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Dietary supplement

GABA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AST Sports Science

Powder Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

GABA is a dietary supplement by AST Sports Science 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 Gamma Aminobutyric Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of GABA by AST Sports Science

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 powder contains one active ingredient: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in your brain and nervous system. There are no inactive ingredients listed.

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: growth hormone potentiation and muscle recovery.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, muscle strength, anabolic effects, exercise recovery.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).

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

That means the science hasn't caught up enough to say whether it works for any of those uses.

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.

Taken by mouth, GABA is generally well tolerated in the short term, though long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects are drowsiness, stomach upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea.

One case report noted temporary loss of menstruation in a patient taking GABA with another supplement. The safety data advises against use during breastfeeding, and there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe in pregnancy — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 your blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) and any sedating drugs or CNS depressants before using this product. Blood pressure drugs carry a Moderate risk of lowered blood pressure; sedating drugs carry a Minor risk of added drowsiness.

Use the search tool on this page to verify your exact medications.

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.

This product is a single ingredient with limited evidence backing its use. If you take blood pressure medications or sedating drugs, check with your pharmacist before starting.

Long-term safety is unknown, so it's worth a conversation about whether it's right for you.

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 25, 2013.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand AST Sports Science
Barcode (UPC) 705077000440
Net contents 100 Gram(s); 3.53 oz.
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2013
DSLD ID 21451
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 by AST Sports Science, 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:
3 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
33
UPC/BARCODE
705077000440
IngredientAmount% DV
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid3 g--

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: For adults only. As a dietary supplement, take three to five grams mixed with 8 ounces of water, juice or protein shake approximately 30 minutes before sleep. GABA(TM) is a naturally occurring amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter. Some individuals may experience a minor tingling of the skin and/or slight shortness of breath shortly after taking GABA(TM). This is characteristic of this amino acid and quickly subsides.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General

Rev# GABA0113

Brand IP Statement(s)

GABA(TM) is an amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter. Studies have shown GABA(TM) to play a key role in the secretion of Growth Hormone. The principle anabolic actions of Growth Hormone include the stimulation of amino acid transport, stimulation of protein synthesis, reduction of bodyfat and the proliferation of cell growth. AST Sports Science selectively imports GABA(TM) under rigid quality control conditions. Each batch is HPLC Certified and Laboratory Tested for purity and potency.

Copyright (C) 2013 AST Sports Science

General Statements

Made In USA

MUSCLE - STRENGTH - RECOVERY

3g Per Serving 33 Total Servings Fast Acting GROWTH HORMONE POTENTIATOR

{QR Code} Scan with your smart phone for EXCLUSIVE AST offers

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

GABA by AST Sports Science label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in GABA by AST Sports Science

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

Serving size3 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container33 Amounts shown are per serving.

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid

Interacts with
419 drugs
3 g 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...

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid monograph & interactions
Interaction report

GABA by AST Sports Science Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against GABA?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in GABA 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.

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid2 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, from the product label.

AST Sports Science

See all AST Sports Science products
Name
AST Sports Science
Street Address
120 Capital Drive
City
Golden
State
CO
ZipCode
80401
Phone Number
1-800-627-2788
Web Address
www.ast-ss.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

GABA by AST Sports Science: Common Questions

Does GABA by AST Sports Science interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, GABA 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 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.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. GABA can lower blood pressure, so combining it with blood pressure drugs might drop yours too low. Talk to your pharmacist — they can look up your exact medication and let you know if it's safe.
Will this make me sleepy?
Drowsiness is one of the more common side effects when taken by mouth. And if you're already on a sedating medication or sleep aid, GABA might make that effect stronger. If you're sensitive to drowsiness, this may not be the best choice.
Is there research showing GABA supplements actually work?
Not yet, at least not enough to say. For the conditions it's marketed for — anxiety, ADHD, athletic performance — the evidence we have is insufficient to rate whether it helps.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Short-term use seems okay for most people, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about using it regularly, that's a good conversation to have with your pharmacist or doctor.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for pregnancy to know either way — you'll want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. The safety data advises against use while breastfeeding.

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

Not sure if GABA 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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

GABA'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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