Posted by Sean on April 20, 2000, at 12:53:48
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa for Megan, posted by Laura from Seattle on April 20, 2000, at 11:55:33
Hello,
This GABA dicussion is very interesting. It does
suprise me, however, because it doesn't jive with
what I've read. Here's what I've read about GABA:GABA is not thought to pass the blood-brain barrier
so it is difficult - if not impossible - to elevate
the levels of GABA in the brain by oral consumption
of GABA. Maybe the combination of GABA with these
other agents is allowing it to sneak through.But even if we could elevate GABA by direct consumption,
it is hard to beleive that it would not result in
some sort of homeostatic change in GABA production
in the brain itself. When you stopped taking the
oral GABA, you might have a deficit due to down
regulated production of your own GABA.The substance progabide pases the blood brain barrier
and is subsequently metabolized into GABA. This is
a different way on increasing GABA than the benzo
class of anxiolytics which allow more endogenous GABA to
to reach receptors. Oh it's so confusing!Anyway, I don't think taking oral GABA will hurt,
but it may not help all that much either...Sean.
> Megan:
>
> I came across this and thought you might be interested... GABA is an amino acid that has the exact same results as depakote only its all natural... no side effects... Perhaps this is for you.... Good luck... Laura from Seattle
>
> __________________________________________________
> Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonessential amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by decreasing neuron activity.
>
> In their book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., state that GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as valium, librium, and other tranquilizers without the fear of addiction. They recommend taking 750 milligrams of GABA for its tranquilizing effect. They go on to mention that combining GABA with niacinamide and inositol prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by filling its receptor site.
>
> In his book, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing, he describes GABA as the brain's natural calming agent. He has used GABA as a natural tranquilizer with much success. One case he mentions in his book is that of a woman whose high pressure job was causing frequently intense episodes of anxiety. The woman began taking GABA at the first signs of an anxiety attack to feel calmer. He recommends taking 750 to 1,000 milligrams per day for anxiety.
poster:Sean
thread:2790
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/30714.html