Amino acids

GABA

Also called: gamma-aminobutyric acid, PharmaGABA

A calming brain chemical, sold as a supplement.

Why people take it
Stress, sleep.
What the evidence says
It probably does not reach the brain well; evidence is weak.
How it is usually taken
Usually 100 to 750 mg a day; little crosses into the brain.
Be careful
Can add to sedatives and blood pressure medicines.
Medicines it can interact with
May add to the effect of sedatives and blood pressure medicines.

Other amino acids

L-arginineL-citrullineL-glutamineL-carnitineBeta-alanineBCAAsEAAsL-tyrosineL-lysineGlycineTaurineN-acetylcysteine (NAC)Glutathione5-HTPL-tryptophanSAMe

Common questions

What is GABA?

A calming brain chemical, sold as a supplement.

Why do people take GABA?

Stress, sleep.

Does GABA work?

It probably does not reach the brain well; evidence is weak.

How much GABA do people take?

Usually 100 to 750 mg a day; little crosses into the brain.

Is GABA safe?

Can add to sedatives and blood pressure medicines.

Does GABA interact with medicines?

May add to the effect of sedatives and blood pressure medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.