Guys, I found these articles that clearly demonstrate that some of us have GABA deficiencies (I know this is nothing new). It mentions visual problems and the “aging” effects we’ve noticed (memory loss, etc.). They also talk about the current medications we have that increase GABA within the brain. Has anyone tried Xanax or any of the other GABA increasing drugs??? It sounds like this would really help our brain fog and visual problems. I’m thinking about getting a psychiatrist to prescribe some for me. These scientists injected GABA into the brains of old monkeys, and they became “younger” in their response. Anyway, any input would be appreciated.
this may be a totally dumb post, but…
i was at the health food store the other day and saw some bottles labeled GABA. can your really just buy the stuff and take it and it will help?
i am thinking that it can’t be that easy if people are talking about using xanax, etc. to increase GABA.
Good question. The problem with GABA is that it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier. It’s too polarized. Drugs like Xanax can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the effects of our naturally produced GABA by binding with its receptor.
I take GABA anyway just in case some gets in the brain, but I doubt it does me much good.
if only it were that easy i guess.
i have also read something about certain amino acids possibly increasing GABA. can’t remember where i got this, but i have a huge text file with snippets of info i find on the web.
i might try some L-theanine and see how it affects me. i need to do more research first though. after finasteride i am scared of putting anything but whole food, water, and a multi-vitamin in my body!
“Because studies show that people suffering from anxiety often have a GABA deficiency, many nutritionists recommend taking GABA as a supplement. The problem with this logic is that GABA doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier very well so supplements may be ineffective. However, a new supplement, L-theanine, might be the answer to boosting GABA levels in the brain. A compound in green tea, L-theanine is a derivative of another neurotransmitter, glutamic acid. Readily absorbed by the brain, L-theanine calms anxiety by directly influencing both GABA and serotonin levels. And, unlike anti-anxiety drugs, L-theanine works quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling groggy. On the contrary, this green tea derivative actually improves concentration. In one small study, researchers found that anxious students taking 200 mg of L-theanine felt much less anxious and more focused within 40 minutes of taking the supplement. Patented under the name of Suntheanin, L-theanine has no reported side effects.”
have you tried it or what?
After alot of research I believe that supplementing with things to increase GABA will sooth the problem, but not fix it. We need to find a way to naturally increase the neurosteriods that act upon the GABA receptors thus making the available GABA “usuable.” How we can do this is anyones guess.
Like Mew said, maybe just time?
Hopefully.
I didn’t use Xanax, but i took Valium for 6 months, to recover from the panick attacks right after quitting Finasteride. It was great, as my intention was to calm down. But it is definetely not the fix for us. Altough i felt calmer, it made me feel no libido at all (i still have a little bit, so it is better than nothing). Also, my penis got even more numb while i was taking Valium. It was harder to ejaculate also. But, if you intend to calm down, and do it as a temporary solution, i say go for it.
Again, I would vehemently disagree with any further drug use to treat problems.
Right–any benzodiazepine, non-benzodiazepine, opiate, alcohol… any DOWNER… runs the risk of impairing sexual function. This is common of drugs like Xanax, Valium, Ativan. I took Xanax for about a week, and definitely noticed the sexual impairment.
basically, avoid CNS Depressants if you can.
Hmm, I generally agree that drugs can be bad and run with side-effects, but they can most certainly help.
Drugs like propecia, for us guys who want a sex life, not so good a drug, but drugs like anti-biotics for someone who has typhoid or chlamydia, are pretty essential.
Just be sure WHAT you’re taking, know the side effects and risks, and be prepared. If you expect the worse you won’t be surprised.
Not advocating drug use, this is just my own personal opinion–should one chose a natural route, great for them. I am in no way expressing anyone listen to what I say as what should happen–Think for yourself!
How was the theanine experiment? Did it worked?