Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Side Effects from Supplements

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid side effects can occur if too much of this neurotransmitter is present in the brain.

This is a potential area of concern for anyone interested in using GABA supplements.

However, we are equipped with highly effective self-regulatory system to prevent excess levels of GABA in the brain.

The body does this by making it difficult for this chemical to penetrate the blood-brain barrier if there is already a sufficient level detected within the cerebral cortex.

For this reason, GABA side effects are rare when using supplements to increase levels of this calming neurotransmitter.

However, there are other instances in which adverse effects can occur if other chemicals that stimulate GABAergic receptors are taken in excess. One example of this is alcohol which activates one type of receptors for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, or as it is more commonly known, GABA, is vital for calming stress responses.

It helps to keep our moods and anxiety responses in check and is important for the onset of sleep and our ability to calm ourselves down after periods of excitement. GABA is naturally present in the mind as a key regulator of neuronal excitability.

For some individuals, taking a GABA supplement may seem like an effective way to control anxious thoughts, panic attacks, stress responses, and more. If this applies to you then you may naturally be concerned about the possibility of experiencing side effects when using Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid pills.

There has been some research into GABA side effects, which we will discuss below. However, GABA pills may not be as effective as hoped, resulting in inconsistent reviews from different users about their experiences. While some individuals do seem to respond to this natural anxiety remedy, others see no benefits at all.

This is because supplemental GABA is unable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to any great degree in many individuals. For this reason, it is recommended to use supplements like Lemon Balm, L-Theanine, or Valerian Root which have similar effects to natural Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in the brain.

Continue reading to learn more about how GABA works in the body, benefits and effects of GABA, as well information on the risk of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid side effects.

GABA

GABAergic Supplement

Mood

Sleep

Body- building

How It Works:

• Anxiolytic effects to reduce stress
• May improve sleep & anxiety
• Supports fat loss & increases HGH

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top GABA Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

How Natural GABA Works

When scientists first identified Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid about 50 years ago, it provided a key missing link to understanding how humans are often able to balance intense stress responses with calm and controlled emotions.

This naturally occurring amino acid is produced in great abundance in the cerebral cortex. Its job is simply to prevent the over-firing of nerves, which is generally the first step in both physical and mental stress responses.

GABA does this by inhibiting nerve responses that are activated by excitatory neurotransmitters such as Glutamate, Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, or Dopamine.

Blocking these nerve firings results in a calming of mood and slowing down of anxious thoughts. For this reason, endogenous GABA is considered an anxiolytic agent (any substance which inhibits anxiety reactions).

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid side effects generally don’t come into play when we are discussing natural GABA which the body produces on its own.

However, a deficiency of natural GABA can in itself cause side effects, such as headaches, low mood, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, poor sleep patterns, PMS and in advanced cases, Parkinson’s Disease.

For this reason, many people are curious about supplementing their natural GABA levels.

Supplemental Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Side Effects

GABA is easy to tolerate and causes very few side effects if any at all. It should be avoided by individuals who are taking medications or supplements that can also increase the activity of GABA receptors in the brain.

Some people have reported a slight rise in heart rate, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, some facial flushing, an itching or tingling in the skin, and drowsiness. But these effects are mild and infrequent, and often pass quickly. The effects on breathing and heart rate very often dissipate fairly soon after onset, while the itching/tingling typically lasts no longer than 20-40 minutes.

There are no negative Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid side effects associated with naturally produced GABA. The body seems able to successfully balance the abundant levels of this neurotransmitter throughout the central nervous system and cerebral cortex.

Problems with GABA Supplements

There are many reasons that people take GABA supplements in pill form. It has earned a reputation as a quick fix for feelings of anxiety or mental stress. In fact, one popular method for consuming GABA is to place a tablet under the tongue for stress-relief.

According to some users, for them maintaining a regular daily dosage of GABA supplements serves to relieve stress and anxiety, and helps prevent difficult emotional mood swings before they happen.

GABA is not a stimulant and doesn’t produce a “high” sensation. Its effects are more subtle. Still, the question remains, can these GABA effects be achieved through supplementation, or are they only applicable when the body produces GABA on its own?

Current scientific knowledge states that GABA itself cannot cross the blood brain barrier to any great extent. This means that the vast majority of any oral supplements you might ingest will not make it to the brain, where all of GABA’s nerve calming effects take place.

However, there are many positive users reviews for GABA supplements online. It is possible that these positive effects are due to the placebo effect alone, however there are also a few alternative theories of why GABA supplements may be causing mental effects for these people.

One theory states that there could be personal, individual difference in levels of blood-brain barrier permeability (whether naturally or due to conditions such as chronic inflammation) which could allow supplemental GABA into the brains of some people.

Another theory states that GABA supplements may not need to cross over the blood-brain barrier directly to cause mental effects. Which the connection is still currently being researched, it is believed that there is a connection between the network of neurons in the gastrointestinal tract (the enteric nervous system), and the brain. The theory therefore is that GABA supplements can interact with GABA receptors in the gut to then cause mental effects.

While either of these theories could help to reconcile current scientific knowledge with the countless positive user reviews, neither theory has been tested at this point, and both would be good areas for future research.

At this time in the US, GABA is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved GABA as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Using GABA Agonist Supplements

GABA deficiencies can be harmful to short term happiness and long term health. For most people, GABA supplements are not the best way to optimize levels in the brain.

It turns out Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid side effects are not the main concern when deciding whether or not to purchase GABA supplements. The real issue is efficacy, and to get around this, many people turn to using GABA agonists.

GABA agonists are supplements which are bioavailable, and can target specific GABA receptors once inside the brain. These compounds can act similarly to GABA at these sites, and result in the same inhibitory effects. Two of the most common examples of GABA agonists are Lemon Balm and L-Theanine.

The difference between these agonists and GABA supplements is that these agents can cross the blood brain barrier. Once in the brain, GABA agonists can interact with GABA receptors similarly to endogenous GABA.

These supplements can be easily purchased through nootropic vendors, making the calming action of GABA accessible through supplementation. However, each of these supplements can come with their own risk of adverse effects if they are not used properly. You should research them on their own before purchasing to determine which is the right supplement for you.

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