Do GABA Supplements Have Side Effects?
GABA, known more formally as gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a chemical in the brain responsible for sending nerve signals throughout your central nervous system. Treatment with GABA supplements are purported to help reduce high blood pressure as well as symptoms of stress, anxiety and insomnia. However, the effectiveness of GABA supplements has yet to be fully evaluated. Consult your medical provider about the safety of GABA supplements before initiating treatment.
Safety Issues
Treatment with GABA supplements is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. However, more extensive clinical studies evaluating the safety of this supplement are necessary. If you experience any unusual health problems or side effects while taking GABA supplements, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Medication Interactions
Side Effects of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Learn More
To date, there are no known medication interactions associated with taking GABA supplements. Before taking this supplement, however, discuss all medications you're taking with your physician.
Contraindications
The safety and effectiveness of GABA supplements have not been evaluated during pregnancy or related side effects. For this reason, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking GABA supplements. In addition, people with liver or kidney disease shouldn't take GABA supplements without first consulting a doctor.
Dosing Guidelines
How Much EPA & DHA Are in Chia Seeds?
Learn More
To reduce high blood pressure, health professionals with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommend adults take 10 mg of GABA daily. Higher doses of GABA of up to 1,000 mg daily may be necessary to alleviate symptoms associated with insomnia or anxiety. For more personalized dosing recommendations, seek guidance from your medical provider.
Related Articles
References
- University of Michigan Health System: GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: GABA
- RxList: GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Nuss P. Anxiety disorders and GABA neurotransmission: a disturbance of modulation. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:165–175. doi:10.2147/NDT.S58841
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders. Updated December 2017.
- Weeks BS. Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. Med Sci Monit. 2009;15(11):RA256–RA262.
- Boonstra E, De kleijn R, Colzato LS, Alkemade A, Forstmann BU, Nieuwenhuis S. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1520. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01520
- Ford TC, Nibbs R, Crewther DP. Glutamate/GABA+ ratio is associated with the psychosocial domain of autistic and schizotypal traits. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(7):e0181961. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181961
- Möhler H. The GABA system in anxiety and depression and its therapeutic potential. Neuropharmacology. 2012 Jan;62(1):42–53. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.08.040
- Zhang S, Cranney J. The role of GABA and anxiety in the reconsolidation of conditioned fear. Behav Neurosci. 2008 Dec;122(6):1295–305. doi:10.1037/a0013273
Writer Bio
Rae Uddin has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 2004. She specializes in scientific journalism and medical and technical writing. Her work has appeared in various online publications. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.