Gabapentin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Gabapentin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 16, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 800 mg; 600 mg; 100 mg; 300 mg; 400 mg; 250 mg/5 mL; enacarbil 600 mg; 300 mg/24 hours; 600 mg/24 hours; 300 mg/24 hours-600 mg/24 hours; 450 mg/24 hours; 750 mg/24 hours; 900 mg/24 hours; enacarbil 300 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

• Epilepsy
• Postherpetic Neuralgia
• Restless Legs Syndrome

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

• Epilepsy

Additional dosage information:

• Renal Dose Adjustments
• Liver Dose Adjustments
• Dose Adjustments
• Precautions
• Dialysis
• Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Epilepsy

Initial dose: 300 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 300 to 600 mg orally 3 times a day
Maximum dose: 2400 to 3600 mg/day

Comments:

• Doses up to 2400 mg/day have been well tolerated in long-term studies; doses of 3600 mg/day have be used in a small number of patients for a relatively short duration and have been well tolerated.
• The maximum time between doses should not exceed 12 hours.
• The safety and effectiveness of gabapentin available under the trade name Gralise or Horizant have not been studied in patients with epilepsy.

Use: Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization

Usual Adult Dose for Postherpetic Neuralgia

Immediate-release:
Initial dose:
Day 1: 300 mg orally once
Day 2: 300 mg orally 2 times day
Day 3: 300 mg orally 3 times a day

• Titrate dose as needed for pain relief

Maintenance dose: 900 to 1800 mg/day orally in 3 divided doses
Maximum dose: 1800 mg per day

Extended-release: Gralise (gabapentin) 24-hour extended-release tablets:
Initial dose:
Day 1: 300 mg orally with the evening meal
Day 2: 600 mg orally with the evening meal
Days 3 through 6: 900 mg orally with the evening meal
Days 7 through 10: 1200 mg orally with the evening meal
Days 11 through 14: 1500 mg orally with the evening meal
Maintenance dose (Day 15 and onward): 1800 mg orally with the evening meal

Extended-release: Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) extended release tablets:
Initial dose:
Day 1 to Day 3: 600 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose (Day 4 and onward): 600 mg orally twice a day
Maximum dose: 1200 mg/day

Comments:

• The extended-release products Gralise and Horizant are not interchangeable with each other or other gabapentin products due to differing pharmacokinetic profiles.
• In clinical trials, exceeding maximum doses have not shown additional benefits, but higher doses have resulted in increase in adverse reactions.

Use: For the management of postherpetic neuralgia.

Usual Adult Dose for Restless Legs Syndrome

600 mg orally once daily with food at about 5 PM
Maximum dose: 600 mg

Comment:

• Gabapentin enacarbil available under the trade name Horizant is the only gabapentin product approved for treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
• A daily dose of 1200 mg provided no additional benefit compared with the 600 mg dose, but caused an increase in adverse reactions.
• This drug is not recommended for patients who are required to sleep during the daytime and remain awake at night.

Use: For the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary RLS in adults.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Epilepsy

Age: 3 to 11 years:
Initial dose: 10 to 15 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses
Maintenance dose:
Age: 3 to 4 years: 40 mg/kg/day orally and in 3 divided doses (3 times a day)
Age: 5 to 11 years: 25 to 35 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses (3 times a day)
Maximum dose: Doses up to 50 mg/kg/day have been well tolerated in a long term clinical study

Age: 12 years or older:
Initial dose: 300 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 300 to 600 mg orally 3 times a day
Maximum dose: 2400 to 3600 mg/day; doses up to 2400 mg/day have been well tolerated in long-term studies; doses of 3600 mg/day have be used in a small number of patients for a relatively short duration and have been well tolerated.

Comments:

• Initial doses should be titrated over 3 days to the recommended maintenance doses.
• The maximum time between doses should not exceed 12 hours.
• The safety and effectiveness of gabapentin available under the trade name Gralise or Horizant have not been studied in pediatric patients and patients with epilepsy.

Use: Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, with and without secondary generalization in patients 3 years of age and older.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Immediate release:
12 years or older: Doses should be divided and administered 3 times a day

• CrCl 60 mL/min or greater: 900 to 3600 mg/day
• CrCl 30 to 59 mL/min: 400 to 1400 mg/day
• CrCl 15 to 29 mL/min: 200 to 700 mg/day
• CrCl 15 mL/min: 100 to 300 mg/day (reduce daily dose in proportion to CrCl)

Less than 12 years: Data not available

Extended release: Gralise (24-hour extended-release tablets):

• CrCl greater than or equal to 60 mL/min: No adjustment recommended
• CrCl 30 to 60 mL/min: 600 to 1800 mg orally with the evening meal
• CrCl less than 30 mL/min: Not recommended

Extended-release: Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil extended-release tablets):
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME:

• CrCl greater than or equal to 60 mL/min: No adjustment recommended
• CrCl 30 to 59 mL/min: Initial dose: 300 mg orally once a day and increase to 600 mg as needed
• CrCl 15 to 29 mL/min: 300 mg orally once a day
• CrCl less than 15 mL/min: 300 mg orally every other day

POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA:

• CrCl 60 mL/min or greater: No adjustment recommended
• CrCl 30 to 59 mL/min: Initial dose: 300 mg orally once a day for 3 days, then 300 mg orally 2 times a day; increase to 600 mg orally 2 times a day as needed
• CrCl 15 to 29 mL/min: Initial dose: 300 mg orally in the morning on day 1 and day 3; then 300 mg once a day in the morning; may increase to 300 mg orally 2 times a day if needed
• CrCl less than 15 mL/min: 300 mg orally every other day; increase to 300 mg orally once daily if needed

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dose Adjustments

Geriatric Patients: Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, the dose of this drug should be adjusted based on CrCl values.

Drug Withdrawal:

• The drug should be gradually withdrawn
• If immediate-release dose is reduced, discontinued, or substituted with an alternative medication, this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week (a longer period may be needed at the discretion of the prescriber)
• If Gralise is discontinued, this should be discontinued over a minimum of 1 week or longer
• If Horizant is discontinued in patient receiving 600 mg/day or less, discontinuation may be done without tapering
• If Horizant is discontinued in patients receiving this drug twice a day, reduce to once daily for 1 week prior to discontinuation

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to active substance or any product excipients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years in the management of postherpetic neuralgia or Restless Leg Syndrome.
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 3 years in the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures.
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years for gabapentin available under the trade names Gralise or Horizant.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Immediate-release: 12 years or older:

• Adjust dose based on CrCl and provide post-hemodialysis supplemental dose after each 4 hours of hemodialysis: See manufacturer product labeling for post-hemodialysis supplemental dose

Extended-release:

• Gralise: Hemodialysis: Not recommended
• Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil):

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME:

• CrCl less than 15 mL/min on hemodialysis: Not recommended

POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA:

• CrCl less than 15 mL/min on hemodialysis: 300 mg orally following every dialysis; increase to 600 mg orally following every dialysis if needed

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Immediate-release:

• Take orally with or without food
• Swallow capsules whole with water
• If 600 mg or 800 mg tablets are scored to administer half-tablet, the unused half-tablet should be used as next dose; if half-tablet is not used within 28 days of dividing, the scored tablet should be discarded

Extended-release:

• Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil): Take orally once a day about 5 PM for Restless Leg Syndrome or twice a day in the morning and evening for Postherpetic Neuralgia; swallow tablets whole with food; do not cut, crush, or chew tablets
• Gralise extended-release tablets should be taken once daily with the evening meal; do not cut, crush, or chew tablets
• Horizant and Gralise are not interchangeable with each other or other gabapentin products

MISSED DOSES:
Horizant: If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time
Gralise: If a dose is missed, take with food as soon as they remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time; do not take two doses at the same time

Storage:

• Oral Solution: Store in the refrigerator (2C to 8C [36F to 46F])

General:

• If gabapentin is discontinued and/or an alternate anticonvulsant medication is added to the therapy, this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week.

Monitoring:

• Monitor for respiratory depression in at-risk patients (patients with respiratory impairment and/or on concomitant CNS depression medications)
• Monitor for the emergence of worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior

Patient Advice:

• Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
• Patients, families, and caregivers should understand that this drug may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and they should be instructed to report any unusual change in mood or behavior, worsening of depression, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors to their healthcare provider immediately.
• Patients, families, and caregivers should be instructed to report a rash or other signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy as this may signal a more serious event; patients should be instructed to stop therapy and seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema.
• Patients should be counseled on concomitant alcohol use; patients on taking Horizant should be instructed to avoid alcohol as alcohol may cause the drug to be released faster from its extended-release tablet.
• Patients, families, and caregivers should understand that this drug may cause respiratory depression, especially in patients with underlying respiratory impairment and/or concomitant use of CNS depressants.
• Women of childbearing potential should speak with their healthcare provider if they become or intend to become pregnant, and if they intend or are breastfeeding.
• Patients should be instructed not to drive a car or perform hazardous tasks until they gain sufficient experience with this drug to understand how it affects their mental and/or motor performance.

More about

Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Gabapentin Capsules
• Gabapentin Oral Solution
• Gabapentin Tablets (PHN)
• Gabapentin Tablets 600 mg and 800 mg

Other brands

Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Gabapentin instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description of Gabapentin caps. 100 mg: 30 or 100 pcs. (40912)

GABA (GABA) what is it, how does it work and what are the benefits

Contents:

➦ What is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

➦ How does GABA work?

➦ What are the benefits of GABA?

➦ GABA for athletes

➦ Gamma aminobutyric acid deficiency symptoms

➦ How to increase the level of Gamma?

➦ What is gamma-aminobutyric acid?

➦ The most popular GABA supplements in Phytomarket

➦ GABA in food products

➦ Gaba tea as a source of acid

➦ How to take a GABA supplement

➦ Side effects of GABA

➦ Frequently asked questions answered

Gamma-amino oil preparations are becoming increasingly popular among natural remedies with anti-stress properties oh acid. They are able to eliminate anxiety and improve sleep, they are also in demand in sports practice to enhance the growth of muscle mass. Learn about the benefits of this substance for the body and how it can be used in everyday life.

What is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (chemical formula C4H9NO2) or GABA is an organic substance that is synthesized by the body and is present in all areas of the brain. It is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, that is, it slows down the transmission of nerve impulses, and competes with glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter, affecting approximately 30-40% of synaptic connections. In nature, this substance is present in some plants, such as valerian or green tea.

Neurotransmitters influence our thoughts, feelings, sensations. An imbalance between the main neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine) can manifest itself in various psychological disorders.

The main task of GABA is to block unnecessary information flows to create parity between the processes of excitation and inhibition in our brain, providing functions such as attention, motor and emotional control.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors are found in high concentration in the cerebellum, thalamus and spinal cord. Moreover, recent studies have shown that GABA molecules are also present in the walls of the uterus, spermatozoa, retina, lungs and respiratory tract, as well as in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

A bit of history

The presence of GABA in the brain became known in 1950, when the American scientist Eugene Roberts, while studying free amino acids, came across a compound whose migration on paper chromatograms did not correspond to any compound containing known amino acids. He drew attention to the presence of this substance in various tissues of the central nervous system: the brain, cerebellum and spinal cord of vertebrates and suggested a direct or indirect connection with the conduction of nerve signals. 7 years later, researchers in Canada reported that the unknown compound with neuronal inhibitory activity was GABA. A number of subsequent discoveries have determined its role in our brain.

How does GABA work?

GABA is an amino acid that occurs as a result of processes occurring in different cells and, above all, in nerve cells. The “chemistry” of the brain is such that the main brake for the mediator – gamma-aminobutyric acid is a product of the main excitatory neurotransmitter – glutamate, which produces it under the action of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor. It all happens in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Maintaining a balance between these two neurotransmitters is a key condition for physical and mental health, as well as good mood. A low level of GABA leads to the development of anxiety, depression, impairs concentration, attention, and some cognitive functions.

To understand the role of GABA, it is important to know how it interacts with its receptor. When GABA binds to the GABA receptor, the latter changes shape slightly, allowing ions to pass through its central channel. This leads to a decrease in the excitability of the neuron, which is why GABA is called an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Getting into the brain from food, supplements or drugs, GABA becomes not just an additional inhibitory neurotransmitter, but also food for neurons, as it is captured by mitochondria. In neurons, it performs two tasks: about 1% of the substance works as a neurotransmitter, and 99% provides energy exchange in mitochondria during ATP synthesis and glucose breakdown. This substance stimulates metabolism, saturates the brain with oxygen and improves blood circulation throughout the body.

What are the benefits of GABA?

The main function of gamma-aminobutyric acid is to reduce the neural activity of the neurons to which it attaches. It prevents long-term activation of neurons and also plays a neurotrophic role by promoting the growth of certain neurons.

Main functions of GABA:

• regulation of motor activity
• provision of memory and thinking processes
• anticonvulsant effect
• blood supply to the brain
• activation of energy processes 9 0316
• increased respiratory activity
• accelerated glucose utilization
• removal of toxic products exchange.

The inhibitory effects of GABA serve to counteract the excitatory (activator) effects of glutamate. Indeed, when the brain is overexcited, it can contribute to feelings of restlessness, irritability, and even insomnia. Taking GABA helps to correct the imbalance associated with anxiety, has a relaxing and sedative effect. It is also associated with better sleep quality, allowing you to switch off, helping you fall asleep faster.

GABA plays a stabilizing role on a mental and physical level, helping to restore balance and maintain normal mood. This substance is involved in certain stages of memory and can be used to relax, control fear or anxiety, which manifests itself in overexcitation.

GABA has been scientifically proven to significantly stimulate growth hormone (HGH = Human Growth Hormone) secretion during the early stages of deep sleep. Growth hormone is one of the muscle growth hormones in the human body. It helps to reduce body fat and stimulates muscle growth. GABA acts on certain chains of neurons that stimulate the hypothalamus so that more growth hormones are released. This ability is highly valued by athletes.

Based on GABA, nootropics are produced – drugs that improve the higher functions of the human brain. They are widely used in the treatment of strokes, brain injuries, age-related changes, when the performance of the brain is significantly reduced. The advantages of nootropics over other drugs that affect synaptic activity are that they do not cause addiction and dependence, unlike psychomotor stimulants and antipsychotics. And because GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Thus, tableted gamma-aminobutyric acid contributes to the overall strengthening of the nervous system, in particular, such brain functions as thinking, perception and attention.

GABA receptors are located, among other things, in the hypothalamus, which controls circadian rhythms and is directly related to sleep. Many insomnia medications, as well as their herbal counterparts, raise GABA levels, thereby improving the quality of sleep.

What are the benefits of GABA?

Thanks to numerous studies, today GABA is officially recognized as an effective cytoprotective antihypoxant and antioxidant for various organs and systems. She is credited with antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to positively influence the functioning of the immune system.

The effect of GABA on sleep is especially noticeable. Under its influence, mental excitation decreases, the energy processes of the brain are activated, the respiratory activity of tissues and glucose utilization improve, which leads to high-quality deep sleep.

Effects of GABA on the body:

• promotes calm and relaxation
• controls “panic” states associated with anxiety
• reduces muscle tone
• reduces seizures in epilepsy ii
• relieves muscle spasms
• reduces heart rate
• normalizes blood pressure
• helps control anxiety
• promotes quality sleep
• reduces blood sugar
• improves general immunity
• accelerates the recovery process after injuries
• improves sexual activity

GABA drugs are used to treat mental retardation, cerebral palsy, post-stroke conditions, and also restore brain function after injuries. Taking GABA supplements is appropriate for high mental, physical and psychological stress. They help to normalize the work of the brain, cope with stress.

GABA for athletes

Many professional athletes today recognize the benefits of GABA for athletic performance. The advantage of sports nutrition based on it is high efficiency in the absence of a hormonal component. Acting on the anterior pituitary gland of the brain, GABA stimulates the production of growth hormone, which increases the growth of muscle tissue and reduces the percentage of body fat. This is especially important for bodybuilders and athletes.

Benefits of GABA for athletes:

➦ increases the content of growth hormone by 4-6 times, being a safe alternative to steroids

➦ stimulates the production of somatotropin even after training

➦ participates in the process of fat burning, contributing to faster drying

➦ helps to quickly achieve a beautiful relief body

➦ normalizes the functioning of the nervous system

➦ eliminates insomnia, improves sleep

➦ accelerates recovery after injuries: dislocations and sprains.

GABA supplements are consistently in high demand among professional athletes and amateurs, which is the best confirmation of their high effectiveness. Single negative reviews are associated with the incorrect use of drugs with GAB or a violation of the training process.

It is important to remember that all dietary and sports supplements are taken in a certain dosage, courses, after consultation with a doctor.

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) deficiency symptoms

GABA is synthesized naturally by the body. When its level in the body is sufficient, we experience peace and well-being. With a deficiency of GABA, there is an imbalance between the processes of excitation and inhibition, which leads to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system: from increased anxiety and irritability to insomnia. Low levels of this neurotransmitter cause difficulty falling asleep despite being tired, as well as restlessness, recurring muscle or neuropathic pain, and a tendency to be irritable. In children, this manifests itself in the form of hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, problems with perseverance and attention.

Some of the symptoms of GABA deficiency are:

✔ nervousness and inability to concentrate

✔ intermittent tremor

✔ frequent breathing difficulties e sweating

✔ fatigue even after a good night’s sleep

✔ mood swings

✔ mental confusion

The most severe case, which is associated with a lack of  γ-aminobutyric acid, is epilepsy. This neurological disease is caused by the fact that as a result of malformations or brain tumors, a huge wave of excitation periodically occurs in some of its areas (most often in the local area), which leads to an epileptic seizure. Using preparations containing GABA, it is possible to enhance the work of the GABA system by suppressing the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter.

Deficiency cases for which GABA is recommended:

✔ Trouble falling asleep due to nervousness and anxiety

✔ Inability to relax

✔ Constant feeling of physical tension

✔ mood and behavior disorder due to stress

How to increase the level of Gamk?

In a healthy body with a balanced diet and a proper lifestyle, the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid is regulated independently, but bad habits, stress and certain diseases can provoke its deficiency. GABA is naturally present in plants, but it is primarily synthesized endogenously by our bodies from glutamic acid.

Restore the GABA balance in the body will help the consumption of food or special supplements containing gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as glutamine, since GABA is its derivative. This substance is found in animal proteins: eggs, white meat, legumes such as lentils or chickpeas, leafy vegetables such as spinach and parsley. And to turn it into GABA, it is important to take supplements with vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Some plant extracts can also interfere with GABA production. For example, lemon balm is a transaminase inhibitor, and consuming it increases GABA levels in the brain, as it will be less degraded. GABA stimulants include: inositol, glutamic acid, melatonin (at night), thiamine (vitamin B1), niacinamide (vitamin B3), pyridoxine, valerian, passionflower 200–1000 mg.

The following measures will help to stimulate the production of GABA:

+ good rest

+ breathing techniques to reduce stress

+ meditation practices

+ physical activity

What is GABA?

GABA is found naturally in foods such as chestnuts, potatoes, rice, astragalus, fresh leaves of selected teas from which natural GABA extracts are obtained.

It is also found in medications and supplements for anxiety, anxiety, blood pressure and sleep, and sports nutrition for athletes and bodybuilders.

Studies have shown that with long-term use of products and preparations with gamma-aminobutyric acid, it is possible to raise its level in the body to the optimum.

The most popular GABA supplements in Phytomarket

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GABA in food

Foods rich in gamma-aminobutyric acid include:

Based on this table, we can conclude that the most complete natural source of GABA is Gaba tea.

Gaba tea as a source of acid

Gaba Tea is a unique product produced in the north of Taiwan. Now he is at the peak of popularity. Due to its richness in GABA molecules, it has a large list of benefits for human health. Among them: support for memory, relaxation, fighting stress and depression, building muscle mass and delaying aging. Studies have shown that regular consumption of Gaba tea helps reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve sexual function.

Gaba is not a type of tea, but a special oxygen-free fermentation technology that releases gamma-aminobutyric acid. The origins of this unusual drink are the Japanese. In the late 1980s, a team at the National Tea Experiment Station, led by Dr. Tsushima Tojiro, experimentally determined that fresh tea leaves release large amounts of GABA during fermentation in the absence of oxygen.

It is believed that unlike synthetic GABA, which hardly crosses the protective blood-brain barrier to access the brain, the gamma-aminobutyric acid contained in the natural tea leaf is absorbed much better.

Taiwan is the world’s largest producer and supplier of Gaba tea. The delicious taste, as well as the extraordinary health benefits, have earned Taiwanese Gaba tea a prominent place in catalogs of exceptional teas.

How much Gamma in tea?

The largest plant source of GABA is Taiwanese oolong tea. 100 g of the product contains 150-400 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

How is Gaba tea made?

Manufactured using high quality fresh leaves that are placed under vacuum in sealed bags and kept at a temperature of at least 40 ˚C for approximately 8 hours. Then they are taken out into the air and shaken thoroughly for several minutes. This cycle is repeated 5 times with slight variations in air exposure time between vacuum steps. This anaerobic reaction develops the natural potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the leaves, and also provides a rich fruity taste of tea: baked apple with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

How to brew Gaba tea?

To make Gaba tea not only healthy, but also tasty, you need to brew it properly.

Proceed as follows :

1. Boil water
2. Heat the kettle with hot water tea)
3. Pour again and wait about 10 seconds
4. Repeat the previous step several times, increasing the steeping time by 10-20 seconds.

How to take for sleep?

As a remedy for insomnia, Gaba tea is best consumed at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

How to take GABA supplement

The positive effect of GABA intake is observed when taking at least 2g / day after about a week. It is recommended to start with 0.5 g – 1 g per day, gradually increasing the dose to 4 g. Small doses of the supplement do not work, since only a small part of the substance penetrates the brain.

It is best to take a GABA supplement before bed or after a workout on an empty stomach with water or juice, but not in the morning, as this may affect performance. The course is at least 1 month. A break while taking GABA is not regulated.

It is desirable to combine the use of GABA with the intake of vitamin B6. In case of its shortage, sleep disturbance, nervousness and other unpleasant symptoms may occur. In addition to B6, GABA can be taken along with 5-HTP, as well as magnesium and zinc, which are responsible for activating GABA receptors.

Side effects of GABA

GABA has very few side effects. In very rare cases, tingling on the skin may be felt, even less often: nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fluctuations in blood pressure (during the first days of treatment), dyspepsia, hyperthermia, a feeling of heat. Such side effects may be associated with individual intolerance.

On the other hand, the concomitant use of GABA and anxiolytics may be associated with an increased risk of sedation, so it is important to consult your doctor beforehand.

Overdose of drugs that inhibit GABA reuptake can cause an excess of GABA, which is manifested by neurological and psychiatric symptoms: memory loss, convulsions, hallucinations and cognitive impairment.

Contraindications to the use of GABA preparations are hypersensitivity, children under 1 year of age, acute renal failure, pregnancy and lactation.