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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by platinumbride on March 22, 2007, at 13:15:05
Would taking gaba alone be a good replacement for neurontin? Does it cause cognitive problems? Finally, is there a recommended brand and how much does one have to take if anxiety is a SERIOUS issue?
Oh - and side effects?
Thanks,
Diane
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 23, 2007, at 9:48:46
In reply to GABA to replace neurontin?, posted by platinumbride on March 22, 2007, at 13:15:05
> Would taking gaba alone be a good replacement for neurontin?
Probably not. People seem to vary considerably as to whether they feel a central nervous system effect from oral GABA. Standard wisdom has it that none can cross the blood/brain barrier, but there are too many people reporting anxiolytic effects for this to be dismissed out of hand. Also, as GABA is a natural brain chemical, there are multiple interlinked biochemical systems which modulate and moderate its effects. Drugs do have an advantage in that regard, as they are artificial.
That said, gabapentin (neurontin) has a very short half life, so it may have a similar period of efficacy to oral GABA, if it works for you at all.
> Does it cause cognitive problems?
None that I've heard about.
> Finally, is there a recommended brand and how much does one have to take if anxiety is a SERIOUS issue?
I can't recommend one brand over another, having no experience with different sources. Dose? You're going to have to experiment, and use common sense. If you're vastly exceeding label doses, or frequency recommendations, then I'd suggest this intervention is not appropriate for you.
There are GABA-A receptor co-factors that might potentiate oral GABA. Magnesium and niacinamide both improve receptor sensitivity. With these multiple variables, some experimentation is inevitable.
> Oh - and side effects?
>
> Thanks,
>
> DianeSome people report mild transient tingling sensations. That's all I know.
GABA synthesis depends on vitamin B-6. More specifically, the "activated" form known as pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, also known as P-5-P or PLP. There are known genetic defects in this biosynthesis route, so it is possible that you might have an idiosyncratic metabolic deficiency.
Lar
BTW, iherb has all this stuff. They're one of the cheaper sources. http://www.iherb.com/store/Default.aspx
Posted by sregan on March 23, 2007, at 11:51:30
In reply to GABA to replace neurontin?, posted by platinumbride on March 22, 2007, at 13:15:05
I thought Gabapentin was ursurped by Lyrica it's successor. Also the supplement Phenibut is supposed to do something similar but everyone reports tolerance issues after a few weeks. (You should research that one well before you decide to try).
Posted by nolvas on March 25, 2007, at 15:28:56
In reply to Re: Lyrica or Phenibut » platinumbride, posted by sregan on March 23, 2007, at 11:51:30
My experiences with GABA and Phenibut are as follows :
GABA made me more anxious and short of breath. I didn't take a large dosage and this happens whatever brand I take. Please be aware that GABA may have an anxiogenic effect which is unpleasant.
I took a moderate dosage of Phenibut and it was like being hit with a sledge hammer. I felt dizzy and drugged up for two days and it was unrelenting and not a nice experience.
My advice with regard to the above supplements is to absolutely take the lowest 'recommended' dosage.
This is the end of the thread.
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