Posted by Larry Hoover on April 28, 2003, at 10:10:38
In reply to GABA supplemtation, also a question for Larry, posted by Caleb462 on April 28, 2003, at 1:35:14
> GABA. I didn't know that you could buy actual GABA as a supplement til a few weeks ago.
>
> So... my question is, does it work?
>
> If so, at what dose?
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> Must you take it with food or on an empty stomach?
>
> Also, how does it compare with pharmaceutical anxiotylics like the benzos?Oral GABA cannot enter the brain except by passive diffusion, which is another way of saying it's blocked by the blood-brain barrier except for trivial leaks. Whether or not GABA has peripheral effects (the rest of the body) is kind of an open question. There are GABA receptors elsewhere, but oral GABA is not often linked to any obvious effects.
> I'm fairly skeptical about it right now. There's probably some physiological reason that GABA supplemtation doesn't work, or maybe I'm just being pessimistic.
The reason GHB and GBL have sustained popularity is that they do cross the blood-brain barrier, and your brain can form GABA from either one. Both substances do other things, as well.
> Any experiences or comments are VERY welcome. Thanks!!!!!!!!!
>
>
> Oh yeah, and Larry - I was wondering if you've had any experience with "alternative" anxiotylics like valerian, kava, and particularly l-theanine. I've heard that most valerian and kava preparations don't work since they contain very little of the active chemicals needed. Are there any good brands? Anybody else know?
>
> The word on L-theanine seems to be pretty good though, do you have any experience Larry... or anyone else for that matter?I have never used l-theanine, and I didn't much like kava. To each his own. Valerian actually stimulated me.
There are some possible toxic reactions to kava if used long-term or in high acute doses. For most people it is well tolerated, and is an effective anxiolytic.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:222824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/222882.html