GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Health Tips / GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

What Is It?

Popularly referred to as the body’s natural tranquilizer, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid produced in the brain. It acts as a Neurotransmitter–a chemical that fosters communication between nerve cells–and helps to keep stress-related nerve impulses at bay.

Normally, the brain pumps out all the GABA we need. Unfortunately, due to a poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors, levels of GABA may become depleted. Too little of this important compound may result in anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. A deficiency of GABA has also been linked to depression.

Because various safety issues have recently surfaced concerning the use of the popular tranquilizing Herb kava, nutritionally oriented physicians have begun recommending GABA more frequently. Basically, the clinical effect of both GABA and kava appears to be the same, namely they’re both gentle and nonsedating tranquilizers. GABA is now available as a supplement in pill and powder form.

Health Benefits

GABA supplements appear to promote relaxation and sleep. They may also have a role to play in preventing seizures and allaying chronic pain.

While GABA has been tested for improving exercise tolerance, decreasing body Fat, and stabilizing blood pressure, research on the supplement’s effectiveness and safety for these purposes has been mixed at best. GABA supplements have also been proposed for improving concentration in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and promoting prostate health, although it remains untested for these purposes.

Specifically, GABA supplements may help to:

  • Promote sound sleep. GABA participates in promoting relaxation, which explains why many well-known anxiety medications–Valium among them–target GABA receptors in the brain. But unlike many prescription tranquilizers, GABA is not habit-forming.

GABA itself does not cause drowsiness. Instead, by easing anxiety, it simply makes it easier to fall asleep. Some research indicates that the popular insomnia-fighting herb, valerian, boosts GABA levels too. When specifically treating sleep disorders, some people like to rotate GABA with valerian or melatonin, the popular Hormone-based sleep supplement.

  • Allay stress. GABA may be taken to calm the mind and body. In this respect, it is much like better-known prescription tranquilizers, such as Xanax and Valium, but doesn’t carry the fear of addiction. Persistent stress may also contribute to depression, and some evidence suggests that GABA may have mood-elevating properties.
  • Combat chronic pain. Stress can aggravate pain, making you feel worse. As a natural stress-reducer, GABA supplements can help to relieve the intensity of pain. They may also lessen pain-related nerve impulses.
  • Treat epilepsy. While the specific cause of epilepsy often remains a mystery from individual to individual, a link has been made to naturally low GABA levels and seizures in some cases. Like a pistol lock, GABA appears to inhibit nerve cells in the brain from firing and setting off seizures. Interestingly, many standard epilepsy drugs, such as benzodiazepines and phenobarbital, serve to enhance GABA levels in the brain.

Clinical study findings have been mixed, however. In a 1994 pilot study, for example, GABA supplementation had no benefit in people with epilepsy whose seizures were set off by exposure to flashes of light. Still, in that study, only a single oral dose of GABA was used. The researchers speculate that GABA may have cumulative benefits when taken over the long term. Earlier studies had reported that GABA helped people with various types of epilepsy who did not respond to conventional medicines. Clearly, more research is needed.

So while GABA should never be used as a substitute for conventional epilepsy drugs, it could possibly compensate for nutritional deficiencies that are contributing to seizures and be a useful adjunct to standard treatments. It may also allow you to take lower doses of conventional medicines. Always check with your doctor before taking GABA, however, and never change your dose on your own.

Forms

  • tablet
  • powder
  • capsule

Dosage Information

Special tips:

–GABA is usually found in the amino acid section of the supplement aisle.

–For those who don’t like swallowing tablets, capsules can be opened and added to juice or water, as can powders. A Sublingual tablet, which is placed under the tongue until it slowly dissolves, is also available.

For insomnia: Take 500 to 1,000 mg an hour or so before bedtime. It will have a calming effect that can help you fall asleep. If anxiety is contributing to your sleep problems, combine GABA with other natural tranquilizers, such as the herb valerian.

For stress: Take 250 mg three times a day.

For chronic pain: Take 250 to 500 mg three times a day.

For epilepsy: Take 250 to 500 mg three times a day.

Guidelines for Use

  • If the mood swings of PMS are causing you to lose sleep, try taking GABA for a week to 10 days before and during your period.
  • Like other Amino acids, GABA may best be taken between meals for best absorption (one hour before or two hours after eating).
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat, and moisture.

General Interaction

* Many well-known prescription anxiety medications, including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), target GABA receptors in the brain. Using GABA with prescription anti-anxiety agents may produce a dangerous additive effect. Always let your doctor know if you are taking GABA or other supplements.

* GABA may produce excessive drowsiness when taken with other medications that have a tranquilizing effect, including codeine and other narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, sedatives, and muscle relaxants. Combine with extreme caution.

Possible Side Effects

* GABA appears to be safe at recommended doses. In research studies, some mild gastric upset and nausea were reported, and some participants reported drowsiness.

* At high doses, GABA can actually increase anxiety and insomnia. It may also cause numbness around the mouth and tingling in the extremities.

Cautions

* There is limited information on the safety of GABA supplements.

* Don’t drive or operative heavy machinery until you know how GABA affects you.

* When treating a serious condition such as epilepsy, never alter a prescription medication dosage or add GABA to your regimen without consulting your doctor first.

  • Like many supplements, GABA has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children, or people with liver or kidney disease. The proper dose in these groups is unknown.

Ailments

Epilepsy – 250-500 mg 3 times a day

Fibromyalgia – 250-500 mg 3 times a day, as needed

Insomnia – 500-1,000 mg at bedtime

Stress – 250 mg 3 times a day or 750 mg once a day

Tobacco dependence – 250 mg 3 times a day, or 750 mg at bedtime

For product recommendations and orders click here for the Natural Apothecary or call 773-296-6700, ext. 2001.

Be well,
David Edelberg, MD

27 thoughts on “GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

    Hi I am currently taking 10 mg of Selexa .. Can I take a 500 mg of Gabbi at bedtime ? I take my prescription in the am. Thanks in advance !

    Katy
    Posted May 21, 2021 at 11:05 pm

      Hi Katy,
      This question is best answered by whomever prescribes your Celexa. If your prescriber is not familiar with GABA, please consider an in-person or video telemedicine visit with one of our functional medicine practitioners. Our scheduling staff can be reached at 773-296-6700.

      Best wishes,
      Dr M

      cliffmaurer
      Posted June 2, 2021 at 7:34 am

    My Dr prescribed me Prozac 20 mg. Can I continue to take Gaba 500 with the Prozac?

    Dawn
    Posted September 3, 2020 at 5:45 am

      Hi Dawn – this is definitely a decision you should make with whomever prescribed the prozac.
      Best,
      Dr M

      cliffmaurer
      Posted September 4, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    Hi
    Do you need to take a break from gabatropin after a few week’s use?

    If so how long on and off?

    I’ve read somewhere ghat your receptors become used to it?

    Piet
    Posted March 3, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Piet –
      This is really a question for your prescriber. I recommend contacting whomever prescribes it for you.
      Hope this helps.
      Dr M

      cliffmaurer
      Posted March 3, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    It’s a common side effect without any good explanation

    Dr E
    Posted October 23, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    Why does Gaba cause tingling in the mouth an legs please?

    Noble
    Posted October 22, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    I’m on Xanax for panic attacks I’m looking into natural supplements I’m aware mixing the two can be dangerous. But if I could take GABA and not need to take Xanax as often would be ideal. I have all the symptoms GABA supports its helped my mom any advice dr

    Andrew
    Posted October 18, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    Yes. It may calm the anxiety associated with OCD

    Dr E
    Posted September 9, 2019 at 11:28 am

    I was diagnosed with OCD MAY I take GABA?

    Norma
    Posted September 2, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    Natural Calm (with Gaba) is okay with Paxil

    Dr E
    Posted October 22, 2018 at 7:58 am

    I would like to know the product Natural Calm for sleep has magnesium and 100mgs of gaba.I also take paxil 40mg and Effexor 112mg Last dose is 5:00 pm and the Natural Calm would be taken at about 11:00pm.I have both depression and anxiety but gaba might help deal with both as an add-on to my meds.

    Pauline Linton
    Posted October 16, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    I’ve never actually seen to a doctor about my anxiety, and mild depression. I’m a full time college kid, with a part time job and I’ve had 3-4 anxiety attacks a week. I just ordered a bottle but I’m always scared to take a new drug. What do you advise? Thanks.

    Veronica
    Posted October 10, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Hi Veronica. It’s always best to consult with your primary care physician. Our experience is that St. John’s wort has been helpful for some with mild depression and anxiety but again we’d recommend that you see your doctor. Good luck.

      Dr. R
      Posted October 14, 2018 at 9:05 am

    Hi
    This sounds as if you need a dose increase on your Zoloft. You can add GABA 500 mg three times a day to the Zoloft

    Dr E
    Posted July 24, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Hi, I take Zoloft 50mg, have huge anxiety upon waking. My sleep is poor, waking many times during the night. How much Gaba I should take please? I have lot on and feel extremely overwhelmed and my concentration/memory is poor. I bought bottle 500mg per capsule.

    Adri
    Posted July 18, 2018 at 3:08 am

    Hi Myrna
    I prescribe this frequently
    Dr E

    Dr E
    Posted June 29, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Is it safe to take gaba and 5-HTP and Zoloft…
    I suffer from anxiety,panic,depression

    Myrna
    Posted June 28, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    I find that after 20 years taking valium for sleep and stress I slowly weaned myself off this addictive drug that did nothing for stress. The GABA worked within two nights for the first restful sleep I have had ever. With restful sleep the stressful life I love is very manageable now. The only side effect I have is a very gastric irritation so I take it with pepcid before bed or a meal.

    Susan Miller
    Posted May 16, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    Hi Joan
    You need to think of GABA as a mild anti anxiety supplement. If in your observation your son is not focusing because of anxiety then GABA might be useful. If you start it, you’ll know whether or not it is effective in just 3-4 days

    Dr E
    Posted September 14, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      Is GABA a safe supplement to take when pt is on Zoloft & Haldol?

      Joan
      Posted September 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm

        Thank you for your question Joan. When dealing with medications like these, it’s best to discuss taking other things – supplements or medications – with your primary care doctor and/or the doctor who prescribed the medications in the first place. This will help ensure safe usage of everything that patients are taking.
        -Dr M

        cliffmaurer
        Posted September 16, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I have a son who takes 250 mgms of generic Zoloft &Haldol 5 mgmsdail doses taken once daily -would like to know if GABA. supplement would help him to focus-he worries about anything & everthing-he lives in a group home -has long term memory-but short term memory-he has focus issues as well -he is 47 yrs old any input would be so appreciated THANK you. Joan

    Joan spaunhorst
    Posted September 14, 2015 at 7:11 am

    A well written and informative review, where I just want information on a particular chemical/syndrome.
    JCR
    microbiologist/chemist

    James C. Romer
    Posted August 19, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    my dr is running test belives possible fibromyalgia im in severe pain daily am using ibuprofen 600 mg but im a naturalist and appreciate this info. I am going to try this I don’t like drugs and will look for nature befor drug thank u I will let u know if this works. everything fits and I do belive I have fibro are there any other recommendations please

    lupe ramirez
    Posted August 6, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    Can GABA be taken with zoloft?

    Chill
    Posted July 23, 2014 at 1:44 pm

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *