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Dietary supplement

Pharma GABA 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

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

Pharma GABA 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors Stress-Relax 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 Pharma GABA. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

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 product contains one active ingredient: Pharma GABA at 250 mg per capsule. GABA is a naturally occurring chemical messenger in your brain that plays a role in relaxation and sleep.

The capsule also holds several inactive ingredients — rice powder, magnesium stearate, and silica — which are typical binders and fillers used to hold the formula together.

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: increase alpha brain waves for relaxation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Psychological well-being, sleep quality, mental calmness.
  • 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 Insomnia, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Psychological well-being.

The evidence for what GABA supplements actually do isn't established in the data we hold. The product is marketed for stress and relaxation, but we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate GABA for anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, cerebral palsy, or chronic bronchitis.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the science isn't solid enough yet to say one way or the other.

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 short-term, though long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Common side effects in trials included drowsiness, stomach upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea.

One person reported a temporary stop in menstruation when taking GABA with another supplement. There isn't enough safety information on file for us to advise on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement — they can weigh the specifics of your situation.

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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood pressure medication — GABA might lower your pressure further. Also flag any sedating medications, sleep aids, or other CNS depressants, since they could add up with GABA's relaxant effects.

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.

Pharma GABA might appeal to you if you're looking to explore natural relaxation support, but the evidence for what it actually does isn't solid. If you take blood pressure medication or sedating drugs, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Long-term safety is an open question, so this is worth discussing with your own healthcare provider before starting.

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 Nov 21, 2018.

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 Pharma GABA 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors Stress-Relax
Barcode (UPC) 068958028484
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2018
DSLD ID 182941
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, Sugar 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 Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
068958028484
IngredientAmount% DV
Pharma GABA250 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice powder, Vegetarian Capsule, 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.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass spec Documentation - Lab tested

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1 capsule 1-2 times per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Formula

Pharma GABA is a superior source and naturally produced form of the important brain compound gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Clinical studies have shown that Pharma GABA helps increase the production of alpha brain waves to create a profound sense of physical relaxation while maintaining mental focus.

General Statements

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Product of Canada. Recyclable container and label.

Purity & potency guaranteed

Fast acting Relaxation & mental focus

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pharma GABA is a registered trademark of Pharma Foods International Co., Ltd. (Japan)

General

R0

See for yourself

Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

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

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

Pharma 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...

Pharma GABA monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice powder, Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pharma 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pharma 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.

Pharma 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 Pharma GABA 250 mg, from the product label.

Natural Factors Stress-Relax

See all Natural Factors Stress-Relax products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax: Common Questions

Does Pharma GABA 250 mg by Natural Factors Stress-Relax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pharma 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?
Pharma 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 does GABA do in your body?
GABA is a chemical messenger in your brain that naturally promotes relaxation and plays a role in sleep. This supplement aims to provide additional GABA, though whether oral supplementation really boosts brain GABA levels the way the body makes it is an open question.
Is GABA safe to take every day?
Short-term, GABA is generally well tolerated. Long-term daily use hasn't been well studied, so we don't have solid data on whether it's safe to take indefinitely. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide if regular use makes sense for you.
What side effects might I get?
The most common ones reported in studies are drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, minor throat burning, and muscle weakness. One person also experienced a temporary stop in menstruation while taking GABA with another supplement. A complete safety picture hasn't been mapped out yet.
Can I take GABA if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to say either way. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can help you make a choice that fits your situation.
Does GABA actually help with anxiety?
We don't have reliable evidence to confirm it works for anxiety. It's a popular choice for relaxation and stress support, but the science isn't solid enough yet to say whether it truly helps.

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

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

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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.

Pharma GABA 250 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pharma 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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