Quit Smoking Side Effects – Are You Low in GABA? « Quit Smoking Naturally
Nicotine stimulates several chemicals in the brain, and different people respond differently to nicotine. some people like it because it relaxes them which means it’s probably stimulating one or more of the relaxing neurotransmitters. some people like it because it helps them to focus and stay alert meaning it’s probably affecting the stimulatory neurotransmitters. this accounts in part for smoking’s wide appeal. Since one very common quit smoking side effects is inability to relax, the calming neurotransmitter GABA will be focused on here and how replenishing it may help you to quit smoking.
GABA is one neurotransmitter that smoking increases. It helps to calm agitation and racing thoughts that might interfere with sleep. GABA has also been used to prevent panic attacks and seizures. Valium is a drug which works to calm people down because it docks onto the GABA receptor sites and stimulates them. this has led GABA to be labelled “natural valium.”
Here are some of the symptoms or facts that if answered yes to, would indicate a possible GABA deficiency.
GABA Deficiency Questionnaire
- Do you suffer with panic attacks or anxiety?
- Does anxiety or panic disorder run in your family?
- Do you have problems sleeping?
- Do you take sedatives or sleeping pills?
- Do you or have you ever relieved the symptoms of anxiety with benzodiazepine type drugs?
- Do you drink alcohol because you need it to relax or sleep?
- Are you thin or underweight?
- Do you suffer with sugar cravings?
- Do you suffer with headaches, irritability and or dizziness when you go for four hours without food?
GABA can be taken in a capsule form to help replenish your supply of it if you suspect you are deficient (if it is safe to do so, see below the contraindications under ‘Caution!’)
If you are in UK where GABA is not available you can either take taurine or glutamine which both can help GABA production in the brain. Glutamine has an added bonus that it also helps with sugar cravings. a good strong multivitamin with vitamin C and magnesium are also adviseable to help the conversion of GABA. Vitamin C doses can range from 1-3 grams three times a day. a good dose of magnesium citrate or glycinate would be 400mg a day.
As you can see, the symptoms of low GABA look similar to some of the low serotonin symptoms. You may need to experiment with the supplements for each neurotransmitter deficiency to find what is right for you. You may well need both.
Caution!
None of this is to be construed as medical advice.
Don’t take supplements without a qualified health care practitioner’s advice.
Do not stop taking any drug without your doctor’s consent.
Do not stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly as this is extremely dangerous. If you want to reduce your medication it should be done gradually and under a doctor’s supervision.
Some people with sclerosis of the liver or kidney problems can’t handle amino acids
GABA is not adviseable for people on anti-seizure medication, benzodiazepines or sleep medication.
Glutamine should not be taken by people with ALS or people on anti-seizure medication, or people with excess ammonia or creatinine.
5HTP should not be taken with SSRI’s, MAO’s or tricyclic type anti-depressants
Tags: quit smoking anxiety, quit smoking side effects, smoking inability to relax, smoking withdrawal tension
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Quit Smoking Side Effects – Are You Low in GABA? « Quit Smoking Naturally