Serotonin & Dopamine linked to GABA/Glutamate balance?

[SmokinJoeFraz93]

I’ve been trying to balance glutamate/GABA levels but I feel I’ve come up short. However, I notice after coffee I feel a little ‘pick me up’ when it comes to my ‘exited brain’ and fatigue (hence being able to write this without a horrible sensation of brain-strain). I’m sure I’ve heard caffeine lifts dopamine and possibly serotonin?

After taking 5htp for a short period of time I noticed that my brain wasn’t so ‘jumpy’ (brain-strain) when watching TV. But I discontinued that because I heard that 5htp lifts serotonin at the expense of dopamine. So I’ve returned to using St Johns Wort.

So it’s in my opinion and personal experience that serotonin and dopamine must play a big part in the glutamate/GABA balance?

I take Ginko and Rhodiola for dopamine, can anyone recommend something maybe a little stronger or effective for these neurotransmitters that I can take together and long term? Thanks.

 

[Belbyr]

For me, it seems GABA enhancing drugs seem to help a little. I have very high blood dopamine levels (normal range is below 30, I'm almost 3x that much). My urine levels were also high in dopamine. Ansar testing said I favor the parasympathetic side.

 

[SmokinJoeFraz93]

For me, it seems GABA enhancing drugs seem to help a little. I have very high blood dopamine levels (normal range is below 30, I'm almost 3x that much). My urine levels were also high in dopamine. Ansar testing said I favor the parasympathetic side.

May I ask what GABA enhancing drugs you take? I’m taking B3 (niacinamide), passionflower and was taking valerian, however I think valerian has worsened my fatigue so I stopped that.

Cheers.

 

[Mary]

@SmokinJoeFraz93 - I've found lemon balm and magnolia bark to be calming, I'm sure they enhance GABA. But I only take them at night for sleep. I'm sure they would make me too tired during the day. I'm taking these products from Bulk Supplements: https://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?wiki/index/ and https://smile.amazon.com/Bulksupple...=1546024934&sr=8-14&keywords=magnolia+extract

You can also buy them at BulkSupplements.com

The magnolia bark especially is very potent. I would not start with their recommended dose of 2/3 tsp. or 1600 mg. 1/8 of a teaspoon was enough to have a friend sleep through the night, and 1/4 teaspoon did the trick for me.

Also, I've found plain niacin - the kind that makes you flush - to be more effective and more calming than niacinamide, FWIW.

 

[SmokinJoeFraz93]

@SmokinJoeFraz93 - I've found lemon balm and magnolia bark to be calming, I'm sure they enhance GABA. But I only take them at night for sleep. I'm sure they would make me too tired during the day. I'm taking these products from Bulk Supplements: https://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?wiki/index/ and https://smile.amazon.com/Bulksupplements-Magnolia-Extract-Powder-grams/dp/B01MYS3KMU/ref=sr_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1546024934&sr=8-14&keywords=magnolia extract

You can also buy them at BulkSupplements.com

The magnolia bark especially is very potent. I would not start with their recommended dose of 2/3 tsp. or 1600 mg. 1/8 of a teaspoon was enough to have a friend sleep through the night, and 1/4 teaspoon did the trick for me.

Also, I've found plain niacin - the kind that makes you flush - to be more effective and more calming than niacinamide, FWIW.

Thanks Mary, maybe I’ll try it instead of the valerian. It sounds far more promising than valerian by what I’ve read online. Can you tell me if there’s any supplements that magnolia bark shouldn’t be taken with?

 

[Mary]

Thanks Mary, maybe I’ll try it instead of the valerian. It sounds far more promising than valerian by what I’ve read online. Can you tell me if there’s any supplements that magnolia bark shouldn’t be taken with?

I haven't read about magnolia bark interacting negatively with any supplements, and I take a lot of supplements! It hasn't interfered with anything I'm taking. But again, start with a small dose. I tried magnolia bark in capsule form from two different companies and it only had a mild effect, but the stuff from Bulk Supplements is in a whole different category.

 

[junkcrap50]

For me, it seems GABA enhancing drugs seem to help a little. I have very high blood dopamine levels (normal range is below 30, I'm almost 3x that much). My urine levels were also high in dopamine. Ansar testing said I favor the parasympathetic side.

Wow, high in dopamine? I would kill for that (half serious). I'm so so low in it and nothing I've tried to raise it helps. Are you just naturally high in it or do you take stuff to support dopamine? Were you high in dopamine before your CFS too?