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Dietary supplement

GABA 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

GABA 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, sleep problems, relaxation.Based on those ingredients, 419 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are GABA. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains one active ingredient: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at 250 mg per capsule. GABA is a neurotransmitter — a chemical messenger in your brain that your body makes naturally to help relax your nervous system.

The capsule itself and the other ingredients (plant-derived capsule material, cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica) are inactive — they're there to hold and deliver the GABA, not to add therapeutic effect.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)'s own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: brain health and neurotransmitter function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Depression, Hypertension, sleep quality — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Depression, Hypertension, Insomnia, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The evidence for GABA as a supplement isn't well established yet. The data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and chronic bronchitis.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the research so far hasn't been robust enough to draw solid conclusions. If you're thinking about taking it for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence suggests and whether it makes sense for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Orally, GABA is generally well tolerated, though some people report drowsiness, upset stomach, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, or nausea. One case reported temporary loss of menstruation in someone taking GABA with another supplement.

The main caution: long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so we don't have solid data on what happens if you take it for months or years. There isn't enough safety information to recommend GABA during pregnancy, and the data advises against use while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement is right for you in these situations.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba).
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 419 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're on blood pressure medication (antihypertensives) — GABA might lower your pressure further. Also flag any sedating medications or central nervous system depressants, like sleep aids or certain pain relievers, because adding GABA might boost drowsiness.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

GABA might be worth considering if you're curious about natural relaxation support, but the evidence for what it actually does is still thin. It's most important to check it against any blood pressure medications or sedating drugs you take — your doctor or pharmacist can help you figure out if it's safe to combine.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking it long-term, have that conversation first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about GABA 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 763948055265
Net contents 60 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2021
DSLD ID 249530
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
763948055265
IngredientAmount% DV
GABA250 mg--

Other ingredients: plant-derived Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Regulates brain cell functions

Brain health

Gluten free.

No yeast-derived ingredients, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

Formula

GABA is an important amino acid neurotransmitter in the brain

Gamma-aminobutyric acid 250 mg per serving

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Nature's Way Since 1969

Bottles made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Take 1 capsule twice daily.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use this product unless advised by a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or nursing.

Do not use if you are taking any medications, dietary supplements, or are being treated for depression, high blood pressure, blood clotting, or seizure disorders. Avoid the use of alcohol when taking GABA.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2021 Nature's Way Brands, LLC (previously branded Enzymatic Therapy, LLC)

Seals/Symbols

Quality global sourcing Bottled & tested in the USA

See for yourself

GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

GABA

Interacts with
419 drugs
250 mg per serving

GABA is a calming chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that your body makes on its own, and it is sold as a supplement for stress, anxiety, and sleep...

GABA monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant-derived Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against GABA 250 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
419Drugs
172 Moderate 247 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

GABA 419

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in GABA 250 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

GABA2 drug types · 419 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking GABA with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical research shows that GABA can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for GABA 250 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC (previously branded Enzymatic Therapy, LLC)
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does GABA 250 mg by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, GABA 250 mg has a known interaction with 419 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
GABA 250 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What's GABA supposed to do?
GABA is a chemical in your brain that helps calm your nervous system. It's naturally produced in your body, and the supplement is meant to support relaxation — but the evidence that it actually works this way when taken by mouth isn't strong enough yet to be sure.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to recommend GABA during pregnancy, so talk with your doctor first. If you're breastfeeding, the safety information advises against it. Either way, your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide what's right for your situation.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones reported with oral GABA are drowsiness, stomach upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea — though many people take it without issues. A thorough safety study hasn't been done, so other effects might occur that we don't know about.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Short-term, GABA is generally well tolerated. But long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so we don't have good data on what happens if you take it for months or years. Discuss long-term use with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does it really help with anxiety or sleep?
The evidence to support GABA for anxiety, sleep, or other conditions isn't reliable enough yet to say for certain. If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor about what we know and what might work better for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if GABA 250 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

GABA 250 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

GABA 250 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 12 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) 12 references
  1. 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.
  2. Nurnberger JI Jr, Berrettini WH, Simmons-Alling S, et al. Intravenous GABA administration is anxiogenic in man. Psychiatry Res 1986;19:113-7. PubMed
  3. Gershman RN, Vasilenko MA, Iliushina GG, et al. [Gammalon in the rehabilitation in infantile cerebral palsy]. Pediatr.Akus.Ginekol. 1977;(6):26-7.
  4. 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 . PubMed
  5. Inoue K, Shirai T, Ochiai H, et al. Blood-pressure-lowering effect of a novel fermented milk containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mild hypertensives. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:490-95.
  6. ELLIOTT, K. A. and JASPER, H. H. Gammaaminobutyric acid. Physiol Rev. 1959;39(2):383-406.
  7. Winsky-Sommerer, R. Role of GABAA receptors in the physiology and pharmacology of sleep. Eur.J.Neurosci. 2009;29(9):1779-1794.
  8. Meldrum, B. S. GABAergic mechanisms in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 1989;27 Suppl 1:3S-11S. PubMed
  9. 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 PubMed
  10. Melis, G. B., Paoletti, A. M., Mais, V., and Fioretti, P. Interference of dopamine infusion on gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-stimulated prolactin increase. J.Endocrinol.Invest 1980;3(4):445-448.
  11. 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. PubMed
  12. de Bie TH, Witkamp RF, Balvers MG, Jongsma MA. Effects of ?-aminobutyric acid supplementation on glucose control in adults with prediabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2023;118(3):708-719. PubMed

See these in context on the Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) monograph →

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

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