Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) - NyQuil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine) Interaction
Herbal: 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
Drug: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine
Brand names:
NyQuil
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants
Theoretically, GABA might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Endogenous GABA has well-established relaxant effects and GABA(A) receptors have an established physiological role in sleep. However, the effects of GABA supplements are unclear, as it is unknown whether exogenous GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier. Although there have been limited reports of drowsiness or tiredness with GABA supplements, these effects have not been widely reported in clinical studies. Additionally, intravenous GABA 0.1-1 mg/kg has been shown to induce anxiety in a dose-dependent manner.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
References
- Cavagnini F, Invitti C, Pinto M, et al. Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 1980;93:149-54.
- Nurnberger JI Jr, Berrettini WH, Simmons-Alling S, et al. Intravenous GABA administration is anxiogenic in man. Psychiatry Res 1986;19:113-7.
- Loeb C, Benassi E, Bo, GP, et al. Preliminary evaluation of the effect of GABA and phosphatidylserine in epileptic patients. Epilepsy Res. 1987;1:209-12 .
- ELLIOTT, K. A. and JASPER, H. H. Gammaaminobutyric acid. Physiol Rev. 1959;39(2):383-406.
- Winsky-Sommerer, R. Role of GABAA receptors in the physiology and pharmacology of sleep. Eur.J.Neurosci. 2009;29(9):1779-1794.
- Meldrum, B. S. GABAergic mechanisms in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 1989;27 Suppl 1:3S-11S.
- Loeb, C., Marinari, U. M., Benassi, E., Besio, G., Cottalasso, D., Cupello, A., Maffini, M., Mainardi, P., Pronzato, M. A., and Scotto, P. A. Phosphatidylserine increases in vivo the synaptosomal uptake of exogenous GABA in rats. Exp.Neurol. 1988;99(2):4
- Boonstra E, de Kleijn R, Colzato LS, Alkemade A, Forstmann BU, Nieuwenhuis S. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Front Psychol. 2015 Oct 6;6:1520. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01520. eCollection 2015.
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) Overview
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.
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) - More Interactions
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) interacts with 415 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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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.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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