Difference between GABA and Gabapentin

[_quantum]

Hi all.

Has anyone tried taking GABA supplements (like on photo) instead of pharmacy gabapentin?

I want to try it, recently wrote here that I have terrible side effects from gabapentin even from 150 mg. It would be a better solution to switch only to vitamins and supplements (iron, magnesium, vitamins D, B, C).

Thanks

[Joolsg]

healthunlocked.com/rlsuk/po...

LauraFlora posted about this 8 years ago. It seemed to help her.

If it helps you- let us know.

[_quantum in reply to Joolsg]

Big thanks, I will try!

[DicCarlson]

Apples and Oranges - GABA is a supplement ((gamma-aminobutyric acid, γ-aminobutyric acid) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the developmentally mature mammalian central nervous system. Its principal role is reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.) Gabapentine has nothing to do with the neurotransmitter GABA. It is a medicine originally developed to treat seizures.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabap...

There is an interaction of GABA with Glutamate (the excitable neurotransmitter) - they transform into each other with various biochemical reactions. So - you're awake, can't sleep - excitable - yeah, that's Glutamate. Conventional wisdom says take same GABA to assuage the excess Glutamate. Unfortunately it does not cross the blood brain barrier to help with the Glutamate dominance. Good discussion here...

holistichelp.net/blog/how-t...

[AmazedAnt in reply to DicCarlson]

Good reply DicCarlson 👍 ....Interestingly a Johns Hopkins study from 2013 linked excess glutamate to RLS. The worse the sleep was in those who participated in the study, the more glutamate they tended to have. The research team noted that they believed that was why, despite averaging only 5-6 hours sleep per night, that the participants didn't feel groggy / sleep deprived. The lack of sleep was counteracted by the boost in the stimulating glutamate.

hub.jhu.edu/2013/05/08/rest...

[AmazedAnt in reply to AmazedAnt]

PS - I believe heavy/long-term cannabis use can lead to a similar phenomenon regarding a glutamate/GABA imbalance, which is one of the reasons why I recommend only a modest dosage if THC is being used as sleep aid.

[amrob123]

Yes, from memory I had slightly longer deep sleep on it (I continued taking usual medication when trying it. Overall however it didn't make a considerable enough difference to keep taking it.I think everything is worth trying, especially if one's RLS is mild.

[teakabeagle]

I don’t believe Gaba taken orally can cross the blood-brain barrier in any significant amounts. I tried it and didn’t notice any benefit,