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Dietary supplement

PharmaGABA-250 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thorne

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

PharmaGABA-250 is a dietary supplement by Thorne 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 PharmaGABA. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne

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.

PharmaGABA-250 contains one active ingredient: PharmaGABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA), a compound your brain naturally produces that plays a role in relaxation and sleep. The capsule also includes inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium citrate, and calcium laurate—which are fillers and binders that hold the supplement 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: Sleep, sports performance, and stress support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Athletic performance, Insomnia, Psychological well-being, Relaxation, Mood support.
  • 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 Athletic performance, Insomnia, Psychological well-being.

The evidence for GABA as a supplement isn't established in our data. Researchers have looked at it for anxiety, ADHD, athletic performance, cerebral palsy, and chronic bronchitis, but the studies don't provide reliable evidence that it works for any of these uses.

That doesn't mean it won't help you—just that the science hasn't settled it yet.

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.

GABA appears to be generally well tolerated when taken by mouth short-term. The most common side effects reported in trials include drowsiness, stomach upset, minor throat burning, muscle weakness, and nausea—though a thorough safety evaluation hasn't been done.

Long-term safety isn't well studied, so caution is warranted if you're thinking of taking it for months or years. There isn't enough safety information to know whether GABA is safe in pregnancy.

The data on breastfeeding also isn't adequate, and the safety notes advise against it unless your doctor says otherwise. Talk with your OB or pharmacist about whether this is right for you.

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 you take PharmaGABA-250, double-check it with any blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs) you take—GABA could lower your blood pressure further. Also flag sedating drugs with your pharmacist: CNS depressants like sleep aids and certain pain relievers might have added sedative effects when combined with GABA, though the real-world significance isn't clear.

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 appeal to someone looking for natural support for relaxation, but the evidence for it doesn't solidly support most uses. If you take blood pressure medication or sedatives, you'll want to check with your pharmacist first—GABA could affect how those drugs work.

Always verify your exact medications 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 Jun 25, 2025.

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 PharmaGABA-250, straight from the product label.

Brand Thorne
Barcode (UPC) 693749662013
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2025
DSLD ID 336348
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne, 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
693749662013
IngredientAmount% DV
PharmaGABA250 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Citrate, Calcium Laurate

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

Sleep Sports performance Stress

Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 capsule one to three times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Precautions

Tamper evident: Use only if bottle is sealed.

Warning: If pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, do not use this product.

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in the USA using US & Imported Ingredients NSF Contents Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

This product uses Pharma Foods International’s Gamma- Aminobutyric Acid (PharmaGABA). PharmaGABA is a registered trademark of Pharma Foods International.

Formula

This product uses Pharma Foods International’s Gamma- Aminobutyric Acid (PharmaGABA). PharmaGABA is a registered trademark of Pharma Foods International.

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.

See for yourself

PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne

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.

PharmaGABA

Interacts with
419 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

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...

PharmaGABA monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Citrate, Calcium Laurate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against PharmaGABA-250?

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 PharmaGABA-250 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.

PharmaGABA2 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 PharmaGABA-250, from the product label.

Thorne

See all Thorne products
Name
Thorne Research, Inc.
Phone Number
1-800-228-1966
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne: Common Questions

Does PharmaGABA-250 by Thorne interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, PharmaGABA-250 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?
PharmaGABA-250 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 exactly is PharmaGABA?
PharmaGABA is a supplement form of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a chemical your brain makes naturally to help you relax and sleep. This product contains 250 mg per capsule.
Will this help my anxiety or sleep?
The studies on GABA for anxiety and sleep don't yet provide reliable evidence that it works. That doesn't mean you won't benefit, just that the science isn't settled enough for us to say it will.
What side effects should I watch for?
Drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, and muscle weakness are the most common ones reported in trials. A thorough safety evaluation hasn't been done, so if you notice anything unusual, stop and tell your pharmacist.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on either. The information we have suggests avoiding it while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise. Talk to your OB or pharmacist about pregnancy—they can give you personalized advice.
Can I take this long-term?
Short-term use seems generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of taking it for months, check in with your pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if PharmaGABA-250 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.

PharmaGABA-250 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

PharmaGABA-250'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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