What is GABA?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid found in plants, animals, and microorganisms [1]. It is made mainly from glutamate by the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) [2].

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system in the human body [3]. It reduces the nerve cell activity in the brain, making you relaxed and less stressed. Furthermore, it also controls many bodily processes, such as blood pressure and pulse [4].

It has numerous other beneficial activities, like stimulating relaxation, stress reduction, and helping with insomnia [5]. It could also be therapeutically used in disease prevention and treatment, as it can prevent or cure various diseases.

It is:

• Anti-hypertension
• Anti-diabetes
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammation
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-allergy
• Hepato-protective
• Reno-protective
• And protects the intestines [6].

GABA is synthesised by microbial rather than chemical processes (more sustainable) in the food and drug industry [4]. It is also used to make some biopolymers [7].

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is an antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the brain’s production of a chemical called serotonin that regulates mood [8, 9].

The most common individuals for whom Lexapro is used are those who have depression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

It is also used for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and some children 12 years of age and older [9].

Lexapro can be used for other anxiety disorders besides depression and GAD, such as:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder
• Simple phobia
• Social anxiety disorder [10].

Understanding GABA Supplementation

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid, and it’s used as a brain neurotransmitter. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it shuts down or suppresses specific brain signals and slows down the nervous system. When GABA binds to a protein in your brain called a GABA receptor, it’s a euphoric agent that can relieve anxiety, stress, and fear [11].

How Do GABA Supplements Work?

We don’t actually yet know how exactly GABA supplements work. GABA was once believed to be blocked at the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), but experiments measuring this have been inconsistent. There is evidence that GABA food supplements exert calming effects, but researchers almost always present the data with a conflict of interest. Any tangible impact of GABA food supplements on the brain and cognition should be attributed to BBB transmission or, more likely, to some influence on the enteric nervous system [12].

Can GABA supplements and Lexapro interact?

There may be too little data to answer the question of whether GABA is compatible with Lexapro (escitalopram). Lexapro is an antidepressant prescription medicine which can interfere with other medications, alcohol, and some supplements [13]. Yet, no one explicitly mentions the interaction between Lexapro and GABA supplements in the current study.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. It acts on nerve excitability and regulates function [14, 15]. Some natural agents modulate the GABAergic system and show different pharmacological effects [14]. However, those studies never included an encounter with Lexapro.

Lexapro is also titrated with some herbal supplements such as tryptophan and St John’s wort to increase the chance of serotonin syndrome [13]. However, no one has yet reported Lexapro interactions with GABA supplements [13].

And it’s worth noting that just because interactions have not been observed doesn’t mean they won’t. So, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new supplement while on Lexapro [13].