"Are you sure that GABA's not just another form of Gabapentin?"
Good Question! Actually, when the pharmacist first mentioned it, I thought
that was what he was going to suggest, too.
But the answer is No, GABA is not a form of Gabapentin. My guess is that
'Gabapentin' got it's name from the fact that it works on the GABA receptors,
which have an inhibitory function (as opposed to excitatory). But Gabapentin
is a drug.
GABA, short for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is actually an amino acid that acts as
a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It's function is to decrease
neuron activity, thereby preventing neurons from overfiring. It's normally
manufactured by the body, from other amino acids, and therefore not generally
needed to be consumed. However, it is used to treat various things, like
epilepsy, ADD, etc.. It acts somewhat like a 'natural' tranquilizor - it's not
addicting.
But, like anything else, it needs to be used in moderation or it could cause
problems like increased anxiety, shortness of breath, etc. So be sure to
follow the recommendations on the bottle unless your doctor or pharmacist has
told you differently. And it's not a 'cure-all'. You may still need drugs,
but maybe not as much or as often.
Sally
