GABA
From Drug Rehab Wiki
GABA is the abbreviation for gamma-aminobutyric acid, an important neurotransmitter that stops nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord. Too much GABA overactivates these neurons, resulting in seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
GABA is found in 30% to 40% of all nerve synapses in the brain. Synapses are the gaps between neurons or nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that enable neurons to communicate with one another by bridging these gaps between the cells during the transmission of nerve impulses. When GABA or some other neurotransmitter is released from a nerve cell, it goes into receptor cells in the receiving nerve cell. However, some of the chemical is left in the synapse. This either goes back into the cell it came from (reuptake) or it is destroyed in the synapse.
Drugs such as Tiagabine that block GABA from being reabsorbed into the cells where they originated are used to treat epilepsy. Clonazepam, phenobarbital and primitone are GABA receptor agonists, and they also are used in the treatment of seizure disorders.
GABA mood stabilizing drugs are used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS) that resulted from repeated trauma, such as incest. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are more effective in treating PTSS that resulted from a one-time incident, such as an automobile accident.
GABA has an inhibitory effect on neurons and is involved in calming reactions to arousal situations. Sedatives such as benzodiazepines and alcohol enhance the effect of GABA, and stimulants like caffeine do the opposite. If a person uses benzodiazepines for a long period of time, GABA receptors may increase in number and/or sensitivity, which means the drug will not work effectively unless you increase the dosage.
GABA also plays a role in alcoholism and drug abuse disorders. Nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and several other drugs interfere with the process of neurotransmission in the brain. These drugs can prevent the neurotransmitter dopamine from going back to its cells of origin, which means that dopamine will flood the brain, producing feelings of pleasure and relaxation. These feelings are at the basis of addiction. Increasing the amount of GABA in the brain will decrease the amount of dopamine.
In layman's terms, GABA is called the natural calming substance in the human body, and it is being sold as a dietary supplement to relieve anxiety and induce sleep.
GABA is found in all living things, and can be used as a pesticide.
