LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
Hi, I am trying to search here and the search option never seems to work right, so I am posting this hoping to get info....
I bought some GABA - I remembered a few people here mentioning it.
It is Source Naturals GABA Calm. 125mg GABA, 50mg Glycine, 25mg N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, 20mg Taurine
I took one yesterday and I felt a little panicky, feeling tingling in hands, fingers and a lump in throat and some mild chest tightness. It did go away after about 20 min or so.
Just took 1/2 pill today and similar symptoms but not as strong as yest. BUT, both days I feel my anxiety decrease by a large percent.
I am drug sensitive and have some drug allergies. I am taking nothing else right now except a multi vitamin, B12, Calcium, Mag.
I have asthma and I know it is rag weed season and my enviro allergies are acting up now.
I really want to give GABA chance especially since I get big bad anxiety attacks.
any comments are appreciated
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
I also have asthma and was thinking about GABA, too. I am interested in what people have to say about their GABA use....
Posts: 482 | From Oregon | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
I take 1-2 a day. It has been very helpful for me with anxiety. No negative side effects.
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
birdie, dose?
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Updating . . . after recalling you made some kind of connection with the supplement and ragweed. I am not familiar with that connection and can't really search it out now.
However, IF there is a connection to ragweed and you have asthma, do not take this. Period.
------------ posted earlier:
I did not have the same reactions as you . . . other than the anxiety, there could be other reasons for those symptoms. But the anxiety could be a PARADOXICAL effect (opposite), as some can experience with just about any Rx or supplement or even food.
Although GABA reads "very" well and should work for me it does not. I have tried repeatedly, at very low dose and I always felt far too sedated on it, so out of it.
Others have reported the same thing. So, some do well with it; some don't. We can't know all the reasons why so either try some adjustments or just pass it by.
Break up the dosage. That seems a high dose to start with and it may be just too much at once.
Take with food, your evening meal (only if you are not going to drive that evening as GABA can cause drowsiness). Or with a snack an hour before bed. That snack should have all 3 food groups, a little of each: protein, carbohydrate and fat. {Each, of course, of the best / complex type.]
FOOD can make a huge difference in how well we can use many supplements. They are food, after all, and work best with a real meal.
Take just at night. At least at first. This can cause drowsiness (caution: driving) and that could cause a relaxation of the muscles and inner ear and affect balance a bit, too, so you just may feel a bit "off" until you get used to it.
Or eat foods that are rich in that so you get the best form that will be used slowly by your body.
If these changes do not help, still, listen to your body. This just might not be for YOUR body. -
[ 09-05-2013, 03:21 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lisa,
To help calm anxiety, in addition to directly and assertively treating lyme and whatever coinfections exist . . .
See post: Caution: Aspartate; Glutamine; and Phenylalanine - even Seaweed -
These can trigger anxiety - be sure nothing like this is added to any supplement protein powders, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
. . . Even a single dose of acetaminophen can reduce the body’s levels of glutathione, a peptide that helps repair oxidative damage that can drive inflammation in the airways, researchers have found. . . . -
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Do gaba supp.'s cross the BBB?
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
I don't take acetaminophen.
Like I said before I do all cooking from scratch so additives are not an issue really.
I will check out the adrenal links, etc. I do have liver pain- or maybe it is gall bladdeer???/ how do I know?
I know chamomile is not good if you have ragweed allergy, but I can't find any info on GABA and allergies
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
desertwind here is a link of info about GABA
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
desertwind, this clip I found in a link from Keebler
"Does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, which has important clinical implications. Although GABA supplementation is used widely for a calming, sedative effect, there is mixed data indicating that GABA taken orally has much clinical effect.
Glutamine, a precursor of GABA, readily passes through the blood-brain barrier and is, therefore, a better supplement to take if one wants to increase brain levels of GABA, since Glutamine, once it is in the brain, converts into GABA.
The question of GABA's clinical usefulness may be a function of its dosage. That is, it appears that only mega doses of GABA have clinical effects. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Librium, activate GABA neurons.
GABA activity found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, namely: pancreas and thymus. Mega-doses of GABA raise IQ. Mega-doses may be helpful in treating seizure disorders. "
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Lisak - Thanks for posting this info.
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lisa,
Re: Your last post . . .
The other part that I would have posted with that excerpt you posted is that Glutamine is NOT a better supplement. Not. Not for anyone with lyme.
See post: Caution: Aspartate; Glutamine; and Phenylalanine - even Seaweed -
These can trigger anxiety - be sure nothing like this is added to any supplement protein powders, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I also do not recall having posted this excerpt that you posted.
If I did, I would have followed up on that, putting it in context.
I do not believe in mega-doses of GABA for anyone, any time, ever. I would never post something like that and just leave it would a warning.
Posted above: "Mega-doses of GABA raise IQ. Mega-doses may be helpful in treating seizure disorders. " (end Lisa's excerpt)
I strongly disagree with that statement as it stands alone. It's out of context. There must be some clarification. I've had seizures worsen terribly with even tiny doses of GABA.
Lisa,
I'm not sure where you saw that I posted that excerpt but it's really important to read the full post and all that would follow for context. Just want to it - and all stipulations around it - to be clear, the points in that one article and what those with lyme need to know about it. -
[ 09-23-2013, 03:49 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
I don't think anyone could tolerate a megadose of GABA like, say, a megadose of Vit C.
My 3 yr old son takes GABA and it truly helps him. He's been on it for about a year.
I have tried GABA in the RelaxMax supplement. It made me too sedated...however, I already take an anti-depressant, so the combo of the 2 was probably too much.
Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
To truly give GABA a try, find one that has GABA by itself and does not have any other "active" ingredients. Tyrosine is a stimulating amino acid, and may be responsible for the increase in anxiety.
I found GABA to be very helpful for anxiety and sleep. However, after I'd been taking it for a while, I had to stop because it started making me feel very light-headed and strange.
I wouldn't hesitate to try it again if I had an anxiety attack, but otherwise, I think it is too much for me to handle.
My current alternative for anxiety is a blend of essential oils called Tranquil (lavender, cedarwood, & chamomile), but ragweed allergy would probably mean you can't use chamomile (they cross-react w/ each other).
Homeopathy or Bach Floral Remedies may also offer you some help for anxiety. I've used homeopathic Aurum Ars. for anxiety with good results.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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nefferdun
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Member # 20157
posted
I took it for a long time along with my other methyl cycle supplements. I got better and slept better but I can't say it was because of GABA.
Recently I added tyrosine because I read it is supposed to decay biofilm and stimulate the brain. Now that I think of it, that is when I began to get insomnia again. I didn't know what Razzel posted so maybe that is why. I won't take tyrosine any more. Very good to know!!
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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MannaMe
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Member # 33330
posted
GABA increased anxiety for my husband. He can't take it.
He found Relora helped reduce anxiety. You can get it from Vitacost.
Posts: 2603 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2011
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ukcarry
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18147
posted
Synthetic GABA is the form that may not cross the blood brain barrier, but pharma-gaba, made by fermenting a probiotic strain, does appear to, from what I have read. I have noticed in product reviews that the few people who found that GABA increased their anxiety seemed to be taking the synthetic form.
Several brands offer a Pharma-Gaba supplement and Thorne's version is sugar-free, unlike some of the others.
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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TNT
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 42349
posted
Thanks, ukcarry,
I'll have to try pharma GABA since regular GABA seems to make me more wired if anything.
Does anyone have any comments about whether Relora worked better than theanine? I have used theanine, which does help me relax, but never tried Relora.
Posts: 1308 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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posted
I haven't posted here in years but I just recently started methylation stuff and Yasko recommended Zen which contains GABA and theanine for my situation.
I took it, felt weird and then read something that said if you have asthma do NOT take GABA. I do think it had to do with ragweed allergies. I have asthma so I stopped. I have been reading so much info that I don't remember where I read it but since I had a reaction to it I decided to stop it.
I don't have reactions to many herbs or meds. I just ordered theanine so I will see if that works better alone.
-------------------- Treelady Posts: 39 | From California | Registered: Dec 2009
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I started GABA this week.
Pure GABA, nothing else in the capsules, 3 times per day.
Not sure yet if it is working.
3am-awoke as usual with an overactive, stressed mind and nausea.
Will take one now and see if I can fall back asleep.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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ukcarry
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18147
posted
GretaM, out of interest, is your GABA supplement synthetic in origin or the pharma-gaba derived from a probiotic?
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
Keebler, from your post way above- I said it was in a link you posted here. I really appreciate your work here for me and everyone, but it tends to be very confusing with all the links and explanations to me and maybe others who feel this way.
I got the info from a link you sent. If you don't agree with the info in a link you shouldn't post the link , - just post the area you are talking about that would be more streamlined rather than all the links WITH comments, etc.
Just my opinion. and I hope people realize I did say "from the link you posted" and that those words were not from you mouth.
thank you!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
well, thanks for al lthe responses!
I see now that my gaba contains tyrosine, taurine, glycine also. Ieven tried taking 1/4 of a pill and it was not good.
- looks like another waste of my hard earned money!
so tired of throwing money away!
my llmd said since my adrenals are shot that I need hydrocortisone to help with that. I am leery of this. I just want to scream- I am so tired of reading and not know still affter 2 months of what to take for all this! everyone tells me something different
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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ukcarry
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18147
posted
It is hard to know what to spend money on, especially as we all have different combinations of infections, different genetics, different needs.
Many of us have lost a huge amount of money over the years in lost wages through being unable to work, as well as through paying to see doctors, trying different treatments..........
It is worth investing in a few good reference book on lyme, and reading as much as you can in books and articles, as well as following threads on forums.
[ 10-26-2013, 05:56 PM: Message edited by: ukcarry ]
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but just curious how many folks have noticed results from Pharma GABA.. BTW anyone also have ADD/ADHD?
Posts: 15 | From California | Registered: Nov 2015
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Everyone who has lyme has issue with focus & alertness. It would be very, very rare to evade that classic symptom.
If one has lyme, tick borne infections or other chronic stealth infections, those must be addressed. The infections, themselves, are the cause. For most, when remission / recovery is achieved, they have their brains back, so to speak - and their energy to keep it running.
As the toxins from infections are one reason the brain is so affected, during treatment:
Liver, Kidney and Adrenal support also a must, in addition to good essential fatty acids.
In addition to all above, as a support . . . rather than GABA, to help focus, I suggest instead:
THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROTEIN & AMINO ACID DURING ACUTE & CHRONIC INFECTION . . .
Anura V. Kurpad - Institute of Population Health & Clinical Research, Bangalore, India 129. Indian J Med Res 124, August 2006, pp 129-148.
Excerpt:
" . . . In general, the amount of EXTRA protein that would appear to be needed is of the order of 20-25 per cent of the recommended intake, for most infections. . . ."
- 20 pages - Full article at link (or web search the title if it does not go through). -
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Mark,
ADD / ADHD can also be connected with certain foods / fake foods / additives.
A gluten free diet often really helps. See the gluten & dairy detail here. Also note the stuff about "natural flavors" as when they are removed, often the brain does so much better.
Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors -
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Because they are a such a stress / toxic load to the liver (and, therefore, to the brain)
Going SCENT FREE is also a very good thing to consider if ADD / ADHD are an issue. Go with safe household and personal care products, ditch any room fresheners at home, work or in the car, etc.
If you have gas heat / water heater / stove, be sure to do a fresh air flush of all levels of home twice a day, just open it all up long enough for a good air exchange, especially in the upper level.
Turn on the exhaust fan if a gas stovetop, just before lighting the burner and again just before turning it off.
posted
Thanks Keebler. I'm asking for a friend actually, she suspects she's always had the ADD and she's already doing a lot of these things like with the diet, and uses a lot of herbs like with Buhners and whatnot. (I also notice a difference between her cognition and people I meet at Lyme support groups) I'm just trying to find any additional way to help support her, she's working now and the nature of the work is mental so I feel brain support is a biggie.
Posts: 15 | From California | Registered: Nov 2015
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posted
BTW I understand with GABA there's a tolerance, so I have basically suggested it be taken occasionally and not daily, maybe with theanine for calming/focus when extra support is needed, as my friend also has anxiety.
[ 12-22-2015, 01:28 AM: Message edited by: thatguymark ]
Posts: 15 | From California | Registered: Nov 2015
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
200mg of L-Theanine (2 chewable tablets, Suntheanine) helps with anxiety, quickly.
Especially in those with "type A" personalities (high glutamate, high adrenaline) and who have a life filled with stress (which messes with sleep - alpha wave intrusion).
Theanine…increases serotonin, dopamine and GABA, but blocks mGluR1 (a glutamate receptor) = down goes norepinephrine and epinephrine (which come from dopamine).
(Bb highjacks our norepinephrine and epinephrine to express OspA.)
New drug for ADD and fragile X in the works:
Metadoxine. Antagonist for 5-HT2B but
agonist for GABAB.
"suggest that metadoxine has a novel, ***monoamine-independent*** MOA (= monoamine oxidase) compared with existing stimulant and nonstimulant ADHD medications, and may have the potential to improve cognition in patients with ADHD, FXS, and other cognitive disorders.
Pro and con re: antagonizing 5-HT2B (hopelessness, suicide linked) versus as it relates to the bowel.
Surprisingly however 5-HT2B receptor *activation* appears to be
protective against the development of serotonin syndrome following elevated extracellular serotonin levels,
despite its role in modulating serotonin release.
MAOA *deficiency* = serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine UP (MAOA breaks those down - too little and they stay up)
MAOB is only involved with dopamine breakdown.
Riboflavin (B2) is needed for MAOA. Our mitochondria absolutely need B2 (and of course more).
P5P (by NOW - brand) is the active form of B6, but Now Brand also includes in their formulation
B2,
Mg and Ca which work in synergy.
B6 is needed to convert Glutamate to GABA via 2 enzymes called GAD65 and GAD67.
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
WOW!! I was surprised to see this reserface now! haha
I am just finding out that I CANNOT take gaba because my genetics are not suitable for extra gaba intake!
so.... NO GABA for me to be taken extra! ever!!! I tried and no wonder it made me sicker. my methylation cycle is messed up genetically and it could very much harm me to take any extra gaba. my body does crave it at times, but I am working on that by working with a genetic person.
I can tell when I need some gaba because I crave things that are calming like - booze!- which is NOT good becasue I cannot drink any more, and it's no good to always be drunk for anyone- but it did make a big 'aha ' moment for me since I had been always craving alcohol to soothe myself!
now that I get my genetic working I don't crave it as much and sometimes never ever want it. all my life I used to 'need' a drink and if anyone in the room was drinking I had to be! no more! yay.
so now I say to anyone-- DO NOT take any gaba unless you know your genetics are compatible! it could send you over the edge!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
Glad to hear you got that sorted out Lisa!
Posts: 15 | From California | Registered: Nov 2015
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
thanks thatguymark!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
LisaK - what did you learn that helped you know that your genetics are not suitable for gaba supplements. I am curious because I suspect my husband may have the same response. Was it a genetic test of some sort?
Thanks!!
Posts: 123 | From Washington State | Registered: Dec 2013
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posted
Hmmm, interesting! When I took gaba before I got sick I got heart palpitations and didn't feel good. Now that I'm sick with Lyme, it does help with anxiety without any side effects. I have MTHFR genetic mutation and might have others but haven't tested. When I reacted to gaba, I would take Glutamine without problems.
For focus, Tyrosine helps me as well as Siberian ginseng. Siberian helps with energy too. Has been a life savior with Lyme.
I'll be scheduling an apt. With a geneticist for me and my kids since they tested for MTHFR mutations. My son has the double mutation. Glad to hear that your getting so much help and learning so much about your body.
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