Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Also known as
  • Acide Bêta-Phényl-Gamma-Amino-Butyrique
  • Acide Gamma-Aminobutyrique
  • Ácido Gama-Aminobutríco
  • Beta-Phenyl-Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • GABA
  • Gamma Amino Butyric Acid
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of functions, including regulating brain activity and behavior, relaxation, and sleep. GABA is endogenously produced in the brain from the amino acid glutamate and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system. GABA is a popular dietary supplement and is used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, but more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
There are 414 drugs known to interact with Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Additional Details

Is GABA Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

GABA is considered likely safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. In medicinal amounts taken orally, it is possibly safe for short-term use. However, there is insufficient information available about the safety of GABA when used orally for longer durations or when used sublingually or intravenously. It is advised to avoid using GABA during pregnancy and lactation due to limited reliable information.

How Is GABA Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It acts on GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors. GABA is synthesized in the brain through the decarboxylation of glutamate. While the exact mechanism of GABA's action is not fully understood, it has been associated with various effects. These include anticarcinogenic effects, anticonvulsive effects, antidepressant effects, antihypertensive effects, anxiolytic effects, appetite effects, endocrine effects, neurologic/CNS effects, and neuroprotective effects. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent and clinical implications of GABA's mechanisms of action.

Pharmacokinetics

GABA distribution in the body and its metabolism involve complex processes. Some evidence suggests that GABA may not cross the blood-brain barrier significantly following oral or systemic administration. However, other research indicates that GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier, especially with the assistance of phosphatidylserine. GABA is catabolized by enzymes called GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH). GABA-T degrades GABA to succinic semialdehyde (SSA), which is further metabolized to succinate by SSADH. The liver primarily metabolizes GABA outside the central nervous system.

Interaction Overview

GABA may interact with certain medications and supplements. Caution is advised when using GABA with antihypertensive drugs, as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. GABA may also have additive sedative effects when used with central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Additionally, herbs and supplements with hypotensive effects may interact with GABA. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before combining GABA with any medications or supplements.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

GABA is generally well tolerated when taken orally. Some common side effects that may occur include drowsiness, gastric upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea. However, it is important to note that comprehensive evaluation of safety outcomes for GABA has not been conducted.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient information available about the standardization of GABA supplements. Further research is needed to determine the standardization practices for GABA products.

What Is GABA Typically Used For?

The effectiveness of GABA for various conditions is still being studied, and more research is needed to establish its clinical benefits. Currently, there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate GABA for specific uses. However, there has been interest in using GABA for the following conditions:

  • Anxiety: GABA has been of interest for anxiety, but more research is needed to determine its clinical effects.
  • Athletic performance: Some people have explored the use of sublingual GABA for enhancing athletic performance, but its effects are not yet well-established.
  • Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): GABA has been considered for ADHD, but further research is needed.
  • Cerebral palsy: The use of oral GABA for cerebral palsy in children is uncertain and requires more investigation.
  • Chronic bronchitis: It is unclear if oral GABA provides benefits for chronic bronchitis.
  • Cushing syndrome: The potential benefits of oral GABA for Cushing syndrome are unclear and need further research.
  • Depression: Oral GABA has been explored for depression, but more reliable information is needed to evaluate its effects.
  • Epilepsy: The efficacy of oral GABA for epilepsy is uncertain and requires additional investigation.
  • Hypertension: Preliminary research suggests that oral GABA may have a modest blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild or borderline hypertension.
  • Insomnia: The use of oral GABA for insomnia is uncertain and needs further investigation.
  • Meningitis: The potential benefits of oral GABA for meningitis are unclear and require more research.
  • Menopausal symptoms: Although there has been interest in using oral GABA for menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient reliable information about its effects.
  • Motion sickness: The effectiveness of oral GABA for motion sickness is uncertain and requires more study.
  • Obesity: Oral and sublingual GABA have been considered for weight loss, but more reliable information is needed to determine their effects.
  • Pain (acute): The use of oral and sublingual GABA for acute pain is not supported by sufficient reliable evidence at this time.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Oral GABA has been of interest for PTSD, but further research is necessary to evaluate its effects.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): The efficacy of oral GABA for PMS is unclear and needs more investigation.
  • Psychological well-being: The use of oral and sublingual GABA to improve well-being requires further research to establish its effects.
  • Stress: The potential benefits of oral GABA for stress are unclear and need more study.

It is important to note that the available evidence for GABA's effectiveness in these conditions is limited, and further research is needed to determine its clinical use and efficacy.

Drugs that interact with Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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