GABA is an amino acid used as a supplement to ease low GABA levels. With low GABA you’ll experience physical-tension and stiff-and-tense-muscles type of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. You may feel the need to self-medicate to calm down, often with alcohol but sometimes with carbs and sugary foods. GABA also helps with muscle spasms and provides pain relief when muscles are tight.
When I share my GABA blogs on Facebook I receive so many great questions (some basic questions and some more complex). Today I’m going to share some of these and my answers so you can get the benefits too.
Let’s start with the basic questions about using GABA.
Amanda asks:
What time of the day is best to take GABA?
The best time is 1 to 4 x a day, depending on your symptoms, between meals and always away from protein so it doesn’t compete for absorption with the other amino acids.
Brian asks:
What dose do you recommend starting at?
I have clients start with 125mg and go up from there based on how they respond i.e. are they getting symptom resolution.
Based on the above 2 questions it’s clear that Amanda and Brian are new to using the amino acid GABA. If you are new to using GAB and the other amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc.) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start.
I don’t cover specific brands in my book because brand formulations change and come and go so this is a great question from Olivia who asks:
Which brand would you recommend? thank you
My favorite is Source Naturals GABA Calm but since it’s been in short supply during the pandemic I list many other GABA options here. I’ve updated the main supplements blog with these additional GABA options too.
Now for some of the more advanced questions:
Salome asks:
I’m super sensitive to supplements (Histamine Intolerance / MCAS / Multiple chemical sensitivity). Are there any potential reactions from taking GABA that you know of?
As far as I know there are none (clinically or in the research) but, as always, the best is to do a trial. For clients who are very sensitive we start super low and may use 1/8 to 1/4 of the starting dose of 125mg GABA, and increase from there if there are no adverse effects.
Dena asks:
Does GABA help the same way Xanax does? I only take 0.5mg Xanax a few times a week when I really need it but if GABA works I’d like to try it but worry it won’t help like Xanax does. It calms me down and makes me feel normal
Many of my clients report back that GABA works just like Xanax used to work for them. But do keep in mind it’s important to work with your prescribing doctor and that the benzodiazepine taper should be very very slow. And it’s important to be aware that for some folks tapering can be very challenging (more on that here).
Boyd asks:
In New Zealand GABA is classed as a prohibited Class B drug so what can be used as an alternative for anxiety?
Taurine or theanine are good options if GABA is not available and mail order is not an option. Glutamine can be calming for some folks who are able to convert some of it to GABA. For others it can be too stimulating if it converts to glutamate. Addressing gut health and using precursors like magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 are also key but this takes longer to see results.
Debbie asks:
Can u take GABA if taking a very low dose SSRI (sertraline). I’ve had to start it because I couldn’t find a GABA product when I needed it.
GABA is safe to take with an SSRI (antidepressant) but this should always be discussed with the prescribing doctor. Also, keep in mind that Sertraline works on serotonin so GABA may not be the best solution and tryptophan or 5-HTP may be. Looking at the low GABA and low serotonin symptoms and doing a trial is the best way to figure this out.
Cornina asks:
What could be used instead of Ativan for travel anxiety?
I would trial GABA if the anxiety is more physical with neck tension and butterflies in the stomach or tummy pain. I would trial tryptophan or 5-HTP if it’s mental like imagining-the- worst or if you have a phobia about flying or you are worrying and obsessing. Ideally you would want to build up levels before travelling and also use the amino acids as needed while traveling. Keep in mind that both GABA and serotonin support may be needed.
Kelly asks:
Is 4,000 mg of Now GABA too much for a person to take a day. This person is 86 years old.
This dose of 4,000mg GABA is high so I’d want to know if she is seeing benefits (and what benefits) and having any adverse reactions. I’d also want to know what product and how it’s being used (swallowed or opened on to the tongue).
I asked the above and Kelly shared this additional information:
Yes, it lessens the anxiety but also makes her very sleepy. She doesn’t take that many mg every day. She just swallows it.
When the GABA capsules are opened less can be used. Also, taking it at night helps improve sleep and avoids the sleepiness in the day and the anxiety-relief benefits often carry over to the next day too. We commonly experiment with different timings and dosing to find what works best for the client as there is no one-size fits all.
Rhonda asks:
Which would be best for a truck driver that drives all night – GABA or 5-HTP?
For someone who drives all night and wants to sleep in the day I would want to know why he or she can’t sleep (assuming it’s related to disrupted circadian rhythm). If it’s physical tension then I’d trial GABA, and if it’s worry and over-thinking then I’d trial 5-HTP or tryptophan for serotonin support. Often a combination is helpful, Research shows the sleep promoting effects of combined GABA and 5-HTP for some folks.
We appreciate these folks for asking questions and allowing me to share here on the blog.
As always, it’s not only the low GABA we need to address. GABA offers quick relief but we must always do a full functional workup looking at diet, nutritional deficiencies, digestion, all hormones, toxins and infections (and so on) so we can address all possible root causes.
Have these GABA questions and answers been helpful? Have you seen benefits from using GABA and do you have questions?
Feel free to post your questions and feedback in the comments below.
And join us on Facebook – TrudyScottAntianxietyFoodSolution – to read and ask questions there too.
Dose Gaba worse the behaviour of child when given with glycine or without it . Or do we really need to check where the child have low Gaba symptoms before giving GABA
Hemali
I use the symptoms questionnaire to help figure out if a client should trial GABA and we go from there. Some clients don’t do well with glycine but it’s unusual.
I’ve been told by a functional psychiatrist that, because GABA is a large molecule, it can interfere with healing a leaky brain. I had been appreciating the effects of GABA (after hearing you discuss it on the Phoenix Helix podcast–thanks for that great talk!). Do you have thoughts about the size of the molecule, or reasons not to worry about brain permeability?
Cynthia
This a first for me – hearing that “because GABA is a large molecule, it can interfere with healing a leaky brain.” I am not concerned about this as there is no evidence that this is true. I’d really love to hear where he/she heard this. If you find out please let me know.
There is however the incorrect thinking or theory that because GABA is a large molecule it cannot cross the blood brain barrier and therefore not have a calming effect or if it does work that means there is a leaky blood brain barrier.
You may find this blog helpful – The Anxiety Summit – GABA: Blood brain barrier controversy, concerns, best forms and how to do a trial for eliminating anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-blood-brain-barrier-trial-anxiety/ “We suggest that any veridical effects of GABA food supplements on brain and cognition might be exerted through BBB passage or, more indirectly, via an effect on the enteric nervous system. We conclude that the mechanism of action of GABA food supplements is far from clear, and that further work is needed to establish the behavioral effects of GABA. “
Hi,
I took the survey and think I may need both 5 HTP a nd GABA. I started with 100 mg 5 HTP on an empty stomach and felt nauseous. Should I take less and/or with food? Once I have settled into the 5 HTP how long should I wait before starting GABA if the GABA type symptoms persist?
Thank you so much for all your work and information,
Nancy
Nancy
5-HTP can do that initially and it is one amino acid that can be taken with food (this can help prevent the nausea). I have clients find the ideal amount of 5-HTP before we move onto addressing GABA
Thank you.
Will I see that 5-HTP is working within weeks or months?
I appreciate all your information,
Nancy
Are the any side effects to taking GABA?
Ray
Too much can cause light-headedness, sleepiness and lower blood pressure. I cover all the amino acid precautions in my book.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Thank you Trudy! Love this format to your blog today. Quick overview with commonly asked questions. Yes, very helpful.
Mary Beth
Thanks for the feedback
Thank you, I also liked this format!
Liz
Thanks for the feedback
Would I be able to take GABA with Paxil?
Haley
Paxil is also an SSRI so please see my answer to Debbie’s question
I love reading your blogs, questions and answers. They’re so helpful. I look forward to your next one.
Krista
Glad to hear and you’re welcome
Is GABA and 5-HTP advisable whilst breastfeeding? Thank you
Phoebe
Neither has been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding so they are not recommended
Thank you very much for answering. All the best.
My teen daughter has ADHD, anxiety and and depression . Was on Cipralex for depression but didnt help ( felt gradual improvements were lifestyle , and more social support etc not meds ) feels the ADHD is root cause of many these anxiety issues etc . What would you recommend for focus , ruminating thoughts, emotional regulation etc ? GABA or tryptophan or Theanine ..?
Mich
All 3 can often help and so can tyrosine for focus. It’s a matter of looking at the symptoms on the questionnaire and doing trials.
You may find this blog helpful- GABA for children: ADHD, focus issues, irritability, anxiety and tantrums https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-children-adhd-focus-issues-irritability-anxiety-tantrums/
Thank you for answering my question.
Debbie
You are welcome! Thanks for posting the question
Gaba is useful when pounding heart beats in night when we sleep .?
Nitin
A pounding heart with anxiety can be a sign of low GABA since it’s a physical feeling. I do a trial of GABA with clients who experience this and other low GABA symptoms. Ruling out medical conditions (like a heart condition or overactive thyroid etc) or medication side-effects would be the next step if GABA doesn’t help.
Thanks, helpful, I read the book a while ago and decided to try GABA now, good review
Ana
Glad to hear this has been helpful. Please do share how you go with the GABA trial.
Hi Trudy I am very appreciative that you give solid answers without making us buy a product!!! I have had great luck with 5HTP, especially when I wake up at 2 am and can’t go back to sleep.
I also feel 100%better taking dairy products out of my diet.
Thank You for all your research and time
Kathy
Kathleen
You’re welcome and thanks for sharing that 5-HTP helps your waking. Remember the goal is to find that sweet spot with supplementation so there isn’t a 2am waking. Until then using 5-HTP to help go back to sleep is perfect.
Good to hear about dairy. How has it helped? This and gluten removal are big needle-movers for many
I have a hard time falling asleep without having a couple of glasses of wine and magnesium. I would like to cut off the wine.
Would GABA and magnesium help me fall asleep?
I have Source Naturals GABA calm but haven’t tried it yet.
Let me know what you recommend
Have you tried melatonin? Or black cherry juice has natural melatonin…
Raquel, GABA Calm should help a lot if you require wine to fall asleep. Magnesium is also very good to help with sleep. I also use a time-released melatonin to help me fall asleep and then stay asleep throughout the night. Good luck!
Raquel
Self-medicating with wine is very common with low GABA and addressing the low GABA allows my clients to quit easily and helps them sleep. Magnesium is a common deficiency and using it as night is also calming and helps sleep.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. Much of this also helps with sleep issues – blood sugar issues, gluten, digestive and adrenal issues. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Can GABA replace taking a stimulant for ADHD? Can GABA or 5HTP replace Lexapro for anxiety?
Ron
I wouldn’t phrase it like this but I can share I’ve had many cases where ADHD is caused by anxiety/low GABA levels and GABA has helped. Here is one example: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-children-adhd-focus-issues-irritability-anxiety-tantrums/
I’ve also seen many instances of 5-HTP or tryptophan allow someone to taper from Lexapro and other SSRIs/antidepressants or use instead of an antidepressant.
It’s a matter of figuring out the root cause/s for each individual and addressing those. For example tyrosine and addressing low blood sugar can also help with ADHD and even anxiety.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start for anxiety and ADHD. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
My sixteen year old daughter started taking 125mg of GABA twice a day about a couple of weeks ago for anxiety. She takes one pill in the morning and one in the evening. We live overseas and that is the dosage they sell here, in capsule form. She has noticed a difference in mood, but not so much in sleep. When I went to purchase another box the pharmacist said that it’s supposed to be taken for three weeks, then pause for 2-3 months before retaking it again. I was unaware of this process as we are new to GABA. Is this the course we should take?
Astrid
These recommendations are new to me and it’s surprising to hear this. It makes me wonder if it’s GABA (the amino acid supplement) or possibly phenibut she has been using?
Hi Trudy,
My 20 year old daughter has PTSD and severe health anxiety after having had bone cancer as a child. She finds GABA to be helpful, but I am extremely cautious about how much her dosage should be. She takes 200mg (Eurovital GABA Plus) 4 times a day. I think she might benefit from more, but we are both nervous about her taking too much. What level do you think she could safely go up to?
She can’t swallow the capsules so she empties them into yoghurt, and I am interested that you say that emptying them makes less of the GABA available.
Thank you.
Jessica
I’m not familiar with Eurovital GABA Plus but this product (https://www.biovea.com/au/product/detail/21509/gaba-plus-100-vegetarian-capsules) also has niacin and inositol which makes it’s more challenging to titrate up and down. I do like these additional ingredients it’s easier to manage a GABA-only product when starting out.
Opening up the capsule of GABA onto the tongue makes them more available. Mixing GABA in yogurt very likely makes it less available since there are other amino acids to complete with.
Hi Trudy,
Am already taking 5HTP. My functional medicine practitioner says I also need Quick Silver Liposomal GABA as well as lots of other supplements for my genetic SNP’s and for hormone balance. When I took a very small amount of my friends GABA tea leaves for a few days it gave me a bad pricking feeling in my legs that took a few days to go. Am I likely to react to the Liposomal GABA ? Many thanks for your help. xx
Teresa
Since I don’t know what the GABA tea leaves are I’m afraid I have no idea. I’d discuss with your practitioner and start super low if there are concerns
Hello! And thank you for your work!
You are saying to take GAba up to 4 times a day and that 125 mg is the dosage … but 125mg a day total or 125mg /4 times a day?
Lilia
I use 125mg once as a starting dose and then have my clients work up to 125mg x 4 in a day and then up from these based on their response.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
What is the dosage of 5-HTP? For anxiety/depression in a teen?
Lilia
I typically start with 1/2 of 125mg and go up from there
How do I view the comments and trudys replies on this blog post ? I got email notices she’s responded but the link to the blog doesn’t show any updated comments with questions or Trudy’s replies. ( I can only see 3 question comments from April 2)
Mich
We’ve removed this feature as it was causing too many technical issues. Sorry about this
Is there an amino acid questionnaire that asks about anxiety symptoms and rates level of severity for each symptom to determine which are most predominant and therefore the best amino acid to address them ? I saw the summary list of symptoms for each type ( eg low GABA, low seratonin etc in pyroloria blog ) but I have symptoms across a few of these areas and wondering how to identify which is most dominant and the best amino acid to target them.
Mich
I use the questionnaire with clients and then they decide which area is most distressing for them and they start there with the respective amino acid
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Monosodium Glutamate makes me sick; I read in Phyllis Balch’s Nutritional Healing book that one of Glutamic Acid’s salts is MSG, and that Glutamic Acid breaks down into Glutamine and GABA, so I won’t take Glutamic Acid. At perimenopause, a functional medicine doc told me I should try GABA for sleep issues. Need I worry about increasing the MSG in my body if I supplement with GABA? Maybe it’s the opposite chemical reaction? I look forward to your professional opinion, Dr. Scott, and thank you.
Lauren
There are no concerns with GABA doing this. For some folks glutamine can convert to too much glutamic acid and be stimulating.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
As always, appreciate your blogs and teachings on GABA! Question: would GABA be the one to choose for evening panic attacks? Or what might you recommend for panic attacks? (Panic attacks triggered by the thought: “Oh no! I’m not going to get this done on time!”)
Hi Christa, I personally use GABA for panic attacks and it works great for me! Good luck!
Sherry
Wonderful to hear! It works wonders for so many folks.
Christa
When I hear “Oh no! I’m not going to get this done on time!” I think worry and low serotonin. Also serotonin takes a dip later in the day so that may contribute to evening panic attacks. Low GABA may be a factor too and a trial of each is what I do with clients
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html All of the above should be considered with panic attacks.
I take Klonopin 5 mg/day, and I take it upon waking, at noon, at 5 pm, and at 9 pm. I have done a trial, but I am scared to take 125 mg four times a day because I take so much klonopin. If I did another trial, would it be OK to take the GABA at the time I take my other meds, so it would be easier to remember? I know you suggest taking the gaba Mid morning and midafternoon, but that doesn’t work for me. The Klonopin seems to work less well as the years go by. I have been on it for 35 years ( benzodiazepines). I have severe anxiety that makes my muscles tense, then I get exhausted. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Patrick Lewis.
Patrick
When someone is on multiple meds and using Klonopin multiple times in a day it’s best to work with a practitioner.
It’s very common for benzos to work less well as the years go by and actually start to cause more severe anxiety and muscle pain (and many other distressing symptoms). Benzo Information Coalition is an excellent resource https://www.benzoinfo.com/ You may also find this helpful https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/
A safe place for someone to start on their own is with basic dietary changes that may have contributed to the initial anxiety that led to a benzo prescription – like junk food, gluten/sugar/caffeine, blood sugar imbalance, poor gut health etc. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Is prescription ‘gabapentin’ the same as the GABA you are talking about?
Hi Carly, no, Gabapentin is totally different from GABA.
Carly
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and is not the same as the drug called gabapentin which does have many possible side-effects, including memory loss and lack of concentration. You can see them all here https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323681.php
Gabapentin tapers can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms in some and “gabapentin taper should follow a course similar to that of a benzodiazepine taper — slowly and over a period of weeks to months.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898970/
Hi Trudy, can you take GABA or 5HTP when your pregnant or breastfeeding? If not, do you have any recommendations on products I could take when pregnant to help with anxiety or for occasional panic?
What is the relationship between the ‘default mode network’ in the brain and generalised anxiety disorder? My understanding is that anxious individuals tend to have an overactivity in the ‘default mode network’ and mindfulness meditation practice can reduce activity with this network over time.
Jay
Here is some information on default mode network https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529365/ Since meditation helps then it’s very likely that GABA would help too.
Hi Trudy. Thank you for your amazing work. I have been following you for a while and am interested in GABA but have some questions. 1.) My main issue is very tight neck & shoulder muscles that I can’t get to calm down. I do suffer from anxiety but that has slowly been getting better but the super tight painful muscles are not. Would you suggest GABA for this? 2.) I am very weary of taking medications. I don’t even take Tylenol. What is the lowest recommended dose that I may see results from and is GABA considered safe? Is it tested for contaminants, etc.? Regulated? 3.) I suffer from migraines, would taking GABA increase them? Is it tied to glutamate? Or glutathione? Thank you for your help!
Amy
I have found GABA to help tight neck and shoulder muscles in clients and we start with 125mg GABA (and less for very sensitive folks).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GABA for use as a supplement and as a food additive. Regards quality it’s best to purchase all supplements from vetted sources. The GABA in my online store is all from professional grade companies. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Both GABA and serotonin support can help with migraines in some cases.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Thank you so much for all the great information. I am tapering from Lexapro and Wellbutrin, which I’ve been taking both for many years. I am down to just 5mg of Lexapro. What would you recommend for times when I am needing something to calm my mind? I read above about SSRI’s and GABA may not be a good mix. Again, thank you for your work.
Janet
There is no evidence that GABA (or theanine) cannot be used with SSRIs and both are often very helpful.
I have my clients get nutritionally stable BEFORE starting any medication taper (with their doctor’s approval of course) and this prevents many of the adverse effects. This means eating real food, no gluten, no caffeine, no sugar, quality animal protein, eating for blood sugar control and addressing gut health, the adrenals etc (everything I cover in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html). And then we use the amino acids during the taper (all with the doctor’s approval and monitoring).
I take Liposomal GABA with L-theanine (Quicksilver Scientific)which works amazingly well for me for pain, stress and sleep. I typically take 125 mg (2 pumps) sublingually several times a day and right before I go to bed. After much trial and error, I found that dosage to be my sweet spot. Recently I read about GABA cream, lotion and nasal spray for pain relief. What do you know about topical GABA? I checked online and ordered a GABA cream from Progressive Nutracare. I’ll report back after I’ve tried it. Until then, I’d love to hear your experience, Trudy, with GABA as a topical and nasal spray.
Carolyn
It’s so great to hear the QuickSilver GABA/theanine works amazingly well for your pain, stress and sleep!
I’m not familiar with this particular GABA cream product and would love to hear your feedback when you try it. I’d also want to check in to all the other ingredients in the cream and make sure it’s safe in terms of EWG Skin Deep guidelines and also gluten-free.
I’m curious why the interest when Quicksilver works for you? And where you plan to apply the cream? And what kind of pain you’re dealing with?
I’m also not familiar with nasal GABA (although I see there are some being developed) . Is there a particular product you have found to trial?
Hello Trudy! Hope this finds you doing well. We have listened to your talks on a number of different health summits, and have found it really interesting the work you have done with neurotransmitters. My wife has been chronically ill for multiple years now and is trying to get well desperately. She was looking on your site and saw that you’re currently restructuring your practice. So in the meantime she has 3 quick questions for you
1) when will the restructuring be completed to where you’ll be taking on new clients again?
2) is there anyone you can recommend (who is extremely versed in neurotransmitters & amino acids) that my wife can reach out to in the meantime who can potentially help with a complicated case?
3) which brands of GABA do you typically work with?
Thank you for your help Trudy.
Daniel
Thanks for the kind words. I’m sorry about your wife
1) I’m afraid I don’t have an answer but am working towards this as I train practitioners
2) No one yet but feel free to email support and let us know the complexity of her case and where you’re located and if you’re willing to work remotely. Another option are my online programs to at least get the foundations in places
3) All the products are here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Hi Trudy, Thanks for the great advice and for putting together the very informative anxiety summits. I just wanted to ask if you have any suggestions for someone who has issues taking amino acids. When I have taken L Glutamate, trying to help leaky gut and when I have taken GABA, I end up with a tickle in my throat. Some amino acid powders have also given me stomach upset.
Ilona
You’re very welcome! I have a few questions 1) are either helping and if yes how? 2) how much of each are you using 3) what actual products do this? (link with ingredients will help me – I suspect there may be something else other than glutamine and GABA esp with the stomach upset) 4) Are you holding in your mouth so they dissolve or are you swallowing the powder? 5) how bad is the throat tickle and how long does it last 6) How bad is the stomach upset and what actually happens?
Hi Trudy,
Thanks for your response. In answer to your questions:
1. I am only at this point having a v flat loose teaspoon of free form L Glutaime in powder form and also about half a teaspoon of GABA which it says is around 1500 mg – there is nothing else in either supplement.
2. I am using good quality powders but I’m probably not taking enough to see if they are helping – they are not helping so far. Nothing I have tried has helped my anxiety. Not diets or supplements.
3. I am swallowing both in water – so no – they are not dissolving in my mouth. After I have them my mouth feels sensitive for hours afterwards and one tooth where the gum is slightly receded has then been sore, even though I have rinsed my mouth thoroughly as I don’t want the acids to damage my teeth.
4. The tickle has been going on for weeks now since I started taking them so it’s just constant.
5. When I have tried amino acids in the past I have felt rumbling in my stomach and then my bloating has worsened. I have constant bloating and I also have constant dyspepsia and gastritis. Thanks so much, Regards, Ilona
Dear Trudy,
At this moment I use 200mg 5-HTP with 300mg magnesium Citrate before bed.
I read on your website it’s a good thing to combine 5-HTP with GABA.
What dosage GABA do you suggest for a good deep and restful sleep? 1000mg GABA with 200mg 5-HTP and 300mg Magnesium Citrate?
Thank you very much in advance!
San
You only need to comment on one blog … per my other comment ….some people do well combining serotonin and GABA support for sleep and some don’t so it’s matter of doing a trial. I always have my clients start low with GABA and increase from there. 125mg is a typical starting dose for GABA.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Hi Trudy
How long is it safe to take GABA everyday? And if you stop is there withdrawal?
Bill
There is no research on this (but ideally we want to figure out and address why GABA is low to start with) and there is no withdrawal when stopping.