Question 1

could taking gaba help with depression?

Accepted Answer

Not currently: Gaba is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and as a supplement is sold as a "natural tranquilizer."  by itself it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier.  There may be a role in gaba(b) [a form of gaba] in depression, as this receptor system interacts with the serotonergic system & other neurotropic factors.  More research needed to define this, though.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20655491.

Question 2

are 5htp and gaba supplements effective for depression/anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Supplements: Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Humulus lupulus  (Hops) Valerian &amp; Chamomile may help Anxiety. Although Kava Kava may help it has potential to cause liver damage. Lavender &amp; chamomile essential oils (not ingested) are also calming. Depression may benefit from Omega 3 Fatty Acids, SAM-e &amp;  5- HTP. If there are  specific deficencies then Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 &amp; Magnesium supplementation may help. GABA&gt;

Question 3

could gaba work for my depression and panic attack? can it combine with baclofen?

Accepted Answer

? your meds: Just reviewed  your meds, and am confused, as you take medicine commonly used for spasticity or muscle spasms, and a drug for Parkinson's.  Why are you taking these, and what is the cause for your dystonia?
If you have depression and panic, there are specific meds for this.  Talk to your doctor.  Do you have a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders?

Question 4

is a gaba supplement safe to take for anxiety?  does it have side effects? can it make depression worse? looking for a safe alt to benzos.

Accepted Answer

Anxiety Tx: Has your treating professional done a sufficient trial of either Cymbalta, BuSpar, (buspirone) or Prozac?  All of these medications are approved for the treatment of anxiety and are not benzodiazepines.

Question 5

i took a dried urine test of my neurotransmitters, high dopamine levels, low seratonin low gaba, low epherine and low neoephorine and my histimate is high and glutamate what does all this mean? i suffere from extreme stress anxiety ocd and depression?

Accepted Answer

: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, what you described does not add up. There are no valid tests on dried urine.    
Wish you good health!

Question 6

hi doctor. suffered depression for a few years, lose of optimism. other symptoms, history of excessive masturbation. started taking maca root and tried to reduce masturbation. im reading only positive reviews of bee pollen and an amino acid called gaba wo

Accepted Answer

Feeling Good: There are several types of depression.  Reactive depression occurs as a result of loss and eventually we adjust.  If one does not adjust or if the cause is not clear certainly seek professional help.  "feeling good" by david burns is an excellent self-help book based on science.  Don't let the thickness of it intimidate you.  Take it bit by bit.  The very best to you.  Masturbation is not cause.

Question 7

how to increase serotonin and gaba levels in the brain?have extreme anxiety but not depressed.no cbt please tried lots of times and 8years of antidepr

Accepted Answer

Don't give up: Hi. You have a lot of info on your disorder, but you don't seem to feel helped. Have you tried other forms of therapy from cbt? Therapy can work even if it hasn't in the past. Sometimes it really is a matter of finding the right therapist for you. Good luck and keep asking.

Question 8

what's your opinion on causes depression?

Accepted Answer

Multiple causes: Depression has complex & multiple causes.  Some include: genetic linkages, in that it's more common in some families than others, along with alcoholism. Risk is 1.5-3 times greater if you have a 1st degree relative w/depression.  Also medications like beta-blockers, and medical conditions like hypothyroidism.  Histories of trauma & abuse; substance abuse; loss & death; social conflict & isolation.

Question 9

what is your opinion on st.john's for depression?

Accepted Answer

Proceed With Caution: St john's wort is a plant that contains some of the active ingredients found in ssri medications such as prozac, zoloft, paxil, (paroxetine) celexa, and lexapro.  St john's wort is classified as a food supplement therefore it's production and distribution is not under supervision by the fda. Thus the quantity and quality of the active ingredient in st john's wort can vary widely from brand to brand.

Question 10

how to deal with depression while on steroids?

Accepted Answer

Depression.: If you are taking steroids to build up muscle then stop. However, i think you are  probably referring to steroids prescribed to treat a medical condition. In this case (if steroids can't be stopped) then please see a psychiatrist. You may need both antidepressants and talking therapy.  Even though the cause is known, the depression is still approached as other forms of depression.

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Doctor answers about:

Gaba and depression

A member asked:

Could taking gaba help with depression?

A member asked:

Are 5htp and gaba supplements effective for depression/anxiety?

A member asked:

Could gaba work for my depression and panic attack? can it combine with baclofen?

A member asked:

Is a gaba supplement safe to take for anxiety? does it have side effects? can it make depression worse? looking for a safe alt to benzos.

A member asked:

I took a dried urine test of my neurotransmitters, high dopamine levels, low seratonin low gaba, low epherine and low neoephorine and my histimate is high and glutamate what does all this mean? i suffere from extreme stress anxiety ocd and depression?

A member asked:

Hi doctor. suffered depression for a few years, lose of optimism. other symptoms, history of excessive masturbation. started taking maca root and tried to reduce masturbation. im reading only positive reviews of bee pollen and an amino acid called gaba wo

A member asked:

How to increase serotonin and gaba levels in the brain?have extreme anxiety but not depressed.no cbt please tried lots of times and 8years of antidepr

A member asked:

What's your opinion on causes depression?

A member asked:

What is your opinion on st.john's for depression?

A member asked:

How to deal with depression while on steroids?

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