GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter. GABA is your brain’s primary inhibitory transmitter. Its role is to keep glutamate, the primary excitatory transmitter, from overwhelming you.
Too much glutamate can cause a seizure, and too much GABA can put you in a coma. A healthy brain maintains a critical balance of GABA and glutamate.
GABA acts like a “brake” on neuron circuits during stress. Low GABA levels can result in anxiety, insomnia, poor mood and restlessness.
Clinical studies show that boosting GABA with a supplement relieves anxiety, stress, and boosts the production of alpha brain waves.[i] If GABA is optimized in your brain you’ll feel focused, relaxed and stress-free.
GABA helps:
- Balance mood. GABA has an inhibitory effect on overly stimulated neurons. Low GABA levels lead to anxiety, depression and insomnia. GABA helps restore that balance. Promoting a more positive mood which improves focus and relaxation.
- Boost Human Growth Hormone. Bodybuilders and athletes use GABA before resistance training. Studies show GABA boosts blood levels of Human Growth Hormone. Promoting greater recovery support and lean muscle growth.
- Recovery from addiction. Some addiction doctors have been administering drugs that enhance the brain’s GABA-receptors. Normalizing GABA receptors takes away the craving and anxiety that one would typically experience in the absence of the addictive drug.
Table of Contents
Overview
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory or relaxing neurotransmitter in your brain.[ii] GABA’s primary role is to keep the major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in check.
GABA is synthesized in brain cells from glutamate. It’s estimated that 40% of the synapses in the human brain work with GABA and therefore have GABA receptors.
GABA enhances normal sleep cycles, and improves blood pressure. GABA stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Human Growth Hormone. And helps produce endorphins that make you feel good after a workout or sex.
When you normalize GABA levels you’ll experience a reduction in anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and stress.
Benzodiazepine drugs like Valium and Xanax work by increasing GABA receptor sensitivity.[iii]
How does GABA Work in the Brain?
GABA helps brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- GABA works by preventing neural signaling associated with anxiety from reaching other neurons. It does this by attaching to the receptors that would otherwise excite those neurons. Over-stimulating neurons in certain areas of your brain is what causes anxiety-related symptoms.
Researchers in Japan studied the calming effects of GABA with 8 volunteers. They had study subjects cross a suspension bridge as the stressful stimulus.
The placebo subjects in this group showed significant drops in blood level markers indicating high stress levels. While the GABA group showed significantly higher blood levels of these same markers.
GABA worked as a natural relaxant and its effects could be seen within 1 hour of taking GABA. The researchers concluded that GABA could enhance immunity from stress.[iv]
- GABA also helps decrease Beta brain waves and increase Alpha brain waves.[v] Beta brain waves are important for attention, alertness, concentration and developing memories. But excess levels of concentration, particularly during stress, can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia and more stress.
When you are in an alert state, both Alpha and Beta brain waves can be stimulated. But the type of alertness will determine which brain wave is produced.
Alertness during an Alpha wave state is associated with a relaxed state. And a stressed alert state produces a Beta wave. But an excess of Beta brain waves contributes to a variety of nervous disorders including anxiety and stress.
As a side note, I’m writing this while listening to binaural music which produces an Alpha state. It allows for a relaxed environment which promotes creativity and productivity.
How things go bad:
Low levels of GABA are associated with a variety of health problems.
↑ Anxiety[vi], panic attacks, stress and insomnia
↑ Muscle spasms, hypertension, convulsion, Tourette’s Syndrome and epilepsy
↑ Dry skin and wrinkles
↑ Poor digestion, bloating, flatulence, and constipation
When your neurotransmitters, including GABA, are in balance, you feel motivated, productive and energetic. And you feel calm and relaxed during downtime.
When GABA levels are low you feel filled with dread, you’re constantly worried, you have racing thoughts, and you’re frequently late and disorganized.[vii]
Many people in this GABA-slump resort to high carbohydrate foods, and drugs or alcohol to relax.
GABA to the rescue
The amino acid L-glutamine is the precursor to GABA production in your body. L-Glutamine is a precursor the synthesis of L-glutamate. Glutamate is your body’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. Which is responsible for attention span, brain energy, learning ability, memory, and staying awake. 
An enzyme called glutamate decarboxylase converts glutamate to GABA. It does it with the help of the active form of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P)).
The amino acid taurine helps increase the communication and productivity of this enzyme. And zinc helps the release of GABA from its receptors.
When this process works efficiently, you feel relaxed with no stress or feelings of anxiety. And you get a more restful night’s sleep.
How does GABA feel?
When you balance GABA levels in your brain, you feel relaxed and calm. But many neurohackers who try using GABA as a supplement don’t feel the effects. Because some research shows that the GABA molecule is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier.[viii]
If you do feel the calming effects of GABA within a ½ hour of taking it, it may mean you have a “leaky” blood-brain barrier. Not a good thing.[ix] Because if GABA can get through, all kinds of nasty stuff can get through too. Including toxins, undigested food particles and anything else in your blood stream that shouldn’t be in your brain.
You can learn how to fix a “leaky” blood-brain barrier in this article here > How to Heal a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier. But the good news is, supplementary GABA can also benefit other functions in your body.
GABA is found in your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas and your sex organs.[x] GABA is also anti-inflammatory, and has an immune benefit. When all these are running optimally, you’ll feel good.
We’ll also cover other ways to boost GABA levels in our brain in the “Available Forms” section of this article.
The Research
GABA was identified as a neurotransmitter several decades ago. And there had been a lot of research on GABA published since. But most of it is focused on how GABA works. And the drugs and chemicals which affect its action.
There is very little research available on using GABA as a supplement. Likely because many scientists believe that GABA taken as a supplement will not cross the blood-brain barrier.
GABA Increases Human Growth Hormone
Bodybuilders and athletes use supplementary GABA to help repair and build muscle. And there are several studies supporting the notion that GABA increases Human Growth Hormone.
In one study, researchers worked with 19 subjects who were given a single oral dose of 5 grams of GABA. 18 subjects were given a placebo during this trial.
3 hours after the administration of GABA, blood samples were taken. The team reported that “GABA caused a significant elevation of plasma growth hormone levels”.[xi]
GABA helps Reduce Insomnia
A Los Angeles study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 18 patients with sleep disorders. The patients received either a placebo, or Gabadone (a combination of GABA and 5-hydroxytryptophan).
The difference between the two groups of sleep-deprived patients was significant. The Gabadone group fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and had a better quality of sleep than the placebo group.[xii]
Dosage Notes
The recommended daily dosage of GABA is 500 to 1000 mg for a relaxation or calming effect.
Some neurohackers notice an immediate relaxing effect, while others need to take it for a couple weeks before it starts to kick in.
L-Arginine which increases nitric oxide may also help supplementary GABA cross the blood-brain barrier.[xiii]
PharmaGABA™ which is a natural form of GABA produced with the help of Lactobacillus hilgardii bacteria is dosed at 50 – 200 mg per day.
Side Effects
GABA is considered very safe when taken in normal recommended doses.
Bodybuilders who use much higher doses of GABA do report experiencing flushing, tingling, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and anxiety.
Available Forms
GABA as a supplement is available in tablet, capsule and powder.
Scientists have shown that GABA does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. But many neurohackers report feeling a calming effect when using GABA.
PharmaGABA™ is a natural form of GABA made using Lactobacillus hilgardii bacteria. The same bacteria used to ferment vegetables when making the Korean cabbage dish called kimchi. This form seems to be effective in helping mood.
Another safe way to change GABA action in the brain is to use any of several commonly used herbs, vitamins and minerals.
Valerian root[xiv], American Ginseng and Kava Kava work by increasing the effect of GABA on its receptors.
Extracts of green, black and oolong tea also elicit a GABA effect.[xv]
Magnesium binds to GABA receptor sites and increases its effect.[xvi]
Taurine protects against glutamate over-stimulation. And this inhibitory effect acts as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety).
The neurotransmitter Serotonin enhances GABA. So precursors to Serotonin like tryptophan and 5-HTP can increase GABA action in the brain.
The amino acid Theanine in tea provides a calming effect. Theanine inhibits glutamate uptake which would increase GABA levels in the brain.[xvii]
Suntheanine, which is a branded from of L-Theanine is also found in some pre-formulated nootropic stacks including Mind Lab Pro®.
And Phenibut, which is a derivative of GABA developed in Russia, also increases levels of GABA in the brain. While some report that Phenibut causes drowsiness and fatigue, it’s a much safer way to boost GABA than with a pharmaceutical like Valium or Xanax. But Phenibut is no longer easily available in many countries including the USA.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
GABA 500 – 1,000 mg per day. 
We recommend using GABA as a nootropic supplement if you’re feeling anxiety or stress. And to calm or keep in check some of the stimulatory effects of some nootropics.
Your body does make GABA on its own from glutamate in your brain. Most healthy people have an adequate supply of GABA.
But if you’re dealing with anxiety or stress and need some extra help in calming things down, GABA can help.
While GABA does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, you have many other options available for regulating or boosting GABA, if GABA as a supplement doesn’t work for you.
We suggest trying a GABA supplement first at a dose of 500 mg.
Or try one of the readily available GABA supplements made by major supplement makers containing PharmaGABA™.
Another safe option for regulating GABA levels is to use a high quality multivitamin that contains Vitamin B6 and zinc which influences the way GABA works in your brain.
Check the “Available Forms” section of this article for details.
[i] Nemeroff C.B. “The role of GABA in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2003;37(4):133-46. (source)
[ii] Petroff O.A. “GABA and glutamate in the human brain.” Neuroscientist 2002 Dec;8(6):562-73. (source)
[iii] “HOW DRUGS AFFECT NEUROTRANSMITTERS” McGill University Canada (source)
[iv] Abdou A.M., Higashiguchi S., Horie K., Kim M., Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. “Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans.” Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. (source)
[v] Abdou A.M., Higashiguchi S., Horie K., Kim M., Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. “Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans.” Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. (source)
[vi] Enna S.J. “Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in anxiety.” Psychopathology. 1984;17 Suppl 1:15-24. (source)
[vii] Struzyńska L., Sulkowski G. “Relationships between glutamine, glutamate, and GABA in nerve endings under Pb-toxicity conditions.” Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2004 Jun;98(6):951-8. (source)
[viii] Kuriyama K., Sze P.Y. “Blood-brain barrier to H3-γ-aminobutyric acid in normal and amino oxyacetic acid-treated animals” Neuropharmacology Volume 10, Issue 1, January 1971, Pages 103–108 (source)
[ix] Montagne A., et. Al. “Blood-brain barrier breakdown in the aging human hippocampus.” Neuron 2015 Jan 21;85(2):296-302 (source)
[x] Watanabe M., Maemura K., Kanbara K., Tamayama T., Hayasaki H. “GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs.” International Revue of Cytology. 2002;213:1-47. (source)
[xi] Cavagnini F., Invitti C., Pinto M., Maraschini C., Di Landro A., Dubini A., Marelli A. “Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man.” Acta Endocrinologica (Copenhagen). 1980 Feb;93(2):149-54. (source)
[xii] Shell W., Bullias D., Charuvastra E., May LA., Silver D.S. “A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep.” American Journal of Therapeutics. 2010 Mar-Apr;17(2):133-9. (source)
[xiii] Shyamaladevi N., Jayakumar A.R., Sujatha R., Paul V., Subramanian E.H. “Evidence that nitric oxide production increases gamma-amino butyric acid permeability of blood-brain barrier.” Brain Research Bulletin. 2002 Jan 15;57(2):231-6. (source)
[xiv] Yuan C.S., Mehendale S., Xiao Y., Aung H.H., Xie J.T., Ang-Lee M.K. “The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity.” Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2004 Feb;98(2):353-8 (source)
[xv] Hossain S.J., Hamamoto K., Aoshima H., Hara Y. “Effects of tea components on the response of GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus Oocytes.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. 2002 Jul 3;50(14):3954-60. (source)
[xvi] Möykkynen T., Uusi-Oukari M., Heikkilä J., Lovinger D.M., Lüddens H., Korpi E.R. “ Magnesium potentiation of the function of native and recombinant GABA(A) receptors.” Neuroreport. 2001 Jul 20;12(10):2175-9. (source)
[xvii] Sugiyama T., Sadzuka Y. “Theanine and glutamate transporter inhibitors enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.” Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Dec 5;1653(2):47-59. (source)
Hello David
Does Gaba lower prolactin levens?
Thanks
Adjia, studies show the GABA acts as a modulator on prolactin. High levels of GABA supplementation stimulates increases in prolactin. But lower amounts of GABA has no effect or suppresses prolactin.
Please don’t ask me “how much GABA does it take to increase prolactin” because I haven’t got that answer for you. It depends on your individual system and how it uses GABA.
Dear David,
I am about to have surgery, a week from now.
Should I stop using GABA?
Thank you very much for your kind suppport
Irene, great question. But I’m not a doctor and you should be asking this type of question with your surgeon rather than me.
Most doctors recommend stopping ALL supplements anywhere from 2 days to a couple of weeks before surgery. For various reasons including risk of bleeding and contraindications with meds you’ll get during and after surgery.
The thing is GABA does not come up on any list about pre-surgery recommendations. If I was the one having surgery I’d stop at least a couple of days before the big event.
Thank you very much for your generous support
You are always so kind and giving
I really appreciate it
Take care
Accidentally took a supplement I got a sample of that is a GABA bomb (so to speak). .GABA has always increased my chronic pain, I figured that out in my younger years and it’s still true in menopause
Figured out that the supplement mostly increased GABA sharply after a night of popping awake with a large increase in my chronic pain that I can’t explain any other way.
Came here wondering if any research warns about this effect. Going to comb what I can of the literature.today, but wanted to leave this anecdote here.
Thank you for all of your information and work!
Look no further. Here you go: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17175808/
hi david
iam taking tyrosine 500mg morning and another 500mg at noon
and glutamine 5gram before workout
and 500mg tryptophan before sleep
,, can i add arginine ?
if so how much mg ? when best to take it ?
thanks
Salem, good question and I’d use Arginine when I need more blood flow. That would be during the day and/or before sex.
can i use arginine daily ?
and can i take it along with glutamine before workout ?
Yes and yes.
I recently read about Beta alanine, a few people report it should be great nootropic to increase Gaba.
But while reading through Wikipedia i am not sure if it may could do the opposite. According Wikipedia Beta alanine works as Gat inhibitor and VIAAT inhibitor.
Is that true ? Would that mean it increase gaba on long term use ? Would it increase gaba aswell in short term use ?
Paolo, beta alanine is a rate limiting precursor to the synthesis of carnosine. Not GABA.
For GABA you can supplement with PharmaGABA or its precursor L-Glutamine which converts to L-Glutamate and then to GABA.
But according Wikipedia it is a Gaba reuptake inhibitor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GABA_reuptake_inhibitor
Check at the bottom, “Gaba metabolism and transporter modulators” click on show.
Then in both transporter Gat and Viaat Beta Alanine is listet as inhibitor.
Aswell there are several other studys talking about Gaba transporter in relation to Beta Alanine, i just didnt understood them correctly.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15365220/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24891283/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/vesicular-inhibitory-amino-acid-transporter
…
I cant get Pharma Gaba and L-Glutamine sometimes push glutamate and sometimes gaba, i dont know.
Paolo, now I get what you’re trying to say. Something that works as an inhibitor whether it’s on transporters or receptors does not increase the amount of the molecule in your brain. It only forces more of the existing molecule (i.e. GABA) into the extracellular space.
The only way to physically increase the amount of GABA in your brain is to supplement with GABA itself.
Oh.
So i may misunderstood what people are saying about ssris. They all talking about increaseing Serotonin, but they only increase it in the extracellular space ?
Or this may be different story with gaba reuptake inhibitors ?
But lemon balm as Gaba Transminase inhibitor “increase” Gaba? Or does Lemon Balm aswell increase only extracellular Gaba ? And would you advice to use eather a gaba source like picamilon, Glutamine… or Lemon Balm to increase Gaba or Lemon Balm (if it does increase)?
Paolo, reuptake inhibitors force the neurotransmitter back in to the extracellular space instead of allowing it to attach to a receptor or transporter or to be excreted.
The only nootropic supplements that can physically ‘increase’ the level of something like GABA or serotonin is a precursor. Like GABA or L-Tryptophan.
Natural herbs like Lemon Balm are not precursors so can not make new GABA. To increase the amount of GABA in your brain you need use GABA, Picamilon or Glutamine.
Hi David, when L-arginine (in combination with GABA) increases brain GABA, is it the same with L-citrulline (as a precursor of arginine)? Thank you.
Jozef, great question and I don’t know. There are no studies that I know of showing you can use L-Citrulline instead.
And what do you think – how much arginine is good to give to 500mg of Gaba? Thank you for your great work.
Jozef, try 1,000 mg L-Arginine and see if that works. I cannot tell you what will work for you. It’s something you’ll need to figure out on your own for your unique brain chemistry.
Hi david
You recommend me to take Gaba on the other thread. So the dosage for GABA 500 – 1,000 mg per day and PharmaGaba is 50mg to 200mg? Is sublingual Gaba a better choice than capsules ? Any good Gaba link that I can click on?
Wong, Designs for Health PharmaGABA is a good choice here: https://amzn.to/3643nPj. PharmaGABA is naturally produced and seem to be more bioavailable which accounts for the lower dose.
Some nootropics are better when used sublingually. But GABA needs to go through your digestive system so don’t think using it sublingually would work better. Likely not.
Hi David,
Most of the Gaba 1000mg brands that I found suggest taking 2 capsules a day – 2000mg.
Do you think 1 capsule is enough? And why do you think most of them suggest 2000mg a day?
Thanks.
Mick, GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. So higher doses are used to compensate. But I only ever use 1,000 mg GABA per day and it works for me. It may for you as well.
I think 2000mg is too much for me at the moment. I will try 1000mg and see how I go.
Thanks David.
Hi David,
I’m taking 500mg of Gaba before bed for a long time now, and I’m just about to run out. I wanted to order the same dose 500mg, but then I saw 1000mg in a capsule. I’m thinking maybe I should try it.
David can you please let me know what is the sign that I need more Gaba?
Thanks.
Mick, there’s really no sign that you may be deficient in GABA without getting really technical here. I suggest trying the 1,000 mg GABA dose and see if it works for you. It’s what I use every night.
Ok, David I will try it. Thanks a lot for the tip.
How long can you take GABA? I take 500 at nite to help me sleep. And I take w/5mg of Melatonin. I fall asleep but wake up in a couple of hours then go back to sleep an hour later. And yrs, it takes about 1 hour to work. I am a little slow when I wake up so I am wondering if I can cut back and take 1 Gaba and 1 L THEANINE and 1 Melatonin
Thank you so much.
Betti, it’s the melatonin that doing this to you. I do not recommend anyone use melatonin for a variety of reasons. Much safer to use 500 mg L-Tryptophan which makes serotonin which then goes on to make melatonin naturally in your brain.
Or if your heart is set on using melatonin then I recommend Tart Cherry Juice from concentrate (NOT a juice blend). You can get it from your local supermarket or Whole Foods. And use about 6 oz. with your other supplements before bed. Nature’s best source of natural melatonin.
You can continue to use GABA for as long as you like. It’s highly unlikely that is causing your issues.
Hello David
Does Gaba has effect on ED?
Thanks
Serge, GABA controls orgasm release. And one study showed that taking GABA with a lower dose of sildenafil (Viagra) achieved the best results.
Also i would like to know please David if it is safe to take Calcium Carbonate or if it is safer to consume calcium citrate instead?, because some sources mention that Calcium Carnonate causes cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease…
And the other question is,
in the labels of the Carbonate or Citrate product the amount of recommended daily values are not equivalent with his Bioavailability (the amount of absorbable calcium),
I should respect the dose on the label or take the dose that corresponds to its bioavailability up to 1200 mg daily?
Damian, calcium carbonate must be taken with food so your body absorbs it properly. Not so with calcium citrate. Don’t take any more than 500 mg of the supplement at a time an ignore your own calculations of “absorbable calcium”. Best not to go above the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
And make sure you’re taking a Vitamin D supplement in the morning because this vitamin helps deliver calcium to where it is supposed to go.
thank you for your generosity David, the only doubt that I remain is about the sources that mention that the consumption of Calcium Carbonate is the cause of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease, I consume Puritans Pride calcium carbonate, the recommended dose on the package is two capsules, there are 1200 mg of calcium carbonate in total (the two capsules), it would help me a lot to know Please your opinion if it can cause me problems with health that? due to some media saying calcium carbonate is bad
Damian, these guys from the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand have a convincing meta-analysis of years of studies on calcium supplementation.
And they conclude based on their findings that it’s not worth the risk. Because time and again studies have shown increased cardiovascular risk. And increased risk of kidney stones, acute gastrointestinal events, and increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. You can read that analysis here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4125316/
Hello David, im a big fan of your work
I need your help to improves my life
I have been taking Gaba 200 mg before go to bed, It has help me so much but, I have become extremely sleepy for the rest of the day (without consuming Gaba in the Morning), why this happen and how to solve it?
I would also like to know the risks of consuming GABA that has expired?, Mine did not expire but when it do I would like to know if I should throw it away or it could be a few months or a year without the risk of it hurting me
And the last question is about the importance of l glycine for sleep and they Results comparing with Gaba and if you recomend it?
(above of Theanine o Taurine in my case)
Damian, your sleepiness during the day can be caused by a variety of issues. One of them being not getting sound sleep the night before. L-Glycine is know to help promote sound sleep. I suggest you try it.
GABA is your major inhibitory neurotransmitter and while is can help calm you it is not necessarily directly related to sleep. L-Tryptophan is because it helps produce serotonin and then goes on the make melatonin.
Dietary supplements can expire. But if they are stored correctly can last a lot longer than you imagine. So unless it is contaminated with something toxic I would not worry too much about it ‘expiring’.
I suggest putting together a sleep stack of 500 mg L-Tryptophan, 400 mg magnesium, and about 6 oz. of tart cherry juice from concentrate (NOT a juice blend). Take it about 60 minutes before bed and see how it works for you. You can also add 2 grams of L-Glycine after you’ve tried this stack on its own and see if it helps you.
Those supplements are also available in a pre-made stack called Performance Lab Sleep (https://bit.ly/35cx80b) if you’d like to try it.
thanks David, you are a great man, I promise to share your work as a thank you. One last question, do you think that the consumption of Yogurt has a negative effect on the body as it is in the case of milk?
Damian, likely only if one is lactose intolerant. If you’re not then I think there are too many benefits to using yogurt that it would be wise to continue.
Hi David! I took 500 mg of GABA last night before sleep and within 15 minutes I started to feel effects like little dizziness and sleepiness. Nonetheless I woke up feeling very good, should I keep taking it? o because of the leaky brain is better to stop? Thanks a lot!
Jazmin, if that was the extent of what you experienced it sounds like it has potential. And the dose is right as well. It can’t hurt to continue using GABA for another few nights and see how it continues to work for you.
Hey David, I’m wondering If I could potentially use Gaba to increase my current levels of HGH. I’m 16 and still trying to grow (I think research suggests HGH and IGF-1 work together to increase linear bone growth). I want to increase hgh while my epiphyseal plates are still potentially open.
I would also like to use this to calm me down and allow me to sleep before tests!
What I’m wondering is if you would recommend a different supplement to increase hgh safely/more efficiently, or would suggest gaba, or nothing at all?
I saw a research chemical called mk677 which looks promising but is prescription where I live (Australia).
It’s long term effects are also not known which is concerning.
Jimmy, you need to be careful at your age that you don’t upset the natural development of your brain. This development continues into your early 20’s.
GABA on the other hand is a natural neurotransmitter that you already use. And GABA naturally promotes Human Growth Hormone. If you decide to use GABA then please use the lowest effective dose of 500 mg or less. You may be able to get away with just 250 mg before bed.
Stay away from research chemicals. It’s not worth the risk especially at your age. Short term gains could end up costing you big time.
Thanks for the reply David! I have one last question, I ordered some gaba and it is in powder form. The information says “a flat standard teaspoon of GABA is around 3.4g. ½ teaspoon will provide around 2g dose.” Does this mean I should use 1/8th of a teaspoon in water to get 500mg, that just seems to little to me?
Also, is the best time to use gaba right before bed when trying to increase HGH?
Thank you.
Jimmy, I’ve never been a believer in trying to measure stuff using a teaspoon or tablespoon. The only accurate way to weigh powder is with a little scale like this one: https://amzn.to/34fQWym
And most use GABA before bed because it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Using it earlier has a tendency to put you to sleep. GABA boosts HGH any time so might as well do it while you’re sleeping.
Hey, thanks for the reply again, Just in case you wanted to know. I’ve just watched pretty much every gaba review there is out there and have found an interesting trend. Gaba tablets/capsules seem to be hit or miss for most people whereas gaba powder seems to yield consistent and reliable results (in relation to it’s relaxing effects). Have you found this to be true and or do you know a possible reason as to why this seems to occur? Obviously ten or so reviews is not large enough of a sample to make conclusions. Just would like to see what u think.
Jimmy, tablets may be because of what is coating them and retarding digestion. Capsules should work much the same as powder. I’ve never tried powder and have only used capsules which work for me. But you’re right. A handful of reviews does not tell you much.
Hi again.
I have a large Gaba deficiency according dr. Braverman test.
I have read trough “Available Forms” but im missing a suppliment wich can increase Gaba levels on long term.
As i understood until now GABA does not cross BBB, but attach to recepters in ~kidney/heart. So you may feel relief in anxiety and other symptoms, but it wont fix deficiency in brain.
Aswell you listed in “available forms” others like L-Theanine/Taurine wich “boost” Gaba by inhibits glutamate uptake and Taurine/Magnesium wich works as GABAa receptor and increase effect you mentioned.
As i understood Gaba receptors do only work for short term and may aswell produce withrawls. I aswell took L-Theanine and Ashwagandha for a long time 2-3 months and both seem to work only for short term.
– Does any of this suppliments work on long-term or do exist other suppliments wich work long term ?
– If i have problems to much Gaba get converted back into Glutamate is there any way to resolve that long term ?
Thanks.
Paolo, see the “Overview” section of my L-Glutamine review to see how GABA is made. You’re a little off on your conversion: https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/
GABA as a nootropic supplement works and I’ve since become convinced that similar to serotonin, it’s synthesized in your gut and makes it to your brain via the vagus nerve. I’ve had good success with GABA and continue to use 750 mg before bed. You will NOT go through withdrawal if you suddenly stop supplementing with GABA. That only happens with benzos and Phenibut.
Overdosing anything can desensitize receptors and synapses. I’ve always kept my dosage of the nootropics you mention here at the recommended dose and have never had a problem. And this is years later. But it likely also helps that I use things like Lion’s Mane for Nerve Growth Factor and BDNF which keeps neurons healthy.
The only way to bring glutamate levels down is to inhibit NMDA and AMPA receptors which block its negative effects in your brain.
How do you do that?
You can inhibit NMDA and AMPA receptors using L-Theanine.
Hi, I was using Valium for the last 3 years (10mg/day) for anxiety and panic attacks and now I’m tapering dose (I’m now at 5mg/day) to get off that meds since obviously I am now addicted and I don’t want to be. Do GABA supplements interact with Valium and is it a good idea to eventually repleace Benzos with GABA? Thanks in advance.
Mihail, join all the others who want to get off of these drugs too and welcome to Nootropics Expert! It’s a great idea to use natural nootropics instead of synthetic meds whenever you can. Just be very careful about mixing the two.
Hi David i was trying Gaba 750mg (warnke amazon) now for a while but i dont feel a lot from it after i take it.
Do i need to use it a longer time to notice something because i have a big deficiency ?
May i should increase dosage to 2x750mg ?
What about human grwoth hornone ? Isnt it bad to supply with gaba if im aging faster ?
Paolo, unless you are GABA deficient you may not “feel” anything when supplementing with GABA. Subtle effects may include more sound sleep and a calmer mood.
GABA does boost Human Growth Hormone which naturally declines with age. Not sure how you associate boosting HGH with faster aging. If anything this is a longevity supplement.
Hi David i am sure im Gaba deficient (else there must exist something very similar to gaba wich is causing the similar problems, almost all symptoms provided by low gaba fit just perfect 80% on a list of 50 items – the only other possible thing would be high glutamate but then theanine shouldnt work opposite).
BTW it seems you were true about human grwoth hormone. Some people on reddit claimed it would increase aging but according a study i found on ncbi it probably works positive on aging.
I aswell tried other suppliments in available forms. Taurine and Magnesium, but do agonists does not lower Gaba on long term ? Maybe thats the wrong way to increase Gaba.
Cant you recommend me something nice for long term 🙁 ?
I aswell tried Ashwagandha wich should work on Gaba a receptor. After stopping taking it, i got the worst symptoms ever had. And Theanine seems to do the opposite effect (increases my tremors and panic attacs on action, or is just useless on me).
Alcohol (gaba a receptor) aswell works strange on me. It makes my brain dazed, but does not relief anxiety/social anxiety, while other peoples just fly with it.
Paolo, GABA agonist will only work for as long as you are using it. The only way to truly increase GABA is with a direct precursor which is a GABA supplement or L-Glutamine. Anything else will only boost available GABA that is already in your system.
Or you can increase the sensitivity of GABA receptors. Ashwagandha is effective but does not work for everybody. I personally cannot use it.
Only other advice I can offer right now is do a search of Nootropics Expert for the keyword “GABA” and see what all turns up. It’ll take some reading but that way you’ll get through the entire list of things that affect GABA one way or another.
I am looking into these substances for a different reason. Several years ago, I suffered damage to my spinal cord, and since then have experienced spasticity to varying degrees, which also causes significant back pain. All prescription meds given for spasticity work by somehow enhancing the effect of GABA, and I was looking to do that naturally. I have come across GABA itself, Valerian root, and Taurine all as potentials. Any thoughts on those individually or in combination? Any potential issues taking them together?
Tom, you shouldn’t have any issues taking them together. But of course, too much GABA like anything is not a good idea. I suggest starting with one at a time using the lowest recommended dosage. If nothing bad happens with the first one you try then add the next, etc.
Thanks David. I started with Taurine and already noticed some relief. Are there any considerations as to spacing the different supplements through the day? Also, are you aware of any others that activate the GABA B receptors specifically?
Tom, Taurine is a GABAa receptor agonist. The only other one I know of is magnesium which also affects GABAa receptors.
I have a paradoxical reaction to GABA at any dose. It caused anxiety. Your thoughts on the physiology behind this reaction.
Kelly, anxiety as a side effect of GABA usually means you’re taking too much GABA. In your case it could be that your GABA levels are already optimal and you don’t need it as a supplement.
Are you taking anything else that may be contraindicated with GABA? Or anything else that could be causing this reaction?
Hey there thanks for your insight. I have the same reaction to L-Glutamine (precurser of course). I am a medical professional and right now healing my family from mold toxicity – so there is A LOT going on. I doubt that I have optimal GABA levels given my other neurotransmitters are low (seratonin and dopamine – lab testing) and I have anxiety and overwhelm symptoms a lot. So this paradoxical reaction has been a mystery to me for a few years now…
Oh and by the way I get anxiety (irritation and jitters) at even small doses.
Kelly, other than unusually high doses of GABA causing this kind of reaction, in your case I’m not sure. But if you’re sure the GABA source was pure then there must be something going on due to mold toxicity.
It could be that this has messed with your Gln/Gly(GABA) cycle which is explained in this review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/
The only expert I’m aware of in this field is Dave Asprey who’s an expert on dealing with mold toxicity. Maybe he or his community can provide some insight into your situation.