Gaba

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ThePixie
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Gaba

Post by ThePixie »

I am a new member of this forum. As such, I am very interested in stimulating conversation about the many natural approaches to treating MS. Since I am on quite a few supplements and continue to read about others, I would like to start with my experience with Gaba.

After refusing to take any "drugs" for pain and spasms, my partner and I decided that lack of sleep was causing even more problems. Thus I agreed to try Neurotontin and then lyrica. Both drugs made me drunk and/or angry and goofy. Still needing relief we moved on to Gaba.

Gaba (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and it works for me. I take 750mg in the evening. I need more, but it makes me drowsy the next day. After about one week, I noticed a significant difference. THe nighttime pain and headaches eased off by more than 75%. I still have occasional bad nights, but I would like to spread the word.

If you read the Rx inserts for the Neurotonin line of drugs, you will see that it is a chemically created Gaba. None of my specialists have ever been willing to discuss natural forms of the chemical drugs. So I am hoping we can start a new thread of what is out there in the natural world that offers help with symptoms. :D
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Melody
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Post by Melody »

I'm more interested generally on herbs and omega 3 and food sources although I guess we take enough supplements as John counts them as H'orderves. :lol: I have not looked into the one you are on. Plenty take supplements here as well as diet changes.
John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX::Dr. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.
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Melody
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Post by Melody »

Do you use this for tremors??? So far we haven't had to deal with them.


Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent." By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension. This supplement provides only the naturally occurring L-form as found in food and in the body.


Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter in widely divergent species. In humans, GABA acts at inhibitory synapsess in the brain and spinal cord. As in the other contexts where GABA acts as a transmitter, the inhibition results from a hyperpolarization of the synaptic transmembrane potential of the inhibited neuron, which is elicited by the binding of GABA molecules to their receptorss in the post-synaptic membrane. This binding opens ion channels to allow either the flow of chloride or potassium ions into or out of the cell. In insects GABA mediates muscle activation at synapses between nerves and muscle cells and also the stimulation of certain glands. So far three general classes of GABA receptor are known, more than one of which is often represented in the same organisms. These include both so-called ionotropic receptors, which are ion channels themselves, and metabotropic receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors that open ion channels via intermediaries (G proteins).
With regard to the human brain, it has been asserted that GABA signals interfere with the registration and consolidation stages of memory formation. This is thought to be possible because the GABA system is found in the hippocampus, an area of brain which has been implicated in memory formation.

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the product of a biochemical decarboxylation reaction of glutamic acid by the vitamin pyridoxal. GABA serves as a inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system. Medically, GABA has been used to treat both epilepsy and hypertension where it is thought to induce tranquility in individuals who have a high activity of manic behavior and acute agitation.

GABA is required as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system, which prevents over-firing of the nerve cells. It is also used for brain metabolism and to treat both epilepsy and hypertension where it is thought to induce tranquility in individuals who have a high activity of manic behavior and acute agitation. In combination with inositol and nicotinamide it helps with blocking anxiety and stress related impulses from reaching the motor centers of the brain. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid can be used to calm a person, much like tranquilizers, but without the possibility of addiction.

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John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX::Dr. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.
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Toyoterry
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Post by Toyoterry »

I took Neurontin for two years with no noticeable results. I switched to Lyrica and it did help with my muscle pain, headaches and neuropathy. I have been off of it for a week now because my insurance didn't want to pay for it. ($400.00 a month) My symptoms rebounded strongly at first, because I didn't get a chance to taper off. I may not go back on even if they approve it because I seem to be holding my own and my balance has improved. I'm going to check in to Gaba. Both my neuro. and my pharmacy say that many people swear by Lyrica but the side effects can be a bit scary.
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ThePixie
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Gaba and more

Post by ThePixie »

Wow. This is a fast posting message board. I was VERY impressed to see that someone took the time to post all the stats on Gaba. Since I have difficulty with typing sometimes and my brain and hands don't always work in unison... thanks again.

Yes I have tremors and spasms and pain. The Gaba seems to do the best job working on the pain and spasms. I am also taking baclofen. I did not think the baclofen helped that much until I went on a trip and forgot the bottle. OH MY GOD. I won't do that again.

We believe that my MS started during a late life pregnancy and serious virus 17 years ago. For years I battled wierd bouts of fatigue and the specialists called it everything including pre-diabetes. It would take a five page list to explain the many serious setbacks... all of which were treated (we believe) improperly. For example, after failing the stress tests and the whatever other tests the cardiologist wanted done due to ongoing chest pain and shortness of breath.... I was convinced to go thru the cardio cath. Call me a chicken, but it was not a "picnic." Since the cardiologist could NOT find anything.... she ran for the hills. My supportive DO/family doc is also very aware and willing to learn even more about natural treatments. He prescribed 3grams per day of L-arginine. DADAH! In 30 days the coronary spasms (angina) had gone down by 90%. I still carry nitro and have a spasm at least once a day.. but the severity is gone and I can manage.

For all practical purposes I follow the Swank diet, although I did not know about it until recently. Since I am a vegetarian I refuse to give up my butter and cheese. I did try going back to fish, but I just can't stand the smell or taste.

Shall we list all the supplements we take and why? I am certainly interested.

And back to Gaba. I was told that the Lyrica was NOT going to cause side effects. Ha. One pill and I was drunk, nauseous and could not stop crying. I look at it this way. Take the least amount of chemicals necessary to ease the symptoms, watch as much comedy as possible and be your own advocate. Even my GI doc has decided that my reflux and esophogael spasms are neurological and should be treated gently and only if necessary. He was a pleasant voice in the dark! 8O [quote][/quote]
wildguygoche
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Re: Gaba

Post by wildguygoche »

Hey there Pixie. I see you haven't been on this forum in a while but I highly encourage you to look into dairy. There is some strong evidence that dairy causes a cross-reaction in the immune system that triggers demyelination.
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