Comment · Fri, December 13, 2013 · Ceretropic
How often should you use a GABA agonist?
Original post in this thread
SpinCity07 · 2 points
I have been using picamilon on and off and I've been wondering if 5 days on and two days off is ok. Also if I have a drink on the weekend does this add to the amount of days?
What they were answering
PragmaticPulp · 1 points
Identifying and replacing your counter-productive thought patterns is right on the money. Consider going to a CBT therapist for some professional guidance on the matter, because they can be enormously helpful in that regard.
As for GABA, it's a complex and tricky receptor. I personally don't like to modulate GABA at all because it will re-regulate right out from under you. SSRIs are perfect for anxiety and stress reduction, so I'd start there if you haven't already. It generally takes several months and a few dose/medication changes before you hit the sweet spot, so stick with it. Escitalopram and Sertraline are statistically the best, so start there. Low doses if you can get away with it to minimize the side effects, and reserve judgment for 1-2 months because the ramp-up can be unpleasant.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Wait, you're suggesting he not try and naturally modulate his GABA system, but go right for SSRIs? I personally think that is not the way to go. SSRIs are more of a last resort in treatment, due to the side effects.
There are many other routes he could take before jumping up to something like and SSRI. The most obvious one would be L-theanine. That will help regulate his GABA system. Then you can look at adaptogens like ashwagandha to modulate GABA, and bacopa to modulate serotonin. If those did not work, then I would try tianeptine. It comes with far fewer side effects than an SSRI. Even before I went with SSRIs, I would try something like picamillon or kava.
I've been on SSRIs before. It's not a subtle change to your system, and should not be taken lightly. Obviously neither of us is his doctor, so he should be consulting one before making any decisions. But I think jumping right into the SSRI game is a little premature.