My symptoms have been magnified by our
horrific cold weather hear in New England,
Severe neck , head , sinus & ear pain besides
the usual widespread FM muscle pain .
Yesterday it just seemed to get the best of me
and triggered a full blown panic attack ,
It just so happened that I had an appointment
with my physical therapist who shared similar
Symptons and she recommended GABA 750mg
Desperate for relief I did try it today and I must
say it did help with muscle relaxation which
therefore helped with the anxiety , I do not
take any script meds and always seeking
alternative solutions to relief the horrible
Symptons . has anyone else tried this ?
Hi Susan, I do not have personal experience but here is information from WebMD on Gaba. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-464-GABA+GABA+GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC+ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=464&activeIngredientName=GABA+(GABA+(GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC+ACID))&source=2
I know you mentioned your PT suggested this but I would advise to make sure your regular MD is also aware of you taking Gaba. It is always a good idea to make sure your medical team knows of supplements / vitamins you are taking. Hugs!!
Hi Susan8! I just read your post regarding GABA supplements. I did some research on GABA and thought that I would give it a try myself recently. I am just starting out small, only 100 mg, but I am very sensitive to medications and supplements so thought this would be best. I havenât noticed it helping with pain as of yet, but it definitely helps me sleep, which, hopefully in turn will help me with my pain! Looks like your post was awhile back in February, so am wondering how you are doing with the GABA now, are you still taking it and is it working better or not?
Karen6
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Hi Karen, a while back it was, and February it was, but 6 years ago, in 2015! 
This was Susanâs last post, and hasnât been seen since, it seems.
But Iâm pleased youâve dug it out again. I have researched it scantly before and my sleep trials are focusing on CBD oil (& perhaps melatonin, in future ashwagandha) at the moment. But/so your experience sounds promising.
So here goes gathering more detailed research:
I can get it with no problem at all here in Germany and I read it is good for anxiety & sleep.
GABA analogs, mainly pregabalin (Lyrica). gabapentin and gabapentin enacarbil were developed - because GABA itself âis difficult to administerâ(!?). These are good for rapid nerve firing, incl. fibro, neuropathy, RLS & seizures, all of which I may have. However the severe and the normal side effects are also some which I will likely get (however you say you are also very sensitive and are starting with 100mg, good to hear & know).
Back to GABA itself:
If there are side effects of GABA, they may disappear after a few days.
GABA itself doesnât get to the brain, it is produced in the pancreas and brain out of itâs precursors.
One of the main problems I can see for me is that it increases stomach acidity, at least GABA-B does, as opposed to GABA-A:
Supps:
GABA-supps have sometimes caused problems, because of not being regulated well. Another reason to start on low dose and also keep to one product (or start again low if you change). And better not to buy on general online platforms, but by sellers/producers you can trust.
Natural?:
GABA is an isolated amino acid, so no longer natural. Several natural substances which increase GABA in the body are valerian, magnesium and B6, and the supp. glutamic acid, all of which I have taken for 3 months, and all did nothing for me. It is contained in cheese, which I donât usually eat, and nuts, which I eat a lot of.
Bottom line: Iâll do my other trials first, CBD oil, then perhaps back to melatonin plus either tryptophan or 5-HTP, then ashwagandha, and then get back to GABA if Iâm not satisfiedâŚ
But still interested how it works for you!
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Thanks for your info JayCS! I am still using the GABA, but just taking a quarter to a half of a lozenge and that is all it takes to help me sleep pretty well! I used to be on Doxepin, but went off of it last November as I read all the bad side effects, one of them being dementia or at least cognitive issues, which I had the cognitive. I still have the cognitive issues but not quite as bad. Also, the Doxepin gave me very bad restless leg syndrome! Anyway, I have also tried CBD, but the regular CBD doesnât seem to help so well with pain. We can also purchase CBD with THC here in Washington State, and that does help me. I wonât do at the same time as the GABA though. Thanks again for all of your info! Karen
1 Like
version 2021-04 - newest version below
Iâm kidnapping this âGabaâ-thread after success with GABA (thx to your question, @Karen6)⌠
as a new resource thread on GABA, which is a neurotransmitter in our brain, used as a supp, and its analogs, derivatives, relatives, used as medsâŚ
1. GABA itself, gamma-Aminobutyric acid
1.a. My GABA-experience - May 14th: 30 days very positive
After 30 really bad days & often nights before (1 moderate one), Iâve had 30 really good days and nights âŚ
This is a list of the effects on me up to today, May 6th.
JayCSâs Fibro Blog (see summary-thread â) - #338 by JayCS
I wasnât planning on this combination, but felt like making sure and found it & spontaneously decided on it. Donât know of course if itâs necessary, as glutamic acid and passiflora didnât do anything alone.
In the first night I took it after dozing a few hours, was up 8x, had a few side effects, but - immediately had a good day: no stiffness, no seizure, no drowsiness or numbness, no further side effects aside from tingling, bowel movement & stronger pulse at the beginning, no belly ache, no breathing problems. I was able to work 4h30 (live incl. commuting & digi), didnât have time for table tennis, but cycling and running a bit was quite OK. At work I did have my typical mask-problems after talking a bit - altho only to single people, making me feel feverish.
In the 2nd & now 3rd night I took it almost like recommended (30â), 60â before actually being in bed.
Hardly any side effects: dry mouth, slightly feverish-squeamish. The 2nd night slight belly pressure-pain. The dry mouth was painful, different to the one I got from amitriptyline or other things. GC dry mouth gel relieved it immediately both nights and after that sipping soy drink was sufficient.
But yesterday I cd do quite a lot. I was able to work 3h (digi) and jump around with my grandchild in the evening like I havenât been able to for ages - not perfect, but much better. and was extremely fit & concentrated at table tennis (8:0), cdâve done 2 more, thatâs really neat. I gave it 90% for âfeeling wellâ and â1â for pain - maybe a bit rose-red, but a great improvement.
3rd day great again⌠So: 
4th night: No stiffness etc. but Harry Potter type dreams - yucky feeling, bowel movement â Hot Water Bottle.
Jump to Apr 28th 2021: Side effects decreased: Only 1) drowsiness & 2) sometimes vivid dreams, 3) 1.5 nose bleeds, no longer dry mouth & itchiness. Positive effects still good: 
Bladder sensitivity considerably reduced. Still need 9-10h sleep.
More details in above mentioned blog entry.
âŚ
I had taken 1-2 GABA-pills once before, apparently, as well as picamilon, without an effect. Praps I needed to get pains down first?
Or is it the combination with Magnesium, glutamic acid and passiflora?
1.b. GABA
Great GABA-info-pages
General: GABA Archives - everywomanover29
Tense muscles: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-physical-tension-stiff-tense-muscles-type-anxiety
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201901/3-amazing-benefits-gaba: Brakes of the brain (valerian and hops, magnesium, and L-theanine, L-arginine, kava, passionflower, and American ginseng) (for high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, mood, muscle tone, immune & endocrine system, in gut perhaps supports motility, controls inflammation and supports immune system function, and helps regulate hormone activity)
https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid:
Overview: Why GABA is one of the Best Supplements for Anxiety and Sleep (Updated â Natural Stacks. (Combination recommended):
You should never take a GABA supplement on its own! It actually wonât work!
Itâs strange that more people donât know about this neurotransmitter, since itâs the most common one in our central nervous systems!
When you have a âfight or flight responseâ â your heart beats faster and your stomach knots up â GABA is what allows your brain to calm down again afterwards.
This is because GABA is responsible for putting the brakes on messages passing between our neurons, telling them not to fire, and thereby blocking stress response messages from being passed along to the rest of the body.
This explains why low levels of GABA or disruption of GABA receptors is associated with some forms of epilepsy and various other physical and mental disorders characterized by excitability.
So why doesnât it work all the time?
Under normal conditions, the excitatory and inhibitory systems work in harmony to keep the nervous system in balance.
But when faced with chronic stress and fatigue, the neurotransmitters can get out of synch.
The bodyâs natural stress response overpowers the amount of GABA that the body can produce to compensate.
These include high blood pressure, sweating, increased secretion of gastric acid and activity of the large intestine.
Part of the production pathway for GABA takes place in the mitochondria in our cells. Stress causes inflammation and oxidative stress and, together with a nutritional imbalance, it affects mitochondrial health.
While thereâs no food that contains GABA(??? - why do other sites say that there is?), you can certainly eat foods that provide glutamate and glutamic acid, the precursors that your body uses to make GABA.
Foods with lots of glutamate and glutamic acid include grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy products, fish, sea vegetables, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Other supplements which have been shown to increase GABA or enhance its function include L-thiamine, the amino acid taurine, and certain herbs including kava, passionflower and lemon balm.
The following dosages are recommended:
General stress relief
650 -800 mg per day
Divide into three or four doses during the day
Anxiety
250 â 650 mg 3x per day
Maximum dose 1950 mg per day
Improved sleep
250 â 650 mg daily
Take just before sleep
Insomnia
500 â 1000 mg
Take just before sleep. High dose ensures that more crosses the BBB
A recent study on humans showed that a supplement combining both GABA and 5-HTP reduced the time it took to fall asleep, increased the duration of sleep, and improved sleep quality. [11]
Ingredients of recommended combination:
L-CITRULINE (500MG)
ROSEMARY EXTRACT (333MG)
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT (33MG)
GABA Supplement - For Better Sleep and Relaxation - 60 Ct. â Natural Stacks
https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid: The only foods that contain GABA are fermented ones, such as kimchi, miso, and tempeh. ADHD & anxiety lowers GABA. Side effects: Upset stomach, headache, sleepiness, muscle weakness.
GABA-combination with 5-HTP or Tryptophan:
Sleep promoting effects of combined GABA and 5-HTP: new research - everywomanover29
e.g. 1000mg GABA and 100mg 5-HTP or better even
1000mg GABA and 1000mg tryptophan
5-HTP can increase cortisol - watch for that.
GABA helping means a leaky brain?!
How to Increase GABA and Lower Glutamate
According to Dr. Datis Kharazzian, a brain expert, if you have any effect from GABA, (positive or negative) that means you have a leaky brain. In his book, Why Isnât My Brain Working, he explains that in a healthy brain, the junctions in the blood-brain barrier only permit nanoparticles to pass through. GABA âexceeds the nanoparticle size and does not have a blood-brain barrier transport protein.â It should not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. If it does, then this suggests there is a leaky brain.
As a matter of fact, Dr. Kharrazian uses GABA supplementation as a screening tool to determine whether one has a leaky brain or not, calling it the GABA Challenge Test. He also states you shouldnât take GABA supplementation, even if you have a positive effect, âbecause you risk shutting down your GABA receptor sites.â This is evidenced by the fact that many people experience withdrawal when they come off a GABA supplement. The fact that withdrawal is occurring tells us that the brain is downregulating responsiveness to GABA in response to the GABA supplementation. I do not encourage the use of GABA supplements unless one is coming off a benzo and uses it temporarily to get from point A to point B in recovery. If you have no effect from GABA, this is a good sign, you most likely to do not have a leaky brain. If a leaky brain is present, then many other harmful substances can be crossing the blood-brain barrier and causing additional problems.
Integrative Holistic Health Coach - Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.
Evidence-based-wise itâs not understood if/why/how GABA itself works, it shdnât really get into the brain (over the BBB) and there isnât really enough research. Altho it probably reduces excitability and muscle tone, which is exactly what Iâve often thought and influence by my various relaxation techniques. It also fits to the suspicion that I might have something like RLS.
GABA has been made into analogs, gabapentin (aka Neurontin) and pregabalin, âchemicalâ derivates, which I havenât been wanting to take because of the far higher amount and severity of side effects. GABA is the most natural one with the least probability of side effects.
Studies:
2015: Unclear if just placebo, mechanism of action, if it praps can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), if it has a calming effect. Effect on brain and cognition might be exerted through BBB passage or, more indirectly, via an effect on the enteric nervous system.
Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior - PubMed
2020: limited evidence for stress and very limited evidence for sleep benefits of oral GABA intake.
Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review - PubMed
GABA can help people to fall asleep quickly, AVLE induces deep sleep, and they function complementarily with simultaneous intake. AVLE = Apocynum venetum leaf extract
(Strange: It says these are both not poisonous, since contained in food, but all I can find to apocynum is arrow poison, poisonous milk, and I donât know it in any way either.)
(âSince both GABA and AVLE are materials of foods and have been ingested for a long time, they can be regarded as safe and appropriate for daily intake in order to improve the quality of sleep.â)
The Improvement of Sleep by Oral Intake of GABA and Apocynum venetum Leaf Extract - PubMed
Further GABA-links
Why GABA is one of the Best Supplements for Anxiety and Sleep (Updated â Natural Stacks
Oh, on one of the pages thatâs helping a lot for GABA generally Iâve also found IC/bladder/IBS: GABA Archives - everywomanover29
Throat tightening: good for esophagus block too? Everyoneâs different, so start low and try. Recommends opening capsules and using it sublingually.
Challenging the leaky brain theory The Anxiety Summit - GABA: Blood brain barrier controversy, concerns, best forms and how to do a trial for eliminating anxiety - everywomanover29
German Gaba -Wirkung, Dosierung, Mangel, Nebenwirkungen -VitaminExpress here it mentions which foods contain GABA and that GAD has to do with it. ADHD-kids have less GABA⌠Good combinations, incl. Mg & passion flower. Studies.
How to test yourself for leaky gut. The "gaba challenge" | Integrative functional medicine blog There seem to be recent GABA-types which are absorbed better. (Dr. Craig Mortensen)
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/168/How-to-test-for-a-leaky-Blood-Brain-Barrier-with-GABA-Supplements.html
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/112/Repairing-&-Making-the-Brain-Healthy/Leaky-blood-brain-barrier-and-mental-health.html Leaky Brain
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/127/About-Peter-Smitth.html Amygdala ReprogrammingâŚ
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/167/Why-You-Shouldnât-Take-GABA-Supplements.html Why you shouldnâtâŚ
Magnesium 3h inside of pregabalin/gabapentin can block them. https://healthunlocked.com/rlsuk/posts/143635184/pregabalin-gabapentin-togetherâŚ
Mg increases Gaba How Magnesium Relieves Anxiety & Stress (detailed review) | Be Brain Fit
Magnesium is an nmda receptor antagonist. Nmda channels regulate glutamate which is the opposite of gaba Therefore magnesium binds and blocks glutamate transmission.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/m2h7h1/how_does_magnesium_glycinate_effect_gaba/
(How to do an amino acid trial for anxiety
Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution - everywomanover29)
Blood Brain Barrier - Chelation Community
1.c. GABA-increasing herbs:
kava, valerian, pennywort, hops, chamomile, Ginkgo biloba, passionflower (passiflora), ashwagandha, skullcap, and lemon balm.
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence - PubMed
Passionflower: Modulation of the Îł-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L - PubMed
1.d. GABA side effects (much rarer, but similar to those of the analogs)
GABA side effects https://www.gammaaminobutyricacid.org/gaba-side-effects/
GABA - much more rarely - can cause similar side effects to gabapentin & pregabalin, esp.
Anxiety, appetite increase, balance problems, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, Drowsiness, dry mouth, irritation, itchiness, joint pain, memory problems, muscle pain, stomach
Severe Side Effects: bleeding, bruising easily, energy lack generally, fatigue, fever high, muscle pain severe, swelling of hands and feet, weight gain increased.
1.e. GABA-threads
GABA: None except this one! and
Your thoughts on GABA - #5 by Rachel_Pronyshyn where GABA was being confused with gabapentin
2. Gabapentin ('Neurontin', 'Gralise') a. effects and b. side-effects, incl. threads, c. differences to GABA
a. Gabapentin (âNeurontinâ, âGraliseâ) was first used for epilepsy 1995 and then found to be good for neuralgia as well as RLS (restless legs). It desensitizes the nerves (cf. the CSS-hypothesisâŚ). Takes 1-2 weeks to work properly (which GABA didnâtâŚ) Careful with kidneys. Starting with small doses. Itâs not that good for epilepsy.
English sites add: neuropathic pain, for example fibromyalgia, insomnia, and bipolar disorder.
It has no effect on the amount of GABA in the brain. Neurontin is not converted into GABA either, and acts as an anticonvulsant which also has some analgesic properties.
2.b. Gabapentin side effects
Gabapentin can cause headaches, fuzzy vision, dizziness, bladder problems, with eye movement and frequent seizures? Sometimes like pregabalin balancing, mouth dryness & shakiness. Also hallucinations, and gastrointestinal disturbances, or even suicidal thoughts, drastic behavioral changes, and difficulty breathing.
2.b. Gabapentin side effects - threads
Gabapentin:
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/10737/8: Side effects of drowsiness & weight.
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/3341/2: allergy, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain, no fibro-pain help, calm, weight, stoned, headaches upon waking.
Gabapentin - #6 by Gaila weight
Gabapentin - #3 by Rachel_Pronyshyn sleepy, dizzy, fuzzy headed, decreasing, except dizzy, problems walking,legs bruised, dizzy faded, falls didnât.
Gabapentin Only no help, migraine instantly, dizzy, cousin of lyrica = pregabalin.
2.b. Gabapentin-posts
Has anyone taken muscle relaxers, and Gabapentin? too longâŚ
Has anyone taken muscle relaxers, and Gabapentin?
But Gabapentin..... Im not nuts am I?
New Medication (Gabapentin)
"Cymbalta? Lyrica? Gabapentin? I'm confused
Gabapentin Only
Has anyone tried gabapentin extended release?
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Gabapentin - side effects?
Gabapentin questions
So my rheumatologist took me off gabapentin
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/finally-got-a-diagnosis-and-a-prescription-of-600mg-of-gabapentin/4070
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-and-weight-gain/3200
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/10737
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-and-meds-in-general/4684
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/4184
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/3341
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-users-please-advise-on-possible-side-effects/1934
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-when-will-it-start-working/1912
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/after-25-years-of-constant-pain-brain-fog-ibs-and-a-whole-lot-of-other-problems-finally-an-answer-maybe/5922
Gralise is an extended release form of gabapentin
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gralise-gabapentin-instead-of-lyrica-pregabalin-or-neurontin-gabapentin/3257
https://www.drugs.com/pro/gralise.html
1.c. GABA gabapentin differences
GABA and Gabapentin are two different things. Though they may have some similar effects (e.g. reducing excitability), and structurally they look alike, they both serve different purposes.
https://www.gammaaminobutyricacid.org/difference-between-gaba-gabapentin/
3. Pregabalin ('Lyrica') a. effects & b. side effects, incl. threads
a. Pregabalin (âLyricaâ) works stronger, quicker, longer and more calculateable and is far cheaper. It seems good for neuropathy and fibromalgia. It does NOT react âat the GABA-receptorsâ.
b. Pregabalin side effects can be balancing, mouth dryness, shakiness, bruises, abnormal bleeding, sight problems, muscle pain, may be less than gabapentin. Causes addiction, is often âabusedâ, has become very popular for that in Germany. Can make you âhappyâ, but also feel drugged. Edema, weight gain. Has to be weaned off very carefully.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9513953/Hooked-ANXIETY-pills-experts-calling-new-VALIUM.html
4. Phenibut
Phenibut is another GABA analogue, but concern is growing about its recreational use, because it is very psychoactive, altho it is âbeing marketed online as an anxiolytic and nootropic dietary supplementâ. (Also seems to help with social anxiety, according to wp.) (Russia, 1960s)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30852710/
5. Baclofen
Baclofen is mentioned as a keyword in the phenibut-article, is GABA-related, but Iâll leave that for now.
6. Picamilon (GABA lab split with niacin (nicotinic acid)
Picamilon is a lab split of GABA and niacin (nicotinic acid), which Iâve referred to here https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/has-anyone-seen-the-research-on-melatonin/13416/16?u=jaycs
an acquaintance has also recommended picamilon once again. Iâd tried 2 pills heâd given me a few months ago. Iâm skeptical there, because itâs a lab-synthesis of GABA and niacin, which is why it is not FDA-approved, so not allowed, but semi-illegally sold in the US. While that seems scary (unregulated) I think I should compare it to having tried tilidine or taking statins for my blood fats, since picamilon is claimed to reduce these, as well as blood pressure, both of which might be better than taking the other chemicals (it doesnât improve on statins). It was developed as a pro-drug of GABA to overcome the BBB. However since GABA works for me, that obviously isnât my problem. Niacin is a form of vitamin B3. One of the adverse effect of picamilon is said to be skin problems, but cf. tilidine etc. Niacin: skin, bowels and more, if at all start very low.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin#Adverse_effects
Flush free Niacin (Inositol?, ?inositol hexaniacinate, but see Inositol itself??)
Picamilon, Pikamilon, Pycamilon is also called N-nicotinoyl-GABA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picamilon
7. Mirogabalin ('Tarlige') - for neuropathy, apparently ineffective for FMS
mirogabalin is in the same family as gabapentin and pregabalin (gabapentinoid) and is not prescribed for fibro normally.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31284771/ âConclusion: While both mirogabalin doses were well tolerated by most patients and showed potential for reducing pain associated with FM, the primary endpoint of significant pain reduction in patients on mirogabalin compared with placebo was not achieved in any of the three randomized controlled studies.â
List of all GABA analogues on wikipedia
(German links on GABA, gabapentin & pregabalin)
German GABA overview: https://naturaldoping.de/gaba/
German: Warning - buy GABA in Apotheke, short overview: https://schlanke-list.de/gaba-aminobuttersaeure/
https://www.krankenkassenzentrale.de/produkt/gaba (incl. few English pubmed studies)
German gabapentin overview: https://www.netdoktor.de/medikamente/gabapentin/
German gabapentin side effects https://www.onmeda.de/Wirkstoffe/Gabapenti/nebenwirkungen-medikament-10.html
German differences gabapentin - pregabalin https://esdifferent.com/differences-between-gabapentin-and-pregabalin
German pregabalin https://news.doccheck.com/de/229191/pregabalin-die-gaba-droehnung/
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Iâm kidnapping this âGabaâ-thread after success with GABA (thx to your question, @Karen6)⌠as a new resource thread on GABA, which is a neurotransmitter in our brain, used as a supp, and its analogs, derivatives, relatives, used as medsâŚ
1. GABA itself, gamma-Aminobutyric acid
1.a. My GABA-experience - May 14th: 30 days very positive
After 30 really bad days & often nights before (1 moderate one), Iâve had 30 really good days and nights âŚ
This is a list of the effects on me up to today, May 6th.
JayCSâs Fibro Blog (see summary-thread â) - #338 by JayCS
I wasnât planning on this combination, but felt like making sure and found it & spontaneously decided on it. Donât know of course if itâs necessary, as glutamic acid and passiflora didnât do anything alone.
In the first night I took it after dozing a few hours, was up 8x, had a few side effects, but - immediately had a good day: no stiffness, no seizure, no drowsiness or numbness, no further side effects aside from tingling, bowel movement & stronger pulse at the beginning, no belly ache, no breathing problems. I was able to work 4h30 (live incl. commuting & digi), didnât have time for table tennis, but cycling and running a bit was quite OK. At work I did have my typical mask-problems after talking a bit - altho only to single people, making me feel feverish.
In the 2nd & now 3rd night I took it almost like recommended (30â), 60â before actually being in bed.
Hardly any side effects: dry mouth, slightly feverish-squeamish. The 2nd night slight belly pressure-pain. The dry mouth was painful, different to the one I got from amitriptyline or other things. GC dry mouth gel relieved it immediately both nights and after that sipping soy drink was sufficient.
But yesterday I cd do quite a lot. I was able to work 3h (digi) and jump around with my grandchild in the evening like I havenât been able to for ages - not perfect, but much better. and was extremely fit & concentrated at table tennis (8:0), cdâve done 2 more, thatâs really neat. I gave it 90% for âfeeling wellâ and â1â for pain - maybe a bit rose-red, but a great improvement.
3rd day great again⌠So:
4th night: No stiffness etc. but Harry Potter type dreams - yucky feeling, bowel movement â Hot Water Bottle.
Jump to Apr 28th 2021: Side effects decreased: Only 1) drowsiness & 2) sometimes vivid dreams, 3) 1.5 nose bleeds, no longer dry mouth & itchiness. Positive effects still good: Bladder sensitivity considerably reduced. Still need 9-10h sleep.
More details in above mentioned blog entry.
âŚ
I had taken 1-2 GABA-pills once before, apparently, as well as picamilon, without an effect. Praps I needed to get pains down first?
Or is it the combination with Magnesium, glutamic acid and passiflora?
1.b. GABA
Great GABA-info-pages
General: GABA Archives - everywomanover29
Tense muscles: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-physical-tension-stiff-tense-muscles-type-anxiety
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201901/3-amazing-benefits-gaba: Brakes of the brain (valerian and hops, magnesium, and L-theanine, L-arginine, kava, passionflower, and American ginseng) (for high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, mood, muscle tone, immune & endocrine system, in gut perhaps supports motility, controls inflammation and supports immune system function, and helps regulate hormone activity)
https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid:
Overview: Why GABA is one of the Best Supplements for Anxiety and Sleep (Updated â Natural Stacks. (Combination recommended):
You should never take a GABA supplement on its own! It actually wonât work!
Itâs strange that more people donât know about this neurotransmitter, since itâs the most common one in our central nervous systems!
When you have a âfight or flight responseâ â your heart beats faster and your stomach knots up â GABA is what allows your brain to calm down again afterwards.
This is because GABA is responsible for putting the brakes on messages passing between our neurons, telling them not to fire, and thereby blocking stress response messages from being passed along to the rest of the body.
This explains why low levels of GABA or disruption of GABA receptors is associated with some forms of epilepsy and various other physical and mental disorders characterized by excitability.
So why doesnât it work all the time?
Under normal conditions, the excitatory and inhibitory systems work in harmony to keep the nervous system in balance.
But when faced with chronic stress and fatigue, the neurotransmitters can get out of synch.
The bodyâs natural stress response overpowers the amount of GABA that the body can produce to compensate.
These include high blood pressure, sweating, increased secretion of gastric acid and activity of the large intestine.
Part of the production pathway for GABA takes place in the mitochondria in our cells. Stress causes inflammation and oxidative stress and, together with a nutritional imbalance, it affects mitochondrial health.
While thereâs no food that contains GABA(??? - why do other sites say that there is?), you can certainly eat foods that provide glutamate and glutamic acid, the precursors that your body uses to make GABA.
Foods with lots of glutamate and glutamic acid include grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy products, fish, sea vegetables, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Other supplements which have been shown to increase GABA or enhance its function include L-thiamine, the amino acid taurine, and certain herbs including kava, passionflower and lemon balm.
The following dosages are recommended:
General stress relief
650 -800 mg per day
Divide into three or four doses during the day
Anxiety
250 â 650 mg 3x per day
Maximum dose 1950 mg per day
Improved sleep
250 â 650 mg daily
Take just before sleep
Insomnia
500 â 1000 mg
Take just before sleep. High dose ensures that more crosses the BBB
A recent study on humans showed that a supplement combining both GABA and 5-HTP reduced the time it took to fall asleep, increased the duration of sleep, and improved sleep quality. [11]
Ingredients of recommended combination:
L-CITRULINE (500MG)
ROSEMARY EXTRACT (333MG)
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT (33MG)
GABA Supplement - For Better Sleep and Relaxation - 60 Ct. â Natural Stacks
https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid: The only foods that contain GABA are fermented ones, such as kimchi, miso, and tempeh. ADHD & anxiety lowers GABA. Side effects: Upset stomach, headache, sleepiness, muscle weakness.
GABA-combination with 5-HTP or Tryptophan:
Sleep promoting effects of combined GABA and 5-HTP: new research - everywomanover29
e.g. 1000mg GABA and 100mg 5-HTP or better even
1000mg GABA and 1000mg tryptophan
5-HTP can increase cortisol - watch for that.
GABA helping means a leaky brain?!
How to Increase GABA and Lower Glutamate
According to Dr. Datis Kharazzian, a brain expert, if you have any effect from GABA, (positive or negative) that means you have a leaky brain. In his book, Why Isnât My Brain Working, he explains that in a healthy brain, the junctions in the blood-brain barrier only permit nanoparticles to pass through. GABA âexceeds the nanoparticle size and does not have a blood-brain barrier transport protein.â It should not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. If it does, then this suggests there is a leaky brain.
As a matter of fact, Dr. Kharrazian uses GABA supplementation as a screening tool to determine whether one has a leaky brain or not, calling it the GABA Challenge Test. He also states you shouldnât take GABA supplementation, even if you have a positive effect, âbecause you risk shutting down your GABA receptor sites.â This is evidenced by the fact that many people experience withdrawal when they come off a GABA supplement. The fact that withdrawal is occurring tells us that the brain is downregulating responsiveness to GABA in response to the GABA supplementation. I do not encourage the use of GABA supplements unless one is coming off a benzo and uses it temporarily to get from point A to point B in recovery. If you have no effect from GABA, this is a good sign, you most likely to do not have a leaky brain. If a leaky brain is present, then many other harmful substances can be crossing the blood-brain barrier and causing additional problems.
Integrative Holistic Health Coach - Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.
Evidence-based-wise itâs not understood if/why/how GABA itself works, it shdnât really get into the brain (over the BBB) and there isnât really enough research. Altho it probably reduces excitability and muscle tone, which is exactly what Iâve often thought and influence by my various relaxation techniques. It also fits to the suspicion that I might have something like RLS.
GABA has been made into analogs, gabapentin (aka Neurontin) and pregabalin, âchemicalâ derivates, which I havenât been wanting to take because of the far higher amount and severity of side effects. GABA is the most natural one with the least probability of side effects.
Studies:
2015: Unclear if just placebo, mechanism of action, if it praps can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), if it has a calming effect. Effect on brain and cognition might be exerted through BBB passage or, more indirectly, via an effect on the enteric nervous system.
Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior - PubMed
2020: limited evidence for stress and very limited evidence for sleep benefits of oral GABA intake.
Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review - PubMed
GABA can help people to fall asleep quickly, AVLE induces deep sleep, and they function complementarily with simultaneous intake. AVLE = Apocynum venetum leaf extract
(Strange: It says these are both not poisonous, since contained in food, but all I can find to apocynum is arrow poison, poisonous milk, and I donât know it in any way either.)
(âSince both GABA and AVLE are materials of foods and have been ingested for a long time, they can be regarded as safe and appropriate for daily intake in order to improve the quality of sleep.â)
The Improvement of Sleep by Oral Intake of GABA and Apocynum venetum Leaf Extract - PubMed
Further GABA-links
Why GABA is one of the Best Supplements for Anxiety and Sleep (Updated â Natural Stacks
Oh, on one of the pages thatâs helping a lot for GABA generally Iâve also found IC/bladder/IBS: GABA Archives - everywomanover29
Throat tightening: good for esophagus block too? Everyoneâs different, so start low and try. Recommends opening capsules and using it sublingually.
Challenging the leaky brain theory The Anxiety Summit - GABA: Blood brain barrier controversy, concerns, best forms and how to do a trial for eliminating anxiety - everywomanover29
German Gaba -Wirkung, Dosierung, Mangel, Nebenwirkungen -VitaminExpress here it mentions which foods contain GABA and that GAD has to do with it. ADHD-kids have less GABA⌠Good combinations, incl. Mg & passion flower. Studies.
How to test yourself for leaky gut. The "gaba challenge" | Integrative functional medicine blog There seem to be recent GABA-types which are absorbed better. (Dr. Craig Mortensen)
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/168/How-to-test-for-a-leaky-Blood-Brain-Barrier-with-GABA-Supplements.html
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/112/Repairing-&-Making-the-Brain-Healthy/Leaky-blood-brain-barrier-and-mental-health.html Leaky Brain
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/127/About-Peter-Smitth.html Amygdala ReprogrammingâŚ
https://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/167/Why-You-Shouldnât-Take-GABA-Supplements.html Why you shouldnâtâŚ
Magnesium 3h inside of pregabalin/gabapentin can block them. https://healthunlocked.com/rlsuk/posts/143635184/pregabalin-gabapentin-togetherâŚ
Mg increases Gaba How Magnesium Relieves Anxiety & Stress (detailed review) | Be Brain Fit
Magnesium is an nmda receptor antagonist. Nmda channels regulate glutamate which is the opposite of gaba Therefore magnesium binds and blocks glutamate transmission.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/m2h7h1/how_does_magnesium_glycinate_effect_gaba/
(How to do an amino acid trial for anxiety
Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution - everywomanover29)
Blood Brain Barrier - Chelation Community
1.c. GABA-increasing herbs:
kava, valerian, pennywort, hops, chamomile, Ginkgo biloba, passionflower (passiflora), ashwagandha, skullcap, and lemon balm.
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence - PubMed
Passionflower: Modulation of the Îł-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L - PubMed
1.d. GABA side effects (much rarer, but similar to those of the analogs)
GABA side effects https://www.gammaaminobutyricacid.org/gaba-side-effects/
GABA - much more rarely - can cause similar side effects to gabapentin & pregabalin, esp.
Anxiety, appetite increase, balance problems, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, Drowsiness, dry mouth, irritation, itchiness, joint pain, memory problems, muscle pain, stomach
Severe Side Effects: bleeding, bruising easily, energy lack generally, fatigue, fever high, muscle pain severe, swelling of hands and feet, weight gain increased.
1.e. GABA-threads
GABA: None except this one! and
Your thoughts on GABA - #5 by Rachel_Pronyshyn where GABA was being confused with gabapentin
2. Gabapentin ('Neurontin', 'Gralise') a. effects and b. side-effects, incl. threads, c. differences to GABA
a. Gabapentin (âNeurontinâ, âGraliseâ) was first used for epilepsy 1995 and then found to be good for neuralgia as well as RLS (restless legs). It desensitizes the nerves (cf. the CSS-hypothesisâŚ). Takes 1-2 weeks to work properly (which GABA didnâtâŚ) Careful with kidneys. Starting with small doses. Itâs not that good for epilepsy.
English sites add: neuropathic pain, for example fibromyalgia, insomnia, and bipolar disorder.
It has no effect on the amount of GABA in the brain. Neurontin is not converted into GABA either, and acts as an anticonvulsant which also has some analgesic properties.
2.b. Gabapentin side effects
Gabapentin can cause headaches, fuzzy vision, dizziness, bladder problems, with eye movement and frequent seizures? Sometimes like pregabalin balancing, mouth dryness & shakiness. Also hallucinations, and gastrointestinal disturbances, or even suicidal thoughts, drastic behavioral changes, and difficulty breathing.
2.b. Gabapentin side effects - threads
Gabapentin:
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/10737/8: Side effects of drowsiness & weight.
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/3341/2: allergy, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain, no fibro-pain help, calm, weight, stoned, headaches upon waking.
Gabapentin - #6 by Gaila weight
Gabapentin - #3 by Rachel_Pronyshyn sleepy, dizzy, fuzzy headed, decreasing, except dizzy, problems walking,legs bruised, dizzy faded, falls didnât.
Gabapentin Only no help, migraine instantly, dizzy, cousin of lyrica = pregabalin.
2.b. Gabapentin-posts
Has anyone taken muscle relaxers, and Gabapentin? too longâŚ
Has anyone taken muscle relaxers, and Gabapentin?
But Gabapentin..... Im not nuts am I?
New Medication (Gabapentin)
"Cymbalta? Lyrica? Gabapentin? I'm confused
Gabapentin Only
Has anyone tried gabapentin extended release?
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Gabapentin - side effects?
Gabapentin questions
So my rheumatologist took me off gabapentin
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/finally-got-a-diagnosis-and-a-prescription-of-600mg-of-gabapentin/4070
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-and-weight-gain/3200
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/10737
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-and-meds-in-general/4684
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/4184
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin/3341
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-users-please-advise-on-possible-side-effects/1934
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gabapentin-when-will-it-start-working/1912
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/after-25-years-of-constant-pain-brain-fog-ibs-and-a-whole-lot-of-other-problems-finally-an-answer-maybe/5922
Gralise is an extended release form of gabapentin
https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/gralise-gabapentin-instead-of-lyrica-pregabalin-or-neurontin-gabapentin/3257
https://www.drugs.com/pro/gralise.html
1.c. GABA gabapentin differences
GABA and Gabapentin are two different things. Though they may have some similar effects (e.g. reducing excitability), and structurally they look alike, they both serve different purposes.
https://www.gammaaminobutyricacid.org/difference-between-gaba-gabapentin/
3. Pregabalin ('Lyrica') a. effects & b. side effects, incl. threads
a. Pregabalin (âLyricaâ) works stronger, quicker, longer and more calculateable and is far cheaper. It seems good for neuropathy and fibromalgia. It does NOT react âat the GABA-receptorsâ.
b. Pregabalin side effects can be balancing, mouth dryness, shakiness, bruises, abnormal bleeding, sight problems, muscle pain, may be less than gabapentin. Causes addiction, is often âabusedâ, has become very popular for that in Germany. Can make you âhappyâ, but also feel drugged. Edema, weight gain. Has to be weaned off very carefully.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9513953/Hooked-ANXIETY-pills-experts-calling-new-VALIUM.html
4. Phenibut
Phenibut is another GABA analogue, but concern is growing about its recreational use, because it is very psychoactive, altho it is âbeing marketed online as an anxiolytic and nootropic dietary supplementâ. (Also seems to help with social anxiety, according to wp.) (Russia, 1960s)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30852710/
5. Baclofen
Baclofen is mentioned as a keyword in the phenibut-article, is GABA-related, but Iâll leave that for now.
6. Picamilon (GABA lab split with niacin (nicotinic acid)
Picamilon is a lab split of GABA and niacin (nicotinic acid), which Iâve referred to here https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/has-anyone-seen-the-research-on-melatonin/13416/16?u=jaycs
an acquaintance has also recommended picamilon once again. Iâd tried 2 pills heâd given me a few months ago. Iâm skeptical there, because itâs a lab-synthesis of GABA and niacin, which is why it is not FDA-approved, so not allowed, but semi-illegally sold in the US. While that seems scary (unregulated) I think I should compare it to having tried tilidine or taking statins for my blood fats, since picamilon is claimed to reduce these, as well as blood pressure, both of which might be better than taking the other chemicals (it doesnât improve on statins). It was developed as a pro-drug of GABA to overcome the BBB. However since GABA works for me, that obviously isnât my problem. Niacin is a form of vitamin B3. One of the adverse effect of picamilon is said to be skin problems, but cf. tilidine etc. Niacin: skin, bowels and more, if at all start very low.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin#Adverse_effects
Flush free Niacin (Inositol?, ?inositol hexaniacinate, but see Inositol itself??)
Picamilon, Pikamilon, Pycamilon is also called N-nicotinoyl-GABA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picamilon
7. Mirogabalin ('Tarlige') - for neuropathy, apparently ineffective for FMS
mirogabalin is in the same family as gabapentin and pregabalin (gabapentinoid) and is not prescribed for fibro normally.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31284771/ âConclusion: While both mirogabalin doses were well tolerated by most patients and showed potential for reducing pain associated with FM, the primary endpoint of significant pain reduction in patients on mirogabalin compared with placebo was not achieved in any of the three randomized controlled studies.â
List of all GABA analogues on wikipedia
(German links on GABA, gabapentin & pregabalin)
German GABA overview: https://naturaldoping.de/gaba/
German: Warning - buy GABA in Apotheke, short overview: https://schlanke-list.de/gaba-aminobuttersaeure/
https://www.krankenkassenzentrale.de/produkt/gaba (incl. few English pubmed studies)
German gabapentin overview: https://www.netdoktor.de/medikamente/gabapentin/
German gabapentin side effects https://www.onmeda.de/Wirkstoffe/Gabapenti/nebenwirkungen-medikament-10.html
German differences gabapentin - pregabalin https://esdifferent.com/differences-between-gabapentin-and-pregabalin
German pregabalin https://news.doccheck.com/de/229191/pregabalin-die-gaba-droehnung/
Update Aug 6th: all effects of GABA mentioned above / here are still there.
After IBS problems using several amino acids and magnesium supps when trying to use GABA sublingually with powder from the opened capsules, I went back to capsules.
And after at the same time reducing the amounts to several small amounts (100-300mg) per night, recommended to try by my sleep lab psychiatrist, I realized it wasnât improving the nights, but the days were worsening again - that was something he/I hadnât considered fully.
To deal with both problems and continuing success I bought (2 tubs of 300g of) GABA powder and (1000) empty capsules. Vegan capsules (like the encapsulated ones Iâd used originally) were enough to spread the acidity over stomach and gut, which together with stomach strengthening herbs (in Gastritol) and homeopathy (Gastricumeel) helped stop the stomach burning.
Next I added more and more GABA, also added some tryptophan and then ashwagandha which were both terrible for my IBS, then added glutamine, then theanine, also magnesium glycinate to the magnesium malate and passiflora.
At the moment Iâve decided to continue with the theanine which is making sleep more effective, i.e. shorter, and still being awake, not with the sleep breaks tho. To try to improve sleep breaks Iâve decided to stop glutamine for a time, since it seems to be responsible and also not helping in any other way.
So whilst GABA is still the mainstay, esp. for daytime, Iâm using magnesium malate, passiflora and now theanine, and still looking for something to improve sleep even more, last on my list apart from trying small amounts of tryptophan or levodopa are again are serrapeptase, NAC and praps taurine.
I feel like an Alex in Wonderland trying out more and less, but itâs more complex than just one pill or mushroom for getting bigger or one for getting smaller, because there are quite a few substances involved, not just 2, separately (to save time; fairly well possible because they all work pretty quickly inside of hours or at latest days), and because each substance has a whole row of effects. Also the pills arenât pills, itâs more like the mushrooms not knowing exactly how much is the right amount. And that may also change over time.
And the interactions: Several of them are working on sleep, several negatively on stomach & gut, several reducing blood pressure, they may be influencing each other, increasing or decreasing the effect of the other, e.g. glutamine decreases one part of the effect of the GABA and theanine another.
But itâs quite fun, especially because itâs been so rewarding from start to now! 
GABA regulates inflammatory cytokines!!, which are related to autoimmune disorders and also influenced by cryotherapy! 