I casually read about GABA and ordered a bottle from Walmart. It was 750mg and it said take 1x daily. Ooooooooh boy did that mess me up – anxious nervous panic. That’s how I found you though, so I guess the universe had its reasons. I read your article about GABA dosing and started doing a micro dose by opening the pill, splitting it into 4 and putting it under my tongue and it was a game changer! Immense anxiety relief and now I’m researching more to add
These game changing results are wonderful to hear and I’m very happy for Tiffany but I’m not happy with GABA product labels. Folks need to know this, and I really want to get the message out about safe ways to use GABA.
She posted this on one of my facebook threads and I asked her if she’d be willing to share what happened so this doesn’t happen to someone else. She kindly said “absolutely you can share” and proceeded to provide a very detailed description of what happened. I share all this below with some of my insights about starting with GABA 750mg (considered a high dose for most individuals), what she did really well and my takeaway lessons, plus more about GABA dosing and the antidote when too much is used.
This is what happened (in her exact words):
Day 1 (Aug 3) – 4AM – After swallowing the 750 I first noticed a heat/flush feeling. It was my neck and upper chest area. This alone had me panicking that death was imminent, then it slowed after I’d say 15-30 minutes. I felt overly anxious & agitated after that, kept checking my pulse & BP (blood pressure) reassuring myself I was not dying.
Looking at my search history my anxieties lasted hours – by 11am I was searching “can I overdose on gaba” then I finally slept
I haven’t formed a connection yet between the gaba & the flush / panic yet.
10ish pm
I again swallowed the 750. I also applied icy hot for my chronic pain condition 30ish mins later. Then the flush sensation again neck & chest like before hit me. 15-30 mins of tingling , this time I convinced myself it must just be the icy hot mixing with the gaba altering my skin sensations (I had read about how it works in the central nervous system).
Day 2 (Aug 4) – 1am (+3hrs ingested)
I was in full “health” anxiety/panic mode, panic googling & [My search “gaba cause warming sensation”] landed me on your article
This was my game changer/ life saving moment!!!!
I’m unsure how long the anxieties lingered but I had a new game plan for microdosing from now on.
Plan: open the capsule (750mg) & separate the powder into 4 equal parts. Place this 1/4 under my tongue
7am
I took my 1st 1/4 micro-dose and felt like a champ! My google searching was now about understanding how it worked in the brain and why it had unclenched my jaw muscles. (My chronic pain is from TMJD largely due to my anxiety clenching)
I’m sorry she experienced this but I’m so glad she found my dosing article and figured it out. And that the lower dose of GABA is helping so much.
She was totally new to GABA and supplements in general: “I’m just learning supplements after detoxing effexor” so it’s not totally unexpected for something like this to happen BUT it really doesn’t have to be this way when you are an informed user (I share my take-aways below).
In my article/blog, Too much GABA causes a tingling niacin-like flush sensation (in the brain and body). It’s awful and very uncomfortable! I share the issues with starting with too high a dose. If you’re new to GABA, I encourage you to click the above and read the post.
Splitting the 750 mg GABA capsule into four equal doses works for Tiffany
This is the change she made after reading my blog post i.e. she used much smaller doses
From then till now I’ve consumed 1 of the 750mg gabas each day by splitting into the 1/4’s (3-4hrs in between) and it has kept my anxiety at a consistent baseline level and helped immensely with the clenched jaw.
I also started adding l-theanine (100mg) supplement and I’m actively researching additional amino acid supplements to add in once I have some extra money to buy.
For context on Aug 7, I had an emergency dental extraction that was traumatic. I took my gaba 1/4 right before and remained relatively calm through the whole 4 hour ordeal.
Once the Walmart bottle is gone I’ll be buying a low dose sublingual.
It was fortunate that 187 mg (a quarter of 750 mg) worked well for her based on her unique needs and biochemistry. It’s possible this may have been too much for her too and in this case she would have adjusted down.
Why Tiffany considered GABA for her issues and her next steps
Her initial reason for wanting to take GABA was a desire to keep her “anxiety / panic levels regulated.” Her physical anxiety symptoms manifest as “flight or fight” response and were hitting her constantly without warning or outside triggers. She was also in “constant pain from the jaw muscle issues but couldn’t face leaving the house to find a new doctor for help.”
The good news is that after finding the proper dose of GABA she was “able to remain calm enough to find a new doctor.” Tiffany also shared this:
I am treating my brain as a delicate little flower right now. Taking copious notes trying to establish what my baseline brain chemistry is and how the individual neurotransmitters impact my mood/state in the moment.
I mentioned before I am just starting my research journey about brain chemistry and planning to start to “play” around with additional amino acid supplements.
I’m in the stage now of discovery, finding a new amino acid, researching what transmitter it is connected to, it’s role as a precursor and once I have my data compiled I’m going to take a targeted approach testing to see what the impacts are.
I’m focused on figuring out my root deficiency i.e. serotonin vs dopamine vs norepinephrine and then going from there.
Takeaway lessons for Tiffany and what she did well
I shared some of my takeaway lessons with Tiffany and here they are in case you’re also new to using the amino acid GABA:
- Learn how to safely use GABA and the other aminos before you start using them i.e. read my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” or do one of my online group programs (details below)
- Use vitamin C as an antidote if you have a reaction. I write about this in my book. It negates any adverse symptoms quickly but also negates any benefits
- Start with a low dose of GABA and ignore the product label. I recommend 125 mg as a safe starting dose and less for sensitive folks
- Trial only one new supplement at a time so you know what is working and what is causing issues. With the GABA reaction Tiffany experienced I would not have added theanine before finding the ideal GABA dose. With her pain issues I’d be considering serotonin and endorphin support, but using one amino at a time and starting low dose with the correct timing
- If you have an adverse reaction stop immediately i.e. don’t push through
- Purchase professional grade supplements from Fullscript or iherb (here is the link to my products page with links to both). We want quality supplements just like we want quality food.
What Tiffany did well:
- She carefully logged exactly what happened
- She searched for expert advice and didn’t continue to push through the adverse effects
- She split the GABA 750 mg into 4 and put the powder under her tongue
- She is in the process of educating herself (and says she’ll get a copy of my book)
A few GABA product options – a sublingual, a powder and a cream
Some of the many GABA products I recommend include Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges (a good low dose of 125 mg) and Now GABA Powder (which does need to be measured out to provide a 125 mg typical starting dose). Keep in mind, some individuals need less to start.
When using GABA powder I have clients use a handy mini measuring spoon like this one (my Amazon link) and share more about how to accurately measure out GABA powder on this blog.
For Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder:
- You can purchase these from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).
- If you’re not in the US, you can purchase these at iherb (use this link to save 5%).
Somnium GABA Cream is available in the US and elsewhere with international shipping. Read more about the product and who may benefit from using a cream, and grab my coupon code to save 15%.
Additional resources when you are new to using GABA and other amino acids as supplements
As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue.
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control (this is covered in an entire chapter too), sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Wrapping up and your feedback
I appreciate Tiffany for sharing and giving me permission to blog about this. I do hope it’s been helpful for you and her too.
Now I’d love to hear from you – does any of this resonate with you? If yes, how high a dose of GABA did you start with and what was your adverse reaction? And how much helps now and how does it help? Feel free to share which product too.
If you’re a practitioner is this how you advise your clients/patients?
Feel free to share and ask your questions below.
is the GABA here the same as gabapentin or neurontin? if not, how is it different?
Jean
This blog is about the amino acid supplement called GABA and not gabapentin. They are very different and I blog about the differences here because there is much confusion – GABA is not the same as gabapentin. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid supplement; gabapentin is a prescription medication https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-is-not-the-same-as-gabapentin-gaba-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-is-an-amino-acid-supplement-gabapentin-is-a-prescription-medication/
When you are new to the amino acids, my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great resource. It has an entire chapter on the amino acids. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Hi everyone, as always very interesting post. I had the same experiment when I started with GABA. I wanted to take it at night to avoid night panic attacks, and started with the recommended dose of 1/4 level tsp diluted in a glass of water, and my night was nightmarish. At first I upped the dose the next night, and it was even worse.
I stopped taking it completely as it frightened me.
I started again much later after reading you Trudy, but this time my dose was one of these little creamer spoon you get in planes or sometimes with your coffee. I think they’re 1/8 of a tsp. Under the tongue. I felt great! Consistently great!
I purged after a few weeks and when I started again after a few days I took only half of that dose and it worked a treat. So that’s 1/16 of a tsp, under the tongue. I have used this very low dose ever since and it is perfect for me. I purge after maybe a couple of months, and start again when I feel the anxiety is coming back.
Measuring it for the sake of this message, the first microdose was around 170mg (a quarter of a tsp) and then it has been half of that, around 85mg (1/16 tsp), for maybe a couple of years. And that’s perfect for me, great results and no side effects.
Brigitte
Thanks for sharing your experiences with using too much GABA and sorry to hear it was nightmarish and almost stopped you finding relief with it! Very pleased to hear you found the ideal dose for you and the results are great.
Interesting idea to use the little coffee creamer spoon and thanks for providing your dose estimates.
I would be interested to know how using this compares to using a proper mini measuring spoon – which is the ideal way to do it. I see they come in various shapes and sizes too.
I’ve updated the blog with a link to one I recommend (here is that link from Amazon https://amzn.to/3Q94nsI). And more about how to use it measure out GABA powder https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-accurately-measure-a-small-amount-of-powdered-gaba-and-other-gaba-options-when-gaba-calm-is-not-tolerated/).
May I ask which GABA product you use?
And I’m not sure what you mean by purging?
Hi Trudy,
I use these coffee creamers because I have them from a pastry class, and I didn’t know such small proper measuring ones existed! At first I checked it with a mg scale though, to see how much powder it holds, then I just use the spoon. When I write “around”, it is because there is mild variations in the way I fill it, if there is a lump, etc. I don’t worry too much as it is not a major difference. Yours is obviously more accurate.
I use the Now GABA powder.
I say “purging” when I stop using it to reset my system. I’m interested to see where I am at with anxiety, as with GABA I feel “healed” and tend to think all is fine. When I stop for a few days, I can see how long I can go, which is actually very variable. When the anxiety comes back, I start worrying about everything again, have night panic attacks, etc. So as soon as I feel it coming I start GABA again. Works for me.
It’s definitely when reading you years ago that I realised in fact the body needs very little of these things, and having too much can mess it up. You also mentioned it was not proven the body could absorb it through digestion and suggested to try sublingual, which allows low doses to get into the blood and cross the brain barrier if I understand it. Game changer.
By the way, following your question, I measured with a proper mg scale, and what I take using a coffee creamer is equivalent to:
min 100mg (half a creamer mini-spoon = 1/16 of a standard tsp) on a regular maintenance,
max 200mg (full creamer min-spoon = 1/8 tsp), when in high stress or first dose after a cleansing break.
Always under the tongue, first thing in the morning after a glass of water and before any coffee (not that it is important to my knowledge, but that’s how I do it).
Cheers Trudy. I can’t tell you enough how you helped me with trying this.
Hi Trudy,
I have a leg tremor caused by overactive nervous system (it’s functional as they refer to it in neurology) I am trying to figure out which supplement to try. Now I find my self holding my shoulders up tensed all the time even laying down in bed and seems clenched jaw as well, this is a new symptom. Which supplement/ amino acid do you recommend I start with. I’m a bit afffraid to start with gaba ( I have this tension in my leg and my shoulders and neck and jaw and can’t relax, I feel aggitated all the time , so I thought I would start with gaba but wondering if it would make am tired as I am dealing with quite a bit of fattigue). I tried gaba calm 1/2 a tablet in morning I felt like I was a bit calm not so much hyperventilating like I could talk normal but then I had another 1/2 in the afternoon and I felt panicky, overstimulated. Since then I was scared to try it again, just wondering which ingredient could possibly be activating in the gaba calm, I have a tremor which is an overactive nerve shooting all the time and wondering if maybe one of the ingredients is activating (maybe glycine ?). Or it could be I have to time them better or how much I take. How long do you recommend one to wait between dosage? I’m one of the sensitives ones, so I’m trying to keep it low dosage. Have you had any clients with anxiety tremors and afraid to relax can’t concentrate who have tried amino acids and have had some luck if yes, please advise.
I have tried lemon balm and that calms me down but make me super super tired and not functional, even at low dosage. So I’m a bit confused seems things that are calming just make me like a zombie or even bring my mood down further. Magnesium caltrate for example makes me sleep so good but I wake up low mood. Magnesium glycinate keeps me awake running thoughts. Taurine keeps me awake and I feel agitated.
I have low serotonin in blood and this comt Val/val high activity gene and SLC6A4, MTHFR) C677T:C/T A1298C: A/C) have no clue what they mean, but trying to figure out if I should maybe consider serotonin(5htp) or dopamine ( L tyrosine )?
Again leg tremor, can’t relax, extreme fattigue, can’t concentrate, and new symptom of tension in shoulders neck jaw but no pain.
Much appreciation,
Thank you,
Valentina
Val
I’m afraid I can’t offer specific feedback via the blog. I have clients do the questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ and trials of the respective amino acids to find out what will work for their needs.
For sensitive individuals tyrosine and sometimes glycine in GABA Calm can be activating, and a GABA powder or GABA cream may be better. Theanine can help with concentration and provides a feeling of calm focus.
The timing of amino acids differs for each one and is explained in the amino acids chapter of my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution.”
I do also blog about the amino acids and other nutrients for essential tremor here – Essential tremor, dystonia, anxiety and cravings – diet, GABA, tryptophan, zinc and vitamin B6 https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/essential-tremor-dystonia-anxiety-and-cravings-diet-gaba-tryptophan-zinc-and-vitamin-b6/
With extreme fatigue we look into low iron, low B12, bile issues, low blood sugar, low dopamine, gluten/sugar/alcohol, digestive issues/SIBO and food sensitivities etc. Also Lyme disease and toxins/metals/parasites/meds side effects need to be ruled out.
Wow! That’s a LOT of gaba. We give one of our goats (for pain) considerably less than that and he weighs a lot!
Yael
I love that you give your goats GABA and would love to hear more – how much and how often and how quickly does it help? Making sure you do mean the amino acid GABA and not the medication gabapentin which is often also prescribed to animals/pets?
Hi Trudy
I bought your book The Anti-anxiety Food Solution because I’ve had pyroluria most of my life, I’m almost 73 years old.
I took the tests and saw I was low in gaba, serotonin and catecholamine
I’m taking gaba calm lozenges starting with 1 twice daily. Didn’t notice much so I take 2 twice daily along with 2 tryptophan twice daily, brand you recommended and
1 seriphos a few hours before bed since my cortisol is very high at nite causing insomnia and low in the morning
I still have terrible anxiety with fear and overactive thinking, jaw clenching and very tense body and insomnia. My breathing is very shallow and fast and difficult to take in a deep breath
I’m not sure what to change supplement wise to get some relief
Lynn
I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling but so glad you have my book and have figured out possible imbalances. Keep in mind we start low and increase until we see a benefit. And ideally do one change at a time so we know what’s helping.
I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but with “anxiety with fear and overactive thinking, jaw clenching and very tense body and insomnia” it’s often low serotonin and low GABA.
And we don’t want to forget all the dietary aspects too especially stopping gluten, caffeine and sugar, and eating for blood sugar stability.
It’s also important to be medically checked with these symptoms “breathing is very shallow and fast and difficult to take in a deep breath”