• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

gammaaminobutyricacid.org

The Ultimate Resource for GABA

  • What is GABA?
    • Research
  • Supplements
  • Benefits
  • Side Effects
  • Deficiency
  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog

Is There Any Difference Between GABA and Gabapentin?

April 21, 2014 By Henry

Both GABA and gabapentin are similar to each other but they have their differences. The first point of difference is their structural make-up. Gabapentin is a GABA analog, meaning that it looks very similar structurally but it is not completely the same.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system (CNS) that regulates its excitability. On the other hand, gabapentin was created to mimic some of the effects of GABA but it does not appear to affect the same receptors in the brain.

Another function of GABA is its responsibility for regulating the body’s muscle tone since it is linked to the pituitary glands which affect human growth hormone (HGH) levels.

Gabapentin was developed for treating epilepsy by alleviating the excitability of a patient’s nervous system. This also helps with other disorders with neuropathic pain, for example fibromyalgia, insomnia, and bipolar disorder.

Another name for gabapentin is Neurontin, and this medication has no effect on the amount of GABA in the brain. Neurontin is not converted into GABA either, and acts as an anticonvulsant which also has some analgesic properties.

Side Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin can be bought with a doctor’s prescription, and is frequently used to address seizure disorders. It can also be prescribed to help those who experience specific kinds of pain. Some of the most prevalent side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Some individuals who take this may also encounter such symptoms as weight gain, hallucinations, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

For more extreme symptoms, patients may experience suicidal thoughts, drastic behavioral changes, and difficulty breathing. Any concerns you may have about taking gabapentin and its side effects should be directed towards a doctor.

Fortunately, many patients do not suffer any negative side effects as a result of taking this drug. Those who do report only mild symptoms; nothing that could impact their daily life. However, in the beginning, you should report any problems you encounter to your doctor as a precaution to determine how well your body is responding to this medication.

Symptoms are most commonly experienced when one first begins taking the drug. One may also experience this when acclimating to a higher dosage of the drug, assuming the doctor recommends you up your dosage. Just to be safe, do not operate any heavy machinery or take part in any strenuous activities while you are on medication.

In closing, GABA and Gabapentin are two different things. Though they may have some similar effects (e.g. reducing excitability), and structurally they look alike, they both serve different purposes. Taking gabapentin does not increase GABA in the brain.

 

Photo credit: sci-therapies

Article of interest: GABA Tea

Related posts:

  1. Are You Experiencing the Side Effects of GABA?
  2. GABA Deficiency: How Does it Affect You?
  3. Overcome Your Anxiety with the Help of Beta Blockers
  4. Clinical Trials of GABA for Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and Epilepsy

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • GABAA Receptors
  • GABA’s Role in the Brain
  • What Are GABA Sublingual Supplements
  • Using GABA As A Natural Remedy for Anxiety and Stress
  • How GABA Works to Relieve Anxiety in the Body
  • Is There Any Difference Between GABA and Gabapentin?
  • 5 Useful Facts You Should Know About GABA Tea Before Drinking
  • 5 Easy Steps to Produce More GABA Naturally
  • Taking GABA to Reduce High Blood Pressure
  • Find Out the Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Footer

Privacy Policy

This blog (“https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/”) does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change with or without notice

Disclaimer

All content provided on https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/ is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner of https://gammaaminobutyricacid.org/ will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. This terms and conditions is subject to change at anytime with or without notice.

Disclosure

Gammaaminobutyricacid.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2025