Phenibut is an analogue of GABA

GABA

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
Robert Iafelice, MS, RDN, LDN
Fact Checked:
Robert Iafelice, MS, RDN, LDN
11 minute read
GABA has a calming effect on brain and body, helps relieve stress and anxiety, and boosts Human Growth Hormone

Key Takeaways

  1. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a crucial neurotransmitter that contributes to stress relief, relaxation, and improved sleep quality.

  2. It deviates from other neurotransmitters due to its inhibitory nature, serving to slow down neuron firing and calm the nervous system.

  3. While not as potent as some other nootropics, GABA’s effects are pronounced and significant, offering potential benefits like reduced anxiety, stress, and promoting better sleep.

  4. GABA is generally safe for consumption within the suggested dosage range of 500 – 1000 mg per day.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of your central nervous system. 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 supplements boost blood levels of Human Growth Hormone. Promoting greater recovery support and lean muscle.
  • 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.

Overview

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) 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
GABA

GABA isa naturally occurring amino acid 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,  lowering blood pressure, and stress.

Benzodiazepine drugs like Valium and Xanax work by increasing GABA receptor sensitivity.[iii]

Meditation and yoga affects GABA receptors in your brain to help reduce stress

How do GABA Receptors Work in the Brain?

There are two natural GABA signaling receptors on nerve cells — GABA-A receptor and GABA-B receptor. While each works differently, when GABA binds to one of these receptors, the result is a decrease in that nerve cell’s responsiveness. This means that GABA modulates the signals that nerve cells are able to send.

GABA helps brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. GABA as one of two major inhibitory neurotransmitters 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.GABA supplements help reduce the stress caused by walking across a suspension bridge 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]

  1. 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.

GABA also helps decrease Beta brain waves and increase Alpha brain waves for an alert but calm state.

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 benefits

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. The amino acid L-glutamine is the precursor to GABA production in your body and brain.

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 if you are dealing with insomnia symptoms you should 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” brain. 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” brain in my article called > 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 “Type of GABA to Buy” section of this article.

GABA Clinical 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 taking GABA as a supplement will not cross into the brain

GABA Increases Human Growth Hormone

GABA helps create Human Growth Hormone.Bodybuilders and athletes use supplementary GABA to help repair and support muscle function. 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]

GABA Recommended Dosage

The recommended daily GABA supplement dosage 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.

GABA 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.

Type of GABA Supplements to Buy

You can take GABA food supplements in the form of a tablet, capsule and powder.

Scientists have shown that GABA does not readily cross into the brain. 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 the way GABA functions 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How good is GABA for anxiety?

GABA supplements may help reduce anxiety especially if you are GABA deficient. Many have found that when you normalize GABA levels you’ll experience a reduction in anxiety and stress, nervousness, and restlessness.

Who should not take GABA?

Do NOT use GABA if your are currently using any drug that affects GABA or GABA receptors. Benzos and barbiturates are contraindicated with GABA supplements because if you increase GABA too much you could put yourself into a coma.   

Is GABA safe to take daily?

Yes, GABA is safe to use daily as long as you are not using medications that are contraindicated with GABA.

Is it safe to take GABA every night?

GABA is safe to use every night for most people. I personally use a PharmaGABA™ supplement every night before bed because it helps me sleep. But GABA supplements are NOT safe to use if you are using anti-anxiety medications that affect GABA and its receptors.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

GABA 500 – 1,000 mg per day. Nootropics Expert has Tested and Approved GABA supplementation.

I 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, mood disorders, or chronic 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.

I 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 “Type of GABA to buy” section of this article for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[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)

Subscribe to the Nootropics Expert newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest developments in the nootropics space.

Head First 2nd Editon

The Award Winning Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements.

Head First 2nd Edition

NEW! Eliminate Brain Fog, Low Energy, Moodiness, Difficulty Sleeping, Memory Loss or Anxiety. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Walmart and more...



Where to Buy Nootropics

Wondering where to buy the best nootropic supplements? Well, you’re in the right place. Because here you will find the nootropic supplements that I personally use and recommend. Each supplement has a link to the company store and product that I use. I also include a link to my full review for each supplement here […]

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

Nootropics can help increase your memory, boost learning ability, improve your mood and assist overall brain function. If you’re new to nootropics, or wonder about the difference between a nootropic and a smart drug, then this page is for you. Here you’ll find the definition of a nootropic, how to pronounce the word “nootropic”, the […]

The Most Comprehensive Nootropics List

This is our big list of the most popular Nootropics in use today. Here you’ll learn what each nootropic is, what it does and suggested dosages. What is this List of Nootropics About? Nootropic supplements are cognitive enhancers aiming to improve brain function. Whether you are looking to treat mild cognitive impairment, improve mental focus, or biohack […]



Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

Join The Discussion - 245 comments

Paolo
July 27, 2020

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.

    David Tomen
    July 27, 2020

    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.

      Amanda
      November 8, 2020

      How do you do that?

        David Tomen
        November 8, 2020

        You can inhibit NMDA and AMPA receptors using L-Theanine.

Mihail
July 26, 2020

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.

    David Tomen
    July 27, 2020

    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.

      Paolo
      August 10, 2020

      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 ?

        David Tomen
        August 10, 2020

        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.

        Paolo
        August 15, 2020

        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.

        David Tomen
        August 16, 2020

        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.

Tom
May 27, 2020

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?

    David Tomen
    May 28, 2020

    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.

      Tom
      May 30, 2020

      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?

        David Tomen
        June 1, 2020

        Tom, Taurine is a GABAa receptor agonist. The only other one I know of is magnesium which also affects GABAa receptors.

Kelly Couch
January 31, 2020

I have a paradoxical reaction to GABA at any dose. It caused anxiety. Your thoughts on the physiology behind this reaction.

    David Tomen
    February 1, 2020

    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?

      Kelly Couch
      February 1, 2020

      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…

        Kelly Couch
        February 1, 2020

        Oh and by the way I get anxiety (irritation and jitters) at even small doses.

        David Tomen
        February 2, 2020

        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.

Brenda Stefanowicz
October 28, 2019

Can you take st johns wort and pharmgaba together?

    David Tomen
    October 29, 2019

    Brenda, I wouldn’t but then I’m probably over-conservative when it comes to safety and nootropic supplements.

    St. John’s wort shouldn’t be used with benzos because it amplifies their effect too much. It may not be a problem with GABA alone.

    Testing it is not likely too dangerous. But if you decide to try it make sure you’re using smaller doses of each.

Philip
August 23, 2019

can i take gaba and l thryptopan together for insomia?

    David Tomen
    August 23, 2019

    Philip, yes and they work well together.

Christine Reed
August 3, 2019

How much is too much gaba? And i am also taking ashwagandha, l’theanine, maca, bacopa and rhodiola. Is gaba safe to take with these?

    David Tomen
    August 4, 2019

    Christine, you’ll know if you are overdosing on GABA if you feel: edgy, anxious, insomnia, skin flushing or tingling, shortness of breath, stomach upset or nausea.

Aleksandar
July 30, 2019

Hi,

Can i open GABA capsule and take the content sublingually for faster absorption?

Thanks,
Aleksandar

    David Tomen
    July 31, 2019

    Aleksandar, you can open a GABA capsule but it likely will not help its bioavailability much. One study back in the 1980’s I believe, found a GABA transporter to carry GABA across the blood-brain barrier. But research with mice found that GABA was transported OUT of the brain far more than transported into the brain.

    Other research which makes more sense to me is GABA that’s digested in your but stimulates the vagus nerve which in turn sends GABA to your brain. Similar to how serotonin is synthesized primarily in your gut. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01520/full#h6

    Bottom-line is GABA needs to go through your digestive system for brain benefit.

Leave a Reply to Petar Atanasov Cancel reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.