GABA Supplements

Why they may not be your best option and what to use instead

GABA is an neurotransmitter that decreases the firing of neurons in the brain, relaxing and chilling out your brain (and you). But there is a paradox and a problem.

The paradox? You have to get excited before you can chill out. This is because GABA is made in the brain from glutamate, our primary excitatory neurotransmitter.

The problem? Despite what your GABA supplements may tell you, GABA itself can’t get across the blood- brain barrier (BBB) to work its magic.

Do GABA Supplements Work? A Critical View

Several drugs mimic or increase GABA in the brain, including benzodiazepines and gabapentin, but taking GABA directly as a supplement won’t work for most people. This is because GABA is made in the brain and cannot easily get across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) when taken directly, despite what your supplement company may tell you.

Remember the “problem” above? Well, this is it! Another problem is that most of these pharmaceutical drugs that modulate GABA receptors are highly addictive and/or can induce tolerance and withdrawal when you stop them. But there’s good news! Much safer solutions are available, including N-nicotinoyl-GABA and Kava, which enhance GABA in novel ways (more below!).

Customer Reviews

Based on 103 reviews
81%
(83)
13%
(13)
7%
(7)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
F
Fernando V.

Love the tro calm.
It’s truly works well!

W
Will M.
Super calming, not sedating

Great product to wind down after a long day or if you notice your feeling a bit wired, just pop one in your cheek and boom, 20 min later your relaxed.

M
Marcia W.

excellent results!

T
Tony C.
Amazing company and product

Customer service...amazing!!! Product... well beyond amazing!

A
Anna V.
My go to

I love the subtle effect of tro calm. It’s like a calming switch was flipped but you still feel clear and present. Highly recommend!

Customer Reviews

Based on 72 reviews
65%
(47)
13%
(9)
22%
(16)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Ann M.
Sleeping Great

I've had trouble sleeping my whole life. For 30 years, I've slept around 5 hours/night. The number of hours were only part of my problem. I was also getting poor sleep. For the last 5 years, CBD and CBN has helped. However, Tro Zzz is amazing. I recommend taking 1 hour to relax/unwind as the troche dissolves. This routine greatly helps instead of fighting Tro Zzz. I watch tv (for me the blue light is not a problem). You will feel the difference. I now sleep soundly. If use the bathroom, I'm able to fall back to sleep quickly. It does have a slightly odd taste which you need to get used to. I've been using Tro Zzz for 2 months and feel much more rested when I wake up.

M
Mike S.
Pricey but strikes balance between effectiveness and side effects

Sometimes I just need to get back to sleep for a couple of hours.
Tro ZZZ usually works. Your milage may vary, but for me it is short acting.
Also, it can lead a subtle bounce back anxiety if you take it to often.
It is hard to find a sleep aid that has minimal side effects at the same time that it is also effective. Tro ZZZ seems to strike the right balance.

C
Cynthia G.
wonderful products

Helps me reach my goals, sleep, alert, calming.

A
Alex C.
One Thumb UP

Excellent sleep
Horrible taste

S
Susan
Helps me fall asleep

This product works great to help me fall asleep when I take two small squares. I can sleep about 6-7 hours—wish it was 8! It is a little expensive and I can only get 8 days of sleep from one package. So I honestly don’t know if this product will be a good solution for me when I need help with sleep.

Our GABA Podcast Episode

Do you want to learn more about GABA? In this episode of our Smarter Not Harder Podcast, our guest Dr.  Ted Achacoso joins our host Dr. Scott Sherr to dive deep

Why our Buccal Troches are the Best GABA Supplement Alternatives

While it's well-understood that many GABA supplements struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) effectively, a solution stands out. Discover the advantages of Buccal Troches which contain novel ingredients which enhance the GABA system via orthosteric and allosteric compounds.

Let us explain...

Orthosteric compounds bind directly to the GABA site on the GABA receptor. Nicotinoyl-GABA (Tro Calm) and Agarin (Tro Zz) both do this. Allosteric compounds bind to a separate site on the GABA receptor, enhancing GABA binding. In Tro Calm, Kava, CBD, and CBG perform this role. In Tro Zzz, there is honokiol, CBD, and CBN make the GABA magic happen.

There is no other company on the planet has discovered the power of this combination!

Personalized Dosing

Every person is unique, and so is their optimal dose of GABA. We recognize this individuality, which is why our troches is scored. This design makes it effortless for users to split the troche and customize their dosage based on personal  preference and response.

Buccal troche delivery

Have you been swallowing your supplements up until now? At Troscriptions, we do things a little differently - we use buccal troches.

A buccal troche is a uniquely designed delivery system that enhances the absorption of active ingredients directly into your bloodstream. Traditional methods (like tablets or powders) must navigate the detours of your digestive system, but buccal troches allow for more rapid and
effective absorption by skipping the digestive system. The result? A swift, potent effect for maximum benefits.

Note that it is also okay to swallow our buccal troches, however, if swallowed, your dose may need to increase to get the same effect.

Beyond USP Ingredients

USP designates a pharmaceutical grade ingredient but for some this may not be enough and there can still be contaminants. This is why at Troscriptions, we go above and Beyond USP. Every ingredient undergoes additional rigorous testing for heavy metals, purity, and potency giving you with peace of mind. Experience the Troscriptions difference, where premium quality and safety are our unwavering commitment to you.

Child-resistant packaging

Your safety and your family's safety is our top priority, which is why we've gone an extra mile to utilize child-resistant packaging for our products. We understand that this might make the packaging slightly more challenging to open, but it's a measure designed with the utmost safety in mind.

GABA Benefits and Side Effects

GABA supplements have been explored for their potential to support mental and physical health by promoting relaxation, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety. However, users should be aware of possible side effects, which can range from mild digestive issues to more pronounced drowsiness or muscle weakness. It's crucial to consider these factors when deciding to use GABA supplements as part of a wellness or healing regimen

Warning: Extreme caution is recommended if pairing GABA supplements with drugs such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, as such combinations can be life-threatening.

Our Conclusion on GABA Supplements

Given the limitations associated with traditional GABA supplements, particularly their difficulty in crossing  the blood-brain barrier effectively, buccal troches emerge as a superior alternative, especially when they contain allosteric and orthosteric compounds that enhance GABA.

Buccal troches allow direct absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and enhancing bioavailability. This delivery method not only maximizes the potential benefits of GABA without the common side effects associated with oral supplements but also offers a more efficient and user-friendly approach to leveraging the calming effects of GABA.

Frequently Asked Questions

GABA works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, inhibiting neural activity, which can lead to decreased anxiety, enhanced mood, better sleep, and a feeling of calm. Supplements that increase GABA are a great option for those looking to naturally manage stress and anxiety levels. But remember: GABA itself doesn’t cross the blood- brain barrier. Tro Calm and Tro Zzz have proven ingredients that enhance the GABA system in novel ways, easily crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Supplements that increase GABA have effects that last several hours, with variability depending on individual metabolism and the specific GABA supplement dosage. Most users feel improvements within 4 to 6 hours after ingestion. Remember that most direct GABA supplementation wil have no or little effect.

There is no significant evidence indicating that supplements that increase GABA directly cause liver damage when taken at recommended doses. However, please consult your healthcare provider before starting/stopping any supplements or medications.

GABA's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is limited, raising questions about the effectiveness  of some GABA supplements for anxiety, stress, sleep, or any other purported benefit. This has led to the exploration of compounds that increase GABA indirectly, such as Kava (in Tro Calm) Honokiol, and Agarain (in Tro Zzz).

Regularly taking supplements that increase GABA or having foods that contain GABA is considered safe for most people, especially when following the recommended supplement  dosage. Consistent use may lead to sustained benefits for managing stress and enhancing sleep  quality. 

The primary downside to taking supplements that increase GABA might include potential side effects such as drowsiness, digestive discomfort, headaches, and lowering of blood pressure. Furthermore, the challenge of  crossing the blood-brain barrier will affect the efficacy of direct GABA supplemenation.

GABA taken directly will unlikely have a major effect as GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, ingredients in Tro Calm were designed to be relaxing and not sedating, using several ingredients that enhance GABA in novel ways. Tro Zzz contains GABA-enhancing ingredients that will make you sleep...that's why it is for sleep!

More about Troscriptions

Troscriptions, founded by Dr. Ted and his team of seasoned physicians, stands at the forefront of health optimization through their innovative use of buccal troches. With a foundation rooted in science-backed,  pharmaceutical-grade formulas, Troscriptions leverages unparalleled expertise and a comprehensive  understanding of health optimization, as defined by the absence of disease, balanced metabolic states, and life cycle awareness.

Learn more about Troscriptions and their commitment to treat and transcend traditional wellness boundaries, making them a trusted ally in your health optimization journey.

AI-generated responses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Accuracy, completeness, or timeliness are not guaranteed. Use at your own risk.

Trixie - AI assistant

close