Today’s blog is about a young man diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) in his early twenties and prescribed Adderal (a stimulant). He was a cigarette smoker and drank alcohol too. His mother shared this encouraging feedback about the recent changes he has made and the benefits he reports with pharmaGABA on a recent blog. She aslo has a question about the GABA timing.
If you’re new to the low GABA type of anxiety, here is a recap: with low GABA the anxiety is the physical anxiety type with stiff and tense muscles and there is often the need to self-medicate with alcohol in order to relax, feel calm and fit in socially. Cigarettes can also be calming for many folks. Anxiety can cause poor focus issues and the inability to focus can drive up anxiety.
Here is her feedback and question:
I have a son that just started GABA after I recommended it from following you all these years. He has given up Adderall, alcohol, and nicotine all this past six months and is feeling so much better than the past ten years of his life. He is 32. He had been diagnosed with ADD in his early twenties.
He has symptoms that fall under low GABA and tried a chewable PharmaGABA 100mg tablet yesterday. He took 2 tablets (200mg total) with his meals three times the past two days and said he felt it work immediately. I told him I thought perhaps on a podcast I heard dosing 30 minutes before meals or an hour after was best?
This was my feedback for this mom about the timing of the pharmaGABA:
- It’s wonderful to hear that the chewable pharmaGABA worked immediately to ease his low GABA physical anxiety symptoms
- The amino acid GABA is best used away from protein so, yes, 30 minutes before meals with protein or an hour after is best.
- Your son will likely find he needs less GABA doing it this way and it’ll be more effective.
I had this encouragement and feedback about quitting and using GABA:
- Good for him getting off Adderall and quitting alcohol and nicotine. It can be tough when using just will-power alone.
- The amino acids actually make it easier to quit because of the self-medication aspect and alcohol and nicotine are often used as a way to ease anxiety.
- Even so, addressing low GABA levels after the fact will make it so much easier for him to stay away from nicotine and alcohol without having to use will-power.
- There is also research showing that GABA may offer gut protection after alcohol consumption
- As I mention above, anxiety can cause poor focus issues and the inability to focus can drive up anxiety. GABA can help improve focus and reduce anxiety)
If I was working with young man I would also consider imbalances of other neurotransmitter too (like low serotonin and low endorphins) especially because alcohol and nicotine addictions are so often replaced by sugar and carb addictions.
In this randomized, double blind study, The use of a food supplementation with D-phenylalanine (DPA), L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytriptophan in the alleviation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, amino acids were “used to replenish a lack in neurotransmitters and alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.”
In the study 20 patients were given these amino acids before quitting alcohol and this combination was found to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Based on my experience even when will-power is used to quit (as in this case), many of these withdrawal symptoms linger.
Another reason to look at all the neurotransmitter imbalances is that low blood sugar and gut damage is often a factor with drinkers so glutamine may also be helpful for blood sugar stability and gut healing.
Finally, poor focus can also be caused by low catecholamines, so looking into this and considering a trial with tyrosine may also be worthwhile. This may also prevent the caffeine addiction we see once someone quits alcohol too.
Addressing his diet and probable nutrient deficiencies would be the next step for him. Also looking into adrenal health, possible candida and gut issues and food sensitivities.
I appreciate this mom for sharing and applaud her for telling her son about GABA. I also take my hat off to this young man for making these huge changes in his life and being willing to try GABA.
Have you successfully used GABA or any of the other amino acid to help quit alcohol or cigarettes? Or have you used them after you quit to prevent sygar cravings taking the place of alcohol or cigarettes?
Has GABA or pharmGABA helped ease the physical anxiety you experienced and also helped with focus issues?
Feel free to post your questions here on the blog too.
Hi. I am wondering about what would be a good supplement for very bad insomnia. I have been having bad sleeping problems for almost twenty years. I have tried most of the available sleeping meds and none of them seem to work. I am wondering what you would suggest for helping with a sleeping problems. Thanks!
Jane
I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan and low GABA with GABA – this can help with insomnia and anxiety
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 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/store/aafsbook.html Much of this helps with insomnia too. My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance
We also look at low melatonin, high cortisol, SIBO, meds side-effects and EMFs when someone has severe insomnia
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I suffer from severe anxiety and panic and wonder about gaba as I took 100 mg doses but it did not reduce my symptoms . I do also take meds Pristiq and Olanzapine and clonazepam low dose all but they do not help either . Any suggestions would be great . My anxiety is mostly in the morning worst but also triggers in the day. Thanks so much
Melinda
We always adjust up and/or down based on symptom resolution. GABA is also best used sublingually.
It can be challenging when someone is already taking medications and they can actually cause anxiety too.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like 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/store/aafsbook.html My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Trudy, what is pharmaGaba?
Si
PharmaGABA is one form of GABA (an amino acid) that can be used to raise GABA (neurotransmitter) levels. Some folks seem to do better with GABA and others do better with PharmaGABA.
Designs for Health makes a good PharmaGABA supplement and this is the description on the prooduct: “PharmaGABA® is naturally-sourced, bioidentical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It is made via a process where the amino acid glutamic acid (glutamate) is fermented using Lactobacillus hilgardii, the beneficial bacteria also used to ferment many foods including the vegetables in kimchi, the famous Korean dish. PharmaGABA™ provides 200 mg of GABA per serving (two tablets). Its chewable tablet delivery allows for rapid and efficient absorption and assimilation. As a result, benefits are felt very quickly.” https://shop.designsforhealth.com/pharmagaba-chewables?quantity=1&custcol_dfh_size=65
Dear Trudy,
I hope you can be of help. I have many symptoms of low GABA levels: Extreme muscle tension in shoulders & neck, which quite often results in severe muscle tension headaches. I also have low blood sugar and anxiety issues. I drink wine to help me relax (about 4 glasses per night) and have done so the last 25 years. When the alcohol wears off, typically about 4AM, I wake up with extreme anxiety and muscle tension, which I am sure is a result of depleted GABA levels. However, as much as I have seen you write about GABA for alcohol withdrawal RECOVERY, I have never seen you address the issue about taking GABA while still drinking alcohol, so as to lessen and eventually defeat the desire for alcohol. I am very reluctant to take GABA because I have read that it is dangerous to take GABA with alcohol, as alcohol “impersonates” GABA in the brain and taking the two simultaneously can result in dangerously low respiration and heart rates. I have also read that one of the reasons people have such a hard time quitting alcohol is because their GABA levels are so low (being depleted from alcohol consumption) that they can’t handle the anxiety that comes with quitting. Could you please address that issue (GABA and alcohol interaction) and how one could start to take GABA (and how much) so as to aid in getting off alcohol? I think this information could of great help to me and others.
Also, in your reply to the woman who asked about PharmaGABA, you recommended a brand by Designs For Health, and included a link. However, when I went to the site to view and perhaps purchase the product, it requires a practitioner code in order to do so. Could you also provide the code we need so that we mail avail ourselves of this product? Thank you so much…and thank you for all you do!
Lisa
I blog about some of this here – Does GABA offer gut protection after drinking alcohol? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-offer-gut-protection-drinking-alcohol/ Once a client starts using GABA (and often glutamine too) they are able to stop the alcohol but it’s always important to be aware of possible breathing issues and even seizures when there is alcoholism and withdrawal.
All the DFH products can be purchased via my online supplement store once you have an account. You can find all products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hello and Season’ Blessings and thanks for all your work and this article. Can you please explain what PharmaGABA is?
Tea
It’s a form of GABA which is a calming amino acids used to raise GABA levels and create feelings of calm, less physical tension, and reduced pain, addictions and better sleep for some folks.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Interesting. My 9 year old son benefits a lot from PharmaGABA. He used to have rages as part of his OCD/PANS. PharmaGaba 3 times a day was a miracle to get him through that period.
I tried GABA Calm on my 15 year old and have not noticed any benefit. I went up to two chewables twice a day. However, I later tried Tryptophan and it has been nothing short of a miracle for her.
Kathy
Thanks for sharing! Wonderful to hear this about your son and interesting that pharmaGABA helped him since we typically think of rages as being a low serotonin issue.
And what wonderful results for your daughter too – how did the tryptophan help her?
As you can see we all have unique needs.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hello Trudy, impressed with your work with Amino Acids.
Wondering, can they help when a person is already on Benzos? Or, do they help
After the Benzo taper? Your experience?
Look forward to your response…
THANK YOU!
Danielle
Thank you! I have my clients get nutritionally stable BEFORE starting any medication taper (with their doctor’s approval of course) and this prevents many of the adverse effects. This means eating real food, no gluten, no caffeine, no sugar, quality animal protein, eating for blood sugar control and addressing gut health, the adrenals etc (everything I cover in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html).
I have found that GABA and/or theanine and tryptophan and/or 5-HTP help a great deal. We may also include melatonin, niacinamide, adrenal supportive nutrients and other protocols based on each person’s unique needs.
However there are a subset of individuals (about 30%) who do have a much more difficult time tapering benzos than others, even with nutritional support. More on this here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Can GABA or one of the other amino acids help seasonal affective disorder?
E.B.
Seasonal affective disorder happens when serotonin is low. The best way to determine if someone may have low serotonin is to look at the low serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of tryptophan or 5-HTP 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 anxiety nutrition solutions) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance.
Light therapy is also something to consider https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/winter-blues-sad-light-therapy/
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Back in the late ’70s & early ’80s I helped to develop, implement, and run an Intensive Outpatient Program [IOP] for Chronic Relapse Addictions & Alcoholism. We provided daily amino acid therapy in the nine-month program to help deal with neurotransmitter imbalances and for acute and post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Clients attended four hours per day, five days per week, for nine months
As a certified Addictions Counselor in a progressive non-profit organization, I worked with a particular client – one of many on anti-anxiety meds. antidepressants, and/or psychotropics – who had been on Ritalin for over 20 years. He also was co-dependent, diagnosed ‘ADD with hyperactivity disorder’ and had easy distractibility, loose association of thought, short attention span and was essentially unable to carry on an intelligent conversation.
Using amino acid therapy and some neurolinguistic programming [NLP] in his therapy, and with his help, I was able to get him completely off the Ritalin in about three months. My co-workers, as well as his psychiatrist, were amazed at how well he did getting off the Ritalin.
At time of discharge from treatment, my client was also now able to have an intelligent conversation with you. Granted, he could only last about ten minutes on a topic in a low-distraction environment, but that was a huge gain for him in terms of being able to do a better job of taking care of himself in all spheres of his life.
He did quite well in recovery despite his severe and chronic issues prior, however about a year and a half later while still active in his addiction recovery, unfortunately, he died of HIV/AIDS – a result of his lifestyle back when he was actively pursuing his addiction.
GABA is great for the destructive thinking patterns that often arise in early recovery and withdrawal from the addictive substances [and even helps with addictive behaviors as well] Of course these dysfunctional thinking patterns aren’t limited to just recovering addicts. Most people will experience them more than once in their lifetime, while others might experience them daily and understandably so with all of the crazy changes happening in our lives over the past 10 or more months.
I like putting GABA in my smoothies for a sustained effect [I drink a smoothie over a period of several hours to provide sustained nutrition when I know in advance that I may not be able to stop while I’m working to eat a meal during the day].
[back to the IOP aminos…]
I don’t remember the details at this time, but we used DLPA to increase endorphins, not DPA as there were some additional benefits from the l form for the addict, but we always gave l-methionine with it – again, I don’t recall the detail. There were other aminos we used too, as well as a good broad spectrum B vitamin with significant B3 [niacin, not niacinamide] adequate B6, and C [large doses] & its co-factors; flavonoids, rutin, hesperidin and quercetin.
I’m surprised at how many of these details I recall so easily [I’m 66]. Must be the Lion’s Mane mushroom I consume pretty much daily.
That’s probably enough for now. I’m feeling like I want to go dig out some dusty boxes of papers I have stacked in the closet in the spare bedroom about the Chronic Relapse IOP and take a look again at our dietary supplementation protocol.
To this day, I continue to use amino acids when needed, as well as medicinal, functional/culinary mushrooms for their natural substances that work so well for us. We share a lot of genetics, microbiome, biochemistry and who knows what else with mushrooms – more so than any other organism on earth! [e.g.: melanin from mushrooms such as shiitaké when consumed, can assist the body with energy production when the skin is subsequently exposed to natural sunlight* – similar to the body’s production of vitamin A from beta-carotene when exposed to natural sunlight.*
* without UV-blocking topical sunscreens
If this is too long for your blog you may edit it for brevity as long as context is maintained. Thank you.
Thanks for a very informative and great article Trudy!
Michael
That’s amazing that you used amino aid therapy in this addictions and alcoholism outpatient program late ’70s & early ’80s. You say you helped develop the program so now I’m curious who your mentor was and what was the the name of the program?
Your results with this particular patient were excellent (how sad that he died). I love the addition of NLP, B vitamins and antioxidants. Was there a dietary component too – no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine, eating for blood sugar stability and real whole food? And stress reduction – like yoga, meditation, nature, exercise etc?
DLPA does raise endorphins and also raises catecholamines (needed for motivation, focus) whereas DPA just raises endorphins.
The company was SOLUTIONS, Inc. – a 501(c) 3 non-profit. The program was called The Intensive Outpatient Program for Chronic Relapse. I wrote most of the grant to the State of Michigan and we received $250,000 to run a nine-month pilot program.
Unfortunately there was no longevity to the program despite achieving excellent and unprecedented results. The political climate in Michigan changed and the Office of Substance Abuse Services was absorbed by Public Health resulting in catastrophic changes in funding for programs.
The education/experiential curriculum for clients also included nutrition, guided visualization, relaxation and stress management techniques.
I believe many of the clients also had sugar and caffeine addictions from 12 Step Recovery programs where that stuff flowed like water. Remember this was in the late ’70s/early ’80s.
Not sure what you’re asking in inquiring about my mentor.
Michael
Thanks for sharing this additional information – what a pity it was not continued.
The mentor question was wanting to know who you learned this addiction approach from as it would have been cutting edge in the late ’70s & early ’80s
Hello, Trudy.
I recently watched the Anxiety Summit, and now I am reading this.
All this talk about the amazing benefits of Amino acids in helping to correct neurotransmitter imbalances is fascinating .
I read everything with a great hunger to find relief from PTSD related panic attacks, adrenal issues, codependency, and so many of the issues that come up in your blogs and presentations.
But please, HOW do I go about getting the guidance I need to actually administer these many (and varied) substances in my OWN life?
I know you no longer work with patients one-on-one. And I did buy your book when it first came out. But I am simply too scrambled to be a do -it- yourselfer.
I am at the stage where I need help with this. ie; Which aminos are best for my situation, how much to take, when to take, etc.
Can you please recommend any practitioners with the expertise to help people like me?
I am over 65 and on social security, so I am not a wealthy individual. But I still deserve the opportunity to regain my health and be delivered from these terrifying and debilitating attacks.
conventional medicine with all their drugs and pills have failed me miserably.
I have what they call “treatment resistant depression” I can’t take drugs.
ANY referrals or direction you can offer would be gratefully appreciated.
Thank you.
Carol
It’s good you have the foundational information from the summit and my book. Your best option is one of the online group programs since they are affordable and you can ask questions.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hi Trudy
I have followed your blogs and summits for several years. I recently decided I would definitely try GABBA and tryptophan. I live NZ where it seems the government won’t allow GABBA to be sold. I ordered some from overseas but that hasnt arrived-probably stopped at the boarder. Do you have any ideas how to get round this?? There area few sleep
Supplements available which contain small amounts of GABBA but not much. Luckily we can buy tryptophan here and I think it is helping me already! But I know I need that GABBA thanks
Linda
I believe the rules in Australia and New Zealand are very similar. In Australia GABA is available by prescription and via practitioners. I know Bioceuticals makes a GABA powder that can be dispensed by practitioners in Australia so that may be an option in New Zealand too. Also GABA is available in bulk from sports nutrition stores in Australia and may also be in New Zealand. Other options include taurine or theanine.
May I ask which tryptophan product you were able to purchase there?
Hi Linda,
I order mine from iherb.com and I’m in Australia.
Hope this helps
I was wondering where is the best place to buy pharma GABA? And what do I look for on the bottle? There are so many choices out there and I would like a pure one, not a bottle full of junk please advise Thanks
Debby
You can find products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ and details about setting up an account.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
How can I order PharmaGaba from Designs for Health. I tried to and needed a practitioner code.
I do have the gaba calm from Serene Science which I think was from your recommendation but I’m not sure. It doesn’t seem to do much for me. Perhaps I need to take it 3 times a day consistently. I have had severe anxiety in the past which is better now but I do take quetiapine at night. Currently I am looking for what the article talked about for an aid in quitting smoking and drinking.
Maria
You need to create an account with Fullscript (under me) and order that way. We do adjust up based on symptom resolution. You can find products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ and details about setting up an account
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Thank you Trudy for sharing additional information about GABA and its possible gut protection. Very interesting!
He continues to do well with the PharmaGABA by Natural Factors as far as the physical tension and it helping him “wind down” when he gets those tense feelings. I am listening closely to some of the challenges he continues to face during this pretty radical “life transition”. He lives on his own but thankfully checks in with us often and we see him probably two or three times a week. I am suspect that there is a need for additional Aminos to help support his momentum with GABA.
I purchased L-Tryptophan capsules by Source Naturals 500mg. I haven’t suggested it to him yet. I’m thinking he has low-serotonin according to symptoms like negative thoughts, sometimes disturbed sleep, digestive issues, ruminating thoughts especially when it comes to health and “now what” as life continues in these highly unpredictable times we are all facing in 2020. He is looking for a new career path professionally, which adds to his stress, and may have to sell his house if that piece to the puzzle doesn’t present itself soon.
He has increased his exercise quite a lot in the past two months. Added running to his three times a day walking with his dogs. He knows too much exercise isn’t good either due to high cortisol but he loves to be outside when the weather permits. He is also changing his diet for the better and doubled his Omega 3s and Vitamin D3 intake, along with a multiple vitamin.
I am hesitant to have him try anything else because I have heard some people don’t have the best reactions to Tryptophan… but then so many do get help using it along with GABA. The GABA has helped for sure and came at such a good time for him so thanks again for all your help with that and all you do for this community!
Mary Beth
So glad to hear he continues to do well. With all the changes he has made and since he’s had such good results with GABA I would encourage you to point him to the questionnaire and my book so he can be more empowered and in control when it comes to next steps.
I’m not sure what you’ve heard in terms of less than ideal reactions to tryptophan but I can share that if someone has low serotonin symptoms tryptophan can also be life-changing. A few things to consider – Lidtke Tryptophan is is superior Source Naturals Tryptophan. Also some people do better on 5-HTP and some do better with tryptophan.
I have purchased your antianxiety food solution and read it cover to cover. I get depressed often and unable to tolerate any SSRI at all.
I take two 500 capsules of Lidtke L-Tryptophan at mid afternoon and one at bed time. I also take 750 mg go GABA daily., but from now on I will try 200 mg of chewable PharmaGABA.
But none of them help my insomnia.
Mohamad
We adjust up until we find resolution of insomnia. Some folks also do better on 5-HTP and we often add melatonin. And with insomnia it’s key to also look at sugar/caffeine/gluten intake, the gut/SIBO, high cortisol, toxins, infections and EMFs.
Feel free to search the blog as I’ve written much about insomnia.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hello, I’m new here, my sister forwarded your blog entry. Interesting to read as I’ve been on Adderall for years and also have chronic nervy pain that is much worse with anxiety. At age 45 I don’t feel my body or brain powers through like it used to, yet that’s far too young to give up on feeling better.
Two questions please –
1). Is there a lab test to know if your GABA levels are low and if so are such tests accurate in your opinion?
2). I can’t stand the stevia and possibly xylitol taste. Do you know a chewable version of PharmaGABA or GABA that doesn’t contain these sweeteners? I haven’t looked into non-chewable forms yet to know if they exist or work the same without the quick release ability of a chewable.
Thank you.
Jill
The best way to determine if someone may have low 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 https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
You can find products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Feel free to search the blog as I’ve written much about ADHD and pain.
If you are new to the amino acids (and anxiety nutrition solutions) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html My online group programs are helpful if you have questions and need guidance.
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
I have an inherited condition called cervical dystonia: shakey hands and head. Then anxiety immediately follows the inability to control my body. GABA helps with the shakiness and consequently the physical anxiety, but GABA also makes me feel “weird”, a numb fullness in my head. I have tried several different brands and strengths, but they all do the same thing. I use Tryptophan to help with sleep. I eat a very healthy organic low sugar diet and avoid caffeine. Any suggestions?
Rita
It’s good to hear GABA helps with the shakiness and physical anxiety. Too much GABA can make you feel weird so it may be simply finding the right balance and using less so you get the benefits and no adverse effects. I’m curious which brands and strengths you have tried?
You may find these blog posts helpful
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/essential-tremor-dystonia-anxiety-and-cravings-diet-gaba-tryptophan-zinc-and-vitamin-b6/
and
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-focal-musicians-dystonia/
To Lisa [Dec 2020] I was re-reading your inquiry and realized there is something else to consider here.
First of all, alcohol has a diuretic effect and as a result can cause deficiencies and/or depletion of water-soluble nutrients such as B vitamins, C, and especially minerals such as magnesium.
I would suggest you consider that magnesium is necessary for proper relaxation of muscle tissue following contraction stimulated by calcium ions.
If your magnesium levels are low [most people are already low without drinking alcohol] as evidenced by widespread muscle tension, then supplementation may be indicated. Bear in mind that many forms of magnesium either are irritating to the gut and hence have a laxative effect [e.g. magnesium citrate] or an antacid effect such as magnesium hydroxide [think ‘milk of magnesia’].
I would suggest adding a magnesium supplement such as magnesium glycinate which is well tolerated by the gut, much more easily absorbed than many forms of magnesium. The amino acid glycine that is liberated when the body splits off the magnesium for ionization, is healthy for your kidneys which have been stressed by the alcohol. Another good form of magnesium is magnesium taurate [especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or TV screen – taurine helps with eye problems related to the strain from these devices.]
Sorry I missed this the first time around. I hope you are still monitoring comments here.
Conversely, magnesium oxide, a form commonly prescribed by MDs is so poorly absorbed that taking 250 mg results in only 10 mg being absorbed – not a good source of magnesium for you.
I’m wondering about supplments that may help with a different kind of addiction that is common in young adults these days: gaming addiction. Would these same recommendations of D-phenylalanine (DPA), L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytriptophan for the alleviation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms also be effective for withdrawl from other addictions?
Lisa
Absolutely! The amino acids help with all addictions and it’s matter of figuring out which neurotransmitter imbalance is driving the addiction and using the respective amino acid. With gaming we often see endorphin involvement i.e. numbing out (we use DPA here), low dopamine and the thrill-seeking need (we use tyrosine here), and an obsessive need to play and play (we use tryptophan or 5-HTP here). There may also be low GABA because they are stressed and overwhelmed and gaming helps them avoid it (we use GABA here) and social anxiety (pyroluria protocol helps so much). Low blood sugar and adrenal issues can creep in because of the long hours playing and not eating and sleeping well.
This is an interesting article – “Video games are more addictive than ever. This is what happens when kids can’t turn them off.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2016/12/07/video-games-are-more-addictive-than-ever-this-is-what-happens-when-kids-cant-turn-them-off/
Hello Trudy. I recently came across your work while taking a class with the IWHI. I have ADD and started taking ADD meds plus Zoloft for anxiety and lifelong RSD about a year ago. I’m thankful for these pharmaceutical interventions bc they have helped me get to a better place. I recently weened off of the Zoloft, using L-tryptophan. It’s been interesting to see how the Zoloft actually was helping my IBS-C. Discovering that L-tryptophan can act in a similar way in the body, I was curious, tried it…and it’s working. Mind blown. So now I want to explore with GABA and 5-HTP. Should I be concerned about any neg interactions with ADHD med? Eventually, I see myself weening from that as well if it works out. Thankfully yours, KB