Dear Lizelle,
I hope you're feeling better by now. I'm not one of your regular readers, but I saw your tweet, became curious, and read your blog this time :-)
I don't want to rain on your parade, but I feel compelled to tell you a few things about GABA (not GABBA). I have looked into this extensively, because it happens to come in handy in specific circumstances of canine pain management, which is a problem I currently have. However, I'm not a medical doctor! (And no vet, either.)
GABA can, depending on the combination with other substances (this is key!), oftentimes promote viral infections, drowsiness, fatigue and dizziness. There can be altered eating behavior, changes in the blood count, behavioral abnormalities, convulsions, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Respiratory illness, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, impotence and skin rashes, even edema are also possible. From my vet I know it can mask certain conditions in dogs, making an accurate diagnosis next to impossible. Whether this is true for humans I don't know.
I know GABA is sold as a supplement, but this is not something to trifle with just because "some lady" is treating "some other lady" with "just a supplement." The fact it's used in the treatment of seizures may attest to that. PLEASE talk to your doctor about this, how GABA interacts with substances in the other meds you're taking and THEN make a plan. If I'm overly cautious here, no harm, no foul.
I wish you all the good health in the world!
Cheers from Germany,
Folker
P.S. AfaIk GABA is part of some anti-seizure meds. Another reason to check the dose. I also read somewhere that antacids (Tums!) reduce the GABA level, morphine and codeine (Robitussin!) increase it. I have lived stateside for many years and always appreciated how freely many meds are available, but there is also an elemnt of danger in self-medication.
Of course it's GABA (not GABBA), not sure where my brain went!
I really appreciate your detailed response and will heed your warning and rather check with my neurologist.
I'm currently on 1 anticonvulsant at night but in a week's time have to take 1 morning and at night.
I am feeling better and have not had any seizure again.
I have a reflux problem and have been on meds to prevent that as I was often getting upper respiratory inflammation, that specialist said I have to take it at least an hour before my main meal. That problem has calmed down and was advised that I only need to take it when required, not every night. I don't often take antacids, find baking soda in warm water works better.
I think I need to edit my post about the GABA with a warning to check with their doctor before taking it.
It's a lot to take in, but I will certainly look at GABA with caution!
I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and share this info!
Cheers from Durban, South Africa🤗