GABAergic supplements, vitamins, and herbs
recoverGABAergic refers to the neurotransmitter system in the brain that utilizes the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a critical role in regulating neuronal activity and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.
GABAergic neurotransmission is involved in a wide range of physiological and cognitive functions, including sleep, anxiety, mood, motor control, and cognitive processing.
Dysregulation of the GABAergic system due to the neuroadaptation caused by a benzodiazepine is thought to be the main cause of benzodiazepine withdrawal and BIND symptoms.
It is best to avoid taking GABAergic supplements during recovery from a benzodiazepine so as to let the GABA receptors recover. If you are deficient in a vitamin that s GABAergic and need to supplement, you can start with a small dose and titrate to a therapeutic dose. Or, you can get an injection. Some people better tolerate an injection over oral dosing. Everyone’s response will be their own.
Here is a list of GABAergice supplements, vitamins, and herbs. This is not an exhaustive list. Please do your own research about any supplement you are thinking of taking.
- Ashwagandha
- Bacopa monnieri
- Biotin
- Black cohosh
- Calcium
- Chamomile
- Choline
- Coenzyme Q10
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Garlic
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Glutamate
- Glutamine
- Glycine
- Gotu kola
- Hops
- Inositol
- Kava
- L-theanine
- L-tryptophan
- Lemon balm
- Magnesium
- Melatonin
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Niacin
- Passionflower
- Phenibut
- Phosphatidylcholine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Picamilon
- Pregnenolone
- Probiotics
- Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate (P5P)
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
- Rhodiola rosea
- Rosemary
- Saffron
- SAM-e
- Serotonin
- St. John’s Wort
- Theobromine
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Turmeric
- Valerian root
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Ziziphus jujuba (jujube)
Questionable supplements:
While citrus bergamot has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative effects in some animal studies, it is unclear whether these effects are mediated by the GABAergic system or other mechanisms. Some researchers have suggested that the anxiolytic effects of citrus bergamot may be related to its ability to modulate the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
Therefore, while there is some evidence to suggest that citrus bergamot may have indirect effects on the GABAergic system, further research is needed to clarify the nature and extent of these effects. there is anecdotal evidence in the benzo community that it can be problematic.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects on a range of health conditions, including anxiety, pain, and epilepsy. While CBD has been shown to interact with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including the endocannabinoid, serotonin, and opioid systems, its direct effects on the GABAergic system are not fully understood.
Some studies suggest that CBD may modulate GABAergic neurotransmission by increasing GABA levels in certain brain regions, such as the hippocampus, and by enhancing GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibition. This may contribute to its anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects.
However, the exact mechanisms by which CBD interacts with the GABAergic system are complex and not fully understood. Moreover, the effects of CBD on GABAergic neurotransmission may depend on the dosage, timing, and duration of exposure, as well as individual variations in neurochemistry and genetics.
The anecdotal evidence in the benzo community is that CBS has been helpful for some, and hurtful for others.
