GABA “supplements”: Do they work? What are their potential side effects?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter; that is, when it is released into the synapse, it acts on the GABA receptors on the next (postsynaptic) neuron and reduces its excitability and activity. In fact, GABA is the most commonly found inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines, the so-called “Z drugs,” and several…