GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid. Bodybuilders and athletes sometimes take it in hopes of stimulating higher human growth hormone levels in the body because it can lead the pituitary gland to produce more of this hormone. Others take it to counter depression, anxiety or insomnia, likening GABA, which is actually a neurotransmitter, to the brain’s natural "Valium." This supplement can have some side effects. You should consult a physician before taking it or any of its derivatives.
Decreased Alertness
GABA may make you too relaxed to drive or perform other activities that you need to be alert for, says Julia Ross in “The Mood Cure.” You should take your first dose of this supplement at home in case this occurs, Ross advises. Also, if you are taking GABA to reduce stress or anxiety you should quit using it once symptoms ease. Otherwise, it will make you more tired than relaxed, says Ross. Christopher Hobbs and Kathi Keville, authors of “Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health,” discourage ongoing supplementation with GABA until more is learned about possible long-term effects.
Short-Term Effects
You may experience a mild tingling sensation when you take GABA. Other common short-term side effects include an alteration in heart rate and breathing patterns. These symptoms should disappear quickly, notes Tim Mielke in “The Book of Supplement Secrets.”
Dangers
If you use gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a naturally occurring GABA analog, your risk for side effects can increase. An overdose can lead to GHB intoxication. This can alter your mental status somewhat similar to alcohol intoxication and depress your respiratory system. Overdose can lead to death, say P.E. Mason and W.P. Kerns II in Academic Emergency Medicine. If you suffer GHB intoxication you’ll also experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to alcohol withdrawal, the authors note. People sometimes turn to GHB because GABA cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, making its effectiveness questionable, according to Iron Magazine. However, GHB was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 1990 for over-the-counter use, though it is still sold on the black market. GHB also can cause seizures and lead to anterograde amnesia, or trouble creating new memories. In fact, it is one of the substances implicated as a “date rape” drug.
References
- “Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health;” Christopher Hobbs and Kathi Keville; 2007
- “The Mood Cure;” Julia Ross; 2003
- “The Book of Supplement Secrets;” Tim Mielke; 2008
- “Academic Emergency Medicine;” Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) intoxication; P.E. Mason and W.P. Kerns II; 2002
- “Principles of Psychotharmacology for Mental Health Professionals;” Jeffrey E. Kelsey, Charles B. Nemeroff and D. Jeffrey Newport; 2006
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