label availability does not establish approval in other jurisdictions; local drug and import rules matter.
The clinical evidence is condition-specific and mostly Russian-language; healthy-user nootropic claims are weak.
Label text describes overdose-related sedation and drowsiness; avoid stacking with alcohol or sedatives and do not assume all users remain unimpaired.
Russian label context contraindicates use during gestation and nursing; this page should not support self-directed use in those settings.
Headache is listed as a rare adverse effect in the Russian label; allergic reactions are also possible.
Fabomotizole undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism and renal/fecal excretion in label text; limited public data support extra caution in significant organ disease.
Practical buying and quality notes
- For marketplace listings, verify whether the product is labeled as fabomotizole/Afobazole, whether the seller provides batch testing, country-of-origin and tablet strength, and whether import or possession rules apply locally. Avoid vague research-chemical powders with no certificate of analysis.2
FAQ
Is fabomotizole a nootropic?
3Only in a loose marketplace sense. The strongest evidence is anxiolytic and condition-specific; direct healthy-user cognition evidence is weak.
Is it the same as phenibut or benzodiazepines?
2No. Fabomotizole is usually described as a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic and should not be grouped casually with phenibut or benzodiazepines. Its own evidence, dose context, combination cautions and jurisdictional status need separate review.
Can I use Russian label dosing as a supplement protocol?
2No. The 30 mg/day and 60 mg/day figures are label/clinical-study context for a drug product. They are useful for interpreting evidence and product claims, not for bypassing qualified guidance or local rules.
References
- PubChem. Compound Summary for CID 9862937, Fabomotizole.
- RLS Encyclopedia of Drugs. Afobazol tablets 10 mg prescribing-information page.
- Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety of Afobazole/fabomotizole versus diazepam in GAD and adjustment disorders. Ter Arkh. 2016.
- Clinical study of the selective anxiolytic agent Afobazol. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2001.
- Interaction of afobazole with sigma1-receptors. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2009.
- Afobazole modulates microglial function via activation of both sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011.
- Stimulation of sigma receptors with afobazole blocks activation of microglia and reduces toxicity caused by amyloid beta25-35. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013.
- Selective anxiolytic afobazole increases BDNF and NGF in cultured hippocampal HT-22 neurons. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2009.
- Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interaction of afobazole with CYP2C9 enzyme substrate losartan in rats. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2015.