GABA is a calming 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.
One of the most common questions I get from individuals who are excited to hear about the benefits of GABA but are totally new to using this amino acid is: “How much GABA should I use for my anxiety?” Even individuals who may be familiar with GABA and have even experimented with it themselves and are seeing some benefits may also have this question.
Most are not aware of the extremely large variations in dosing that may work for different individuals. Today I’ll share some examples to illustrate both the wonderful benefits and this range of dosing which can be as much as a 1000x to 2000x variation in some instances!
Syd gets sleep and body anxiety benefits with just 1.5 mg to 3 mg GABA
As you can see in this first example, Syd gets sleep and body anxiety benefits with just 1.5 mg to 3 mg GABA. She shared this on a recent blog post where I discussed how using too much GABA can cause a niacin-like flushing sensation
I think it’s useful to note that some, like me, start out with tiny doses and still get benefits with no side effects. I take around 1.5 mg to 3 mg GABA at a time and it works for me! Really helps me sleep at night.
I also take approximately 1.5mg if I feel body anxiety. I divide a melt-able 25mg tablet into 8ths or less. (Very approximate, of course. Sometimes it’s just crumbs!)
Right now, anything higher and I’m a wet noodle the next day, meaning I feel super depleted and can hardly stand up. But, no niacin flush-like symptoms.
I appreciate her sharing and I’m so glad she found her ideal dose. As you can see it’s really really low. We call folks like Syd “pixie dust” people because they do really well with tiny tiny doses. It also shows that some folks get flushed with too much GABA and some don’t. Syd just feels depleted.
In case you’re wondering which product Syd is using, it’s the Kal 25 mg GABA, which she breaks apart.
To give this perspective, a typical starting dose is 125mg GABA for adults and half that for children. I share more below on this and how to use the symptoms questionnaires and do a trial.
Christina’s agoraphobic client was able to leave the house with 3000 mg GABA
A colleague, Christina Veselak, MS, LMFT, CN shared this feedback about her client who had agoraphobia i.e. fear of outdoor spaces:
I once had a profoundly anxious, agoraphobic client who I sent home with instructions to trial GABA until she either got relief from her anxiety or an adverse reaction. She came back a few days later to say that she had arrived at 3000 mg of GABA in the morning as her ideal dose.
That dose allowed her not only to leave her bedroom but also leave her house, socialize and babysit her hyperactive grandsons!
Most of my other clients could not tolerate anything near to that dose without getting an adverse reaction but it was perfect for her.
This really adds perspective to the range of doses that folks may respond to. This dosage is 1000x higher than Syd’s maximum dose and 2000x higher than her lowest dose!
Let’s address this question: How much GABA should I use for my anxiety?
The answer is this – it depends on your unique needs and biochemistry. I know it’s not the answer you (and almost everyone else too) probably want to hear but there really is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to GABA and the other amino acids.
The best way to determine if you may have low GABA and may benefit from using GABA is to look at the low GABA symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being worst, do a trial of GABA and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes).
Here are the symptoms.
From there you continue to adjust up (or down) over the next few weeks to find your ideal dose. If you go too high you may experience an uncomfortable tingling niacin-like flush.
I can share this: for GABA, 125mg is a typical starting dose for adults that I use with my clients. Half that or less is a good ballpark for starting a trial for children. As with all the amino acids, they are always best used sublingually and taken away from protein.
Below is an example from someone who figured out 1-3 of the 125 mg GABA Calm product was ideal for her own needs.
Melissa is much calmer, sleeps well and stopped craving sweets with 125 mg to 375 mg GABA Calm a day
Melissa started using Source Naturals GABA Calm in anticipation of holiday travel and holiday gatherings and shared how much she benefited:
I have been taking 1-3 per day for two weeks. I’m glad I bought it before traveling home for Christmas – I was cool as a cucumber at the airport and was much calmer when visiting family and friends compared to last year!
The true test of its efficacy will be in two weeks when the semester starts. For now, I notice a general calmness and am sleeping well.
An unexpected result was that I stopped craving sweets after about a week of taking it!
And how wonderful for her! And we have much appreciation for her sharing her success.
These results at this dosage are pretty typical for the majority of my clients. Of course there may need to be adjustments seasonally (possibly needing less after the holidays and closer to spring) or more around her period or more with added stresses in her life.
You can read more about the GABA Calm product she used here (you can find it in my online supplement store too).
Resources if you are new to using GABA as a supplement
If you are new to using the the amino acid GABA as a supplement, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see the low GABA and other low neurotransmitter symptoms)
If you suspect low levels of GABA or low serotonin 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 team you or your loved one is working with.
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 GABA products that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If you don’t feel comfortable reading my book, doing the low GABA symptoms questionnaire and doing trials of GABA on your own, you can get guidance from me in the GABA Quickstart Program.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. AS you’ve learned today, there are many nuances and best practices when using the amino acids. And it’s an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
What have you found to be your ideal dose of GABA? And how has it helped you?
What dose did you start with and did you go too high and then have to back down again to get to your ideal dose? (be sure to share which product worked for you too)
Are you surprised to learn about this huge variation in dosing GABA? And if yes do you feel inspired to experiment with your current dosing?
If you’re a practitioner have you seen these variations?
Feel free to ask your questions here too.
Thank you this is very helpful!
Any tips for motor tics in 11 year old boy? Where to start?
Km
Glad this is helpful. Yes this blog – GABA helps 14-year-old with Tourette’s Syndrome (the tics and sleep), and tyrosine makes him happier and his mind sharper https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-helps-14-year-old-with-tourettes-syndrome-the-tics-and-sleep-and-tyrosine-makes-him-happier-and-his-mind-sharper/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is his diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
I started with 125mg of Gaba Calm. I was groggy the next day, but it did allow me to sleep even when there was noise that would have made me anxious and possibly kept me awake for hours. I reduced the dose a little but within a few days was able to take the full lozenge without grogginess the next day. After that first night I was thrilled, thinking that my long term phobia about being woken by noise was gone but it came back. I have, however, been able to reduce the anti psychotic I am on so feel that is a huge win. I also suspect there is something else needed. I take 50 mg 5Htp each night but have ordered the Lidtke Tryptophan to see if that might help me get off the meds completely.
Brenda
It sounds like you are seeing some wins and making good adjustments. With phobias serotonin support is important and some people do better with tryptophan.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
As you can read in this blog – A lifetime of horrible and bizarre intrusive thoughts eliminated by a low carb/high fat diet (not as strict as keto) – https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/a-lifetime-of-horrible-and-bizarre-intrusive-thoughts-eliminated-by-a-low-carb-high-fat-diet-not-as-strict-as-keto-a-case-study-and-research/
I have the symptom of physical tension and chronic pain and use alcohol (red wine) to relax in the evening. I would like to give up the wine habit. I have taken 500 mg GABA without any effect. Tonight I took 1000 mg GABA also without effect. I have also gotten up in the middle of the night with the racing worrisome thoughts and taken 500 mg GABA. After about an hour, I did drift off to sleep but not sure it was because of the GABA or just exhaustion. I get better results for sleep with Tryptophan. I usually take 1000 mg Tryptophan before bed and sometimes again have to take another 500 mg capsule when I wake up in the early morning hours (1 am) and starting worrying again.
Jennifer
Sublingual GABA works best and must always be used away from protein. I am curious what GABA product you’re using and if this is how you’re using it.
Also, as I mention we go up from there based on symptoms (which of the low GABA symptoms improve and by how many notches) and it’s unique to each person’s needs. For some folks, as with Christina’s client, they need much higher doses.
With worrisome racing thoughts I do agree serotonin support makes sense.
Hi Dr. Scott my name is Patti and my ND here in Ontario knows you. I was particularly interested in gaba because you said it helped with rectal spasms which I have had for years and never knew they were common. They are quite distressing. I also have lifelong RA and many food intolerances and histamine issues that’s the short version.
My question is I got some Gaba lozenges of 100mg and I would take 2 or 3 a night to help me fall asleep and they did work but one night I had an episode of low heart rate in the 30’s -40’s I think it’s called bradycardia I felt shaky that night very cold and when I saw my Oura ring the next day it showed those levels. This has scared me off the gaba now and still sleeping pretty good but now I will wake up with a pounding heart elevated to 113bpm for a few minutes then it goes to the 70’s. So I’m not sure if it was the gaba that cause the first issue but now I’m scared.
I do have your book but haven’t read much yet just reading specific topics.
any thoughts ? I’m 63 now mostly unmediated for RA other than 4.5mg of LDN and 6mg of prednisone a day. The RA meds were not tolerated well. I am on HRT.
Yes I take magnesium and PQQ with CoQ10 selenium and zinc on alternate days usual vitamins.
I appreciate any thoughts you might have. Yes I know you can’t diagnose here but I’m looking at correlation.
Patti
GABA can lower blood pressure but it’s very transient so I would suspect one of the medications or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (another autoimmune condition) before I’d suspect GABA especially if it just happened once and the person continued to see the impacts days later.
But I never say never and I am curious what GABA product you’re using and how long you had been taking it for with good results before this happened? Did it help the rectal spasms as well as the sleep?
Very helpful that you were able to track all this on your Oura ring
Hi
I am taking 125mg of gaba from lozenges and finding a quite a big effect during the day but I cannot sleep and GABA seems to make it worse. I think other things are going on. I have histamine intolerance, salicylate sensitive and also issues with phenols which may be all high in my system but although the GABA is calming me in waking hours it is not working at night. Maybe I should reduce the dosage? It is with interest that I see Syd gets effect from only 3mg… That may well work for me too. I have just started and feel uncomfortable at night with muscle tension, sleep apnea etc
Dave
Glad to hear GABA is calming in the day. GABA Calm lozenges contains a small amount of tyrosine and that can affect sleep for some folks. In this instance a GABA-only product works better. A lower dose of GABA Calm at night may be worth considering too.
We also look into all this with sleep issues: low serotonin, high cortisol, SIBO, parasites, blood sugar balance, gluten/sugar/caffeine consumption (and other dietary factors like histamine/glutamates/oxalates and collagen consumption etc), meds side-effects, hormone imbalances, sleep apnea and EMFs.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
Hi Trudy
Thanks for your reply. I have been eating very healthily for more than 5 years now. Only organic produce really and am gluten free but do have quite a lot of stress and anxiety in my life. I have tried to limit caffeine to one coffee per day in the late morning as it helps get me going
Some of the things you mention are definitely worth exploring further
The Tyrosine bit is interesting. I am also finding the lozenges to be causing a diuretic effect…. Is there a GABA product you recommend that is purely GABA? Is GABA not always a diuretic?
I am experienced enough with all the things I do to isolate what is changing and only try to change one thing at a time. Yesterday I split the 125mg lozenge into 3 and took at various stages during the day with the last 1/3 at 6pm.
Can you suggest a next step as I feel most of the book will be re-affirminitive rather than new content as such even though I am sure it is excellent information.
Many thanks
Dave
Dave
I have not had reports of the GABA Calm causing a diuretic effect – interesting. You can find a range of GABA products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
And again I’d explore a few weeks with no caffeine and address why it’s needed to get going – adrenals, low iron, thyroid issues.
Thank you for this blog post! It reminded me to retry GABA. I just read on one of your blog posts that one should try one amino acid first before introducing another one. I have symptoms from both low GABA and low serotonin on your questionnaire. So I suspect I need to supplement with both. The main issues I have (anxiety, panic) are common to both deficiencies. I took a trial dose of 1 GabaCalm and it seemed to help a bit. Should one continue increasing the dose of GABA or introduce some Tryptophan next? I am trying to avoid GABA side effects bc now that I read your last post on tingling etc (which would be a huge trigger for me), I’m anxious about that. I feel like adding a bit of tryptophan before increasing GABA and ng up like that one a time, versus going higher and higher with GABA since the symptoms are on both lists in order to avoid overdoing with one . Does that make sense or do you still recommend doing 1 at a time? Thank you!
Liz
I prefer doing one at a time before introducing the next one. When GABA Calm only helps a bit that’s a clue to continue to increase to get better results. We’re looking for a wow effects in a few days to weeks.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
Thank you so much for your reply Trudy! I really appreciate it! I have actually been eating organic, gluten-free, whole foods for 10+ yrs , but the stress of the last few years has really gotten to me. I have been meaning to get your book to get some help with amino acids.
In your reply to Patti above it sounds like you are saying Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes low blood pressure. Is that correct? I have Hashimoto’s and low blood pressure and find that so many good supplements cause low blood pressure and that makes it difficult to take them for me. Do you have any general suggestions for what to do when a supplement that is otherwise helping also lowers blood pressure and one doesn’t need that? I have been drinking licorice tea to counteract that effect, but am worried about other side effects of having licorice often. Are there any other hacks?
Thanks again for all the wonderful work you do and best wishes! Your blog helped me retry GABA and it is helping me SO much (I’ve now increased to 2 GABA Calms and it helps a lot! )
Liz
Glad to hear the increased GABA is helping a lot!
Adrenal dysfunction can cause low blood pressure so assessing for this and addressing it can help. Licorice is wonderful for the adrenals. Also addressing stress/anxiety too is beneficial too so you’re on track
And no I’m not saying Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes low blood pressure.
Thanks again for your reply! Thanks for clearing up my question about low blood pressure, glad to know Hashimoto’s is not linked to it, at least that’s one less source and that way I know addressing adrenal fatigue should help.
Thank you again for all that you do to help so many people feel better!
Trudy, further to above there is info online that suggests gaba is a diuretic. With or without caffeine it does it to me. I still can’t sleep and dreams are wild when I do. I am feeling sooo much better and focused during the day. I got a new gaba product without tyrosine which just has a bit magnesium added (19% dv). Maybe it’s that. I was taking iron supps before but worried it was too much. There is 14mg in my daily multivit supplement but as I am a part time athlete I will increase again.
I was taking 1 quarter teaspoon of Gaba Powder I found it made me quite agitated and couldnt sleep
that was the recomended dose on bottle of powder I bought
I teaspoon = 3000 mg
Brand “HEATHWISE ” Gaba Gamma Amino Butyric Acid Pure powder Pharmaceutical Grade
What suggestions can you give me?
Margaret
This would equate to 750mg of GABA which is considered too high for most people to start with – and can cause agitation and insomnia. As I mention in the blog (and my book) 125mg is a good starting dose. It’s unfortunate companies/products have such high recommended doses.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
I wanted to know if GABA can be used by someone that has been taking Xanax for anxiety *which is obviously not helping. I have struggled with anxiety for four years… stressed, worried, tense, possibly from trauma when I lost both my mom and my dog of 18 years, close together.
Had my first panic attack in the car so I developed a fear of driving…cannot drive further than a few blocks from my house. I have tried also talk therapy, and hypnosis..but no change.
🙁
Elaine
I am sorry for your loss. There are no known contraindications taking GABA with Xanax but it’s always best to discuss with the prescribing doctor. As well as GABA we look at and address low serotonin when there is a fear of driving, panic attacks and being worried.
The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
I have been taking Gaba Calm lozenges (125 mg)for a few years. It works with no side effects. However I have a lot more anxiety lately.I find myself needing 2 in the day and 2 at night. (Right now I only take 1 at night) Wondering if I can take 4-the bottle says 1-3.
Fina
Our needs for GABA can change (more stress, hormone changes, toxin exposure etc) and we often need to increase. It’s fine to do that as long as there are no adverse effects.
I’d love to hear how GABA Calm lozenges have been helping up until now
I have been taking 1 x Gaba Calm before bed, along with 50 mg 5 HTP and the anti psychotic that I have been able to halve since starting the GABA. Because I haven’t yet been able to come off my medicine completely, I decided to try Lidtke tryptophan Sleep and Mood 500 mg. I have been alternating the 5 HTP with the tryptophan but the night before last decided to try increasing the tryptophan, just a little. I slept well but then last night, when I had taken 50mg 5HTP and no tryptophan, I found myself wide awake at about 3 or 4 (not sure cos we are coming off daylight saving). There was no obvious reason for me being awake. I took an extra half Gaba Calm which was risky as sometimes I have found that keeps me awake, but this time it worked. So my question is: have you found that there is some synchronicity between GABA and tryptophan? I am thinking along the lines of having increased my tryptophan the previous night, my need for GABA increased at the same time? Or perhaps because I took my normal amount of 5HTP instead of the increased amount of tryptophan, I needed more GABA? Or any other ideas? Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so freely.
Brenda
It’s not easy to make conclusions and connections after just one occurrence so I have clients experiment and log. But I have not seen the connection you allude to.
Thanks Trudy. I will see what happens in the next few days and let you know if there appears to be a pattern.
Brenda
Trudy, I kept using the tryptophan every 2nd night but it seemed to me that at the same time my anxiety was worse so I have gone back to having 5htp every night.
Now I have a question about GABA Calm. Sometimes I need to take a bit more than 1 tablet but am finding that what is left goes all gooey. Have you had that problem and if so how do you deal with it?
Thanks again.
Brenda
Unfortunately GABA Calm lozenges do sometimes go gooey. It depends a lot on the humidity and how long since the bottle was first opened. The gooey lozenges do still work.
Hi Trudy,
I’ve been following you for quite a while. I need to ask this. Can GABA cause heartburn? I take NOW brand under my tongue. The thing is I am one of those people who needs to take a higher amount. I feel nothing unless it is 2000 to 3000 mg. But I’ve noticed a few hours later after putting it under my tongue that I get heart burn (a burning feeling in my throat) when I take GABA now. Which is super frustrating, because I think I need it, I do get the body tension and have such a hard time with insomnia. When I stop the GABA, the burning throat goes away. :/ My understanding is that it should be taken on an empty stomach and I take it before bed, so I am obviously lying down. Do you have any suggestions?
Also, I was studying lately and came across a study that says that tryptophan is estrogenic. I have discovered I have fibroids and they are slowly growing. I am 60 years old and have been in menopause for quite a while. I take compounded estrogen. (And progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone for mood stability, bone health and overall health. I have taken them for 15 to 20 years.) I am concerned that the tryptophan is adding to the fibroids. I was also taking a high amount of tryptophan because I have fibromyalgia and Lyme, I do get depressed, and for a while at least, the tryptophan seemed to help, but I did need to take the higher dose of around 4000 mg. I take the Lidke, per your recommendation.
Have you come across studies about tryptophan and estrogen? Could the tryptophan be causing my fibroids to grow so I should be sure to stop it? I am seeing an OB and I am in the process of finding a new provider for my hormones, as the one I am seeing is going to a subscription plan which makes her too expensive for me. I haven’t needed that level of service up to now, so it is wasting my money. (Not sure if you know someone online who is a provider for that and can prescribe in Utah where I live. I would appreciate any recommendations.)
Here is the abstract from the study. I apologize. I usually put the reference, but this time I did not. but here is the abstract:
(Tryptophan decreased testosterone and increased estrogen. I’m sorry, I cannot underline the sentence here in this box.)
Abstract
Objective to assess the influence of administering the tryptophan in the white male rats Rattus novergicus’s testosterone and estradiol hormone levels. This research is experimental with the design of the posttest only control group design. The samples used as many as 28 rats were divided into 4 treatment groups. Each group is given an intraperitoneal injection of tryptophan with a dose level of 40mg, 50mg and 60mg/kg of bady weight. While one group was separated and made as control group. The treatments are given for 14 days and measured hormone levels using RIA. Based on assessment results, it was observed that there was a decrease in the average levels of testosterone (13,78nmol/L) and also observed an increase in the average level of the estradiol (8,65pg/dl) in the male white rat Rattus norvegicus when compared to the control group. The doses of tryptophan administered in the treatment group 1 is 40mg obtained the average testosterone levels 12,95nmol/L and average estradiol level of 9,87pg/dl. The doses of tryptophan administered in the treatment group 2 is 50mg obtained an average testosterone level of 11.03nmol/L and average estradiol level of 10,17pg/dl. The administration of tryptophan caused a decrease in the average testosterone levels in the control group and an increase in the average levels of estradiol compared to the control group even though the increase and decrease in the mean was not significant. It is likely that intraperitoneal administration of tryptophan has inhibitory effect of estradiol on testosterone.
Thank you,
Jan
Jan
Re the GABA question I have not had this feedback – I’d have someone try it before bed and sitting up, try another product (sublingually) or even try it topically. And as always, address why GABA is low to start so less can be used.
Using tryptophan to support serotonin does improve estrogen levels too but I suspect less than compounded estrogen. I have not seen tryptophan cause fibroids to grow but it’s not something I’ve looked into (I’ve added it to my list to research but it will be awhile).
I’d be sure to have the doctor test estrogen levels and monitor fibroid growth frequently.
Hi Trudy
Thank you for so much valuable information. I am a senior who took benzodiazepines (clonazepam) on advice of my doctor for sleep because of chronic fatigue for 15 years. Last year I weaned myself off the medication and it has been just over 10 months. No one tells you that when you stop taking them you go into a rebound insomnia phase and it can last a long time. The doctor still won’t admit that!
I joined benzo buddies, a group I found out about on your site and found much encouragement from the posts of many brave and determined people. One post mentioned that the drug actually overrides your gaba receptors so when you stop taking it they have to heal to become active again. My question is: Will taking gaba or any other natural supplement interfere with that healing. The writer of the post feels taking nothing is best for the brain to return to normal and that only time will do that.
I did take gaba for a time at first but it only worked for awhile.
Franp
I’m sorry to hear about your struggles with your benzodiazepine prescription. Sadly it’s all too common and it’s seldom that folks are cautioned about the rebound insomnia and other issues.
I love benzobuddies and other benzo support groups and that you found encouragement. But I do (respectfully) disagree with their message that no GABA or other supplements should be used and to just wait for time to heal. It is true that GABA receptors can be affected by benzos but there are many of my clients and others in my community who do get relief from GABA during this period. Since we are all unique some folks may have an issue so we always do a trial with GABA. If someone can’t tolerate GABA they know quickly (in a few days to weeks) and it won’t interfere with healing. We also start with a very small dose – I have them start with 25mg and go up from there – and only use sublingual GABA. We may also use other nutrients to help with sleep support based on each person’s unique needs.
What GABA and dose did you use and how did it help? And for how long and then what happened?
This is an important question that many folks ask so I’m going to share it as a new blog post – thank you for posting
If you feel like you need guidance and support, consider joining the online GABA Quickstart program so you can get help figuring it out. More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Thank you for your reply. First, to clarify it was only one individual opinion about allowing the brain to heal naturally.
The gaba I first used was NFH Gaba-T, gaba with Ltheanine. 300 mg gaba and 100 Ltheanine. It seemed to help for a week or so but then I couldn’t sleep at all for a few days. Maybe it was too strong a dose? For about a week now I have been taking 5htp and a lower dose gaba by Bioclinic naturals called Gaba Pro, 100 mg. It seems to be helping but I want to be cautious as it helped short term the first time too. Here in Canada I don’t know of a sublingual brand.
Tinnitus from GABA & L-Glutamine:
A couple of months ago I was reading one of your blogs and a comment came up where someone developed tinnitus from taking GABA and L-Glutamine. I was taking both for calming anxiety and sugar & food cravings respectively. At the time, I completely ignored it. Then, like a foreshadowing… my ears started ringing.
I cannot find anything on this…anywhere, and I have looked and looked. I swear the comment said to stop taking them (I did) and the ears would stop (they have not).
Any thoughts?
I am 53. Perimenopausal. Healthy. Very tuned into my body. I have no symptoms or issues other than (now) ringing ears.
I have been taking Vitamin D, a B Complex including B12, Zinc and C specifically to support my ears. I drink Hibiscus tea, meditate, do yoga and sleep pretty well these days. I am quite healthy, nutrient savvy – had some trauma, anxiety and depression this year (who didn’t?) I used 5HTP and DPA which worked wonderfully and feel balanced and back to a sustainable level of calm.
Very grateful to have found you, your website and your book. I have shared with many.
Holly
Thanks for your kind words. I’m not sure which comment you’re referring to either and I haven’t had anyone say GABA and glutamine was the cause.
But with tinnitus we follow the same steps as with anxiety and look for all possible root causes: gluten, parasites, EMFs, low vitamin D, something structural like wax build up etc
I have found both GABA and serotonin support to be helpful but it depends on each person’s underlying biochemistry. This paper states that “…any imbalance of neurotransmitter-related chemistry could disrupt auditory processing in such a way as to produce tinnitus.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25477858
Melatonin helps eliminate tinnitus too https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21859051/
Keep in mind tinnitus is common with prior or current benzodiazepine and/or SSRI use, NSAIDs, some antibiotics.
Hi , I have been reading all the comments and find very helpful and informative. I also experience anxiety and panic attack. i used Gaba calm before, however the results were not always consistent. on occasions it made the anxiety and insomnia worse and caused palpation. i take Sun-tea nine and DHA now but in sever cases they don help me calm down.I also take magnesium before bed. few years ago i used CBD oil drops before bed to get better sleep, however after q while it didn’t help me sleep. i am post menopausal and few years ago did the hormone test that showed that i am very very low on estrogen and progesterone . did the bio identical cream for couple of years that didn’t really helped much with my symptoms and also caused hot flashes again.
Rose
I have many clients trial a GABA only product (capsule opened) or powder when GABA Calm doesn’t work or has variable results.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, 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/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
My book does have an entire chapter on the amino acids and many folks do really well implementing on their own. My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Hi Trudy,
My 10 year old daughter is ASD/ADHD and OCD (which has really escalated during puberty). She is currently taking an SSRI (fluvoxamine 100mg) for the OCD, as well as zinc and B6 (for pyroluria), vitamin D, iron every 2nd day and Catapres to get her to sleep at night (as her thoughts keep her awake). Would you suggest starting her on GABA alone to start with, or the GABA Calm product? She can swallow tablets/capsules, but not sure how she would go taking something under the tongue. Would also love to hear of any local practitioners you could recommend in Australia who work with children on the spectrum. Or any integrative psychiatrists you know of over here.
Many Thanks,
Zoe
Zoe
With the SSRI she does need the doctor’s approval and monitoring for serotonin syndrome with anything that supports serotonin. GABA is fine with SSRIs but I am not familiar with Catapres so can’t offer anything specific and certainly not via the blog.
I’m afraid I don’t have anyone who uses the amino acids in Australia and would love more practitioners who do
An idea is to give your prescribing doctor a copy of my book The Antianxiety Food Solution https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ and tell him/her about my practitioner training https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/balancingneurotransmitters/
Thank you very much for all you do to help us! I would like to try gaba for mild anxiety and worry. I’m concerned if I take it during the day, I’ll feel sleepy. Please advise, and recommend starting dosage.
Should I take it regularly at night or before a stressor such as family event/ driving on the highway?
Also concerned about the sublingual. I have IBS and notice that artificial sweeteners bother my stomach.
Thank you!
Christine
Christine
This is the reason we do a one-off initial trial to figure out unique needs for the person. As mentioned, a typical staring dose is 125mg sublingual. When they are sensitive and/or worried we start lower and increase from there. Best is regular use when there are low GABA symptoms and many of my clients also use extra before a stressful situation.
When other ingredients in sublinguals are bothersome, a GABA only capsule can be opened.
Diet is also always key. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place for the foundations and has a chapter on the amino acids with dosing/timing information. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions related to GABA and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
I’m going through some tough times and am experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. I have been taking a daily escitalopram of 5mg for many years, but I need something more during these tough months ahead. Would Gaba be appropriate? If so, how much? Thank you so much for your prompt response, I need help.
Ek
Sorry to hear. Anxiety and panic attacks can have many causes. I always start by looking into and addressing low GABA and low serotonin. We know by looking at the symptoms and doing a trial or GABA and/or tryptophan. Dosing depends on each person’s unique needs as explained in this blog
Diet is also always key with anxiety and panic attacks. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place for the foundations and has a chapter on the amino acids with dosing/timing information. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when the anxiety is due to low GABA and you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
When someone is using an SSRI especially when it’s long term use we always need to also consider rebound anxiety and panic attacks and tolerance with the medication.
Hi Trudy
I recently started talking GABA calm lozenges, i have settled on a small dose of one lozenge at bedtime. Initially I took this for tense neck and shoulder muscles due to years of anxiety.
This was my starting point with the intention of including tryptophan for ruminating & fearful thoughts which do stop me from participating in various activities.
What I have noticed in the past month is that I seem quite calm although I do still have tense neck muscles. I have last week experienced a profound bereavement with the passing of my mum who I have been caring for. I am genuinely surprised at how I have handled this stressful situation including the funeral. I have always been quite emotional and I have found myself although sad, sitting in a feeling of peace and calm most of the time.
Is it possible that the GABA calm is contributing to this, it was my understanding this product would assist with the my tense muscles but I feel like it has helped me tremendously with my mindset, emotions and mood?
I look forward to your reply.
Kind regards
Sandra
I am sorry for the loss of your mum but heartened to hear you have a feeling of peace and calm most of the time, and that it’s helped with the stressful events of the funeral and your mindset, emotions and mood. I would expect the feeling of peace and calm, and helping reduce overall stress. The emotions and mood are added benefits that we don’t always see with GABA but are not unheard of.
For the tense neck and shoulder muscles a higher amount of GABA may be needed. We also address low magnesium if applicable.
This is such wonderful feedback I’m going to share it as it’s own blog, so we can offer support to others in similar situations – so thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your reply Trudy.
I am open to increasing my GABA dosage but have found taking it in the morning makes me sleepy and a couple of times i have noticed a headache, but this is not uncommon with my stiff neck/shoulder muscles. Would you suggest an afternoon dose or increase my bedtime dose?
As far as my worry goes, it is still in the background although i feel it is less intense. I am open to trying tryptophan as well, only a pixie dust dose but unsure how to go about this, would an evening dose also be helpful?
Interestingly i have noticed my ruminating is there in conjunction with an attack of allergies, this is something i have noticed in the past- are you aware of a connection ? I would welcome any suggestions you may have.
Kind regards
Sandra
Sandra
I can’t provide any specifics via the blog but can share when GABA in the day causes sleepiness I have clients uses less or take more at night to carry over the next day. If you do find you need guidance and support – GABA Quickstart program https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/ You do get specific feedback from me because I gather a mini health history.
Tryptophan is best used afternoon/evening. You can actually read all about the amino acids and timing/dosing in my book The Antianxiety Food Solution. It’s a good resource for the amino acids, other nutrients, pyroluria, gut health and all the dietary factors too – https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ You don’t mention what dietary changes have been made.
Regarding allergies and ruminations, yes there is a connection – more here – 5-HTP and/or tryptophan to help with increased anxiety, panic attacks and depression caused by spring allergies https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/5-htp-and-or-tryptophan-to-help-with-increased-anxiety-panic-attacks-and-depression-caused-by-spring-allergies/
Sandra
I’ve shared your heartwarming results as a new blog and also expanded on my feedback about why GABA has helped so much and some more thoughts on solutions for neck tension. I hope this is helpful for you.
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/her-mum-just-passed-away-and-although-she-is-sad-gaba-allows-her-to-sit-with-a-feeling-of-peace-and-calm-most-of-the-time/
Thanks again for sharing
Hi, This is a phenomenal forum. Thanks ! What are the side effects of long GABA use? It has helped me extremely and I have my life back.. I take anything from 250-750MG/day but there are days when I don’t need any..
How long does one usually take GABA. Thank you for responding. Very grateful..
Sam
Thanks and wonderful to hear GABA has helped you so much. Can you share more about how it’s helped? And which product you use – swallowed or capsules opened?
GABA can be used as long as GABA levels are low but we always work to find why GABA is low and address those factors.