Posted by Ritch on May 7, 2002, at 8:29:33
In reply to Mitch, update here! » Ritch, posted by Janelle on May 7, 2002, at 2:38:36
> I should have done the search BEFORE I posted just above to you - sorry.
>
> I did a search on GABA which confirmed that I am RIGHT - it IS a calming thing - it's a non-essential amino acid that has a calming effect.
>
> Thus, my question to you regarding Klonopin and benzos still stands:
>
> Are you saying that because a GABA receptor-specific med like Klonopin (and other benzos) kind of "fools" the synapses/receptors into "thinking" there is plenty of GABA around, that being fooled like this, the brain would then lower/stop GABA production?
>
> Since GABA acts to calm a person, I would think that Klonopin and other benzos somehow create more GABA in the brain, but not according to what you said! Which leads me to also wonder/ask just how do Klonopin and other benzos manage to calm anxiety if they do not increase GABA?
>
> Hmmmmmmm ...!
Janelle,Since GABA is an inhibitory ("calming") neurotransmitter, and Klonopin/benzos act at the GABA receptors, I think that it makes the GABA receptor more "sensitive" to what GABA happens to be present thus inhibiting neuron firing more so than it would do otherwise without the receptors being "sensitized". Just a hunch-going on memory-no coffee yet :-)
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:105245
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105417.html