GABA
Brain's neural brake
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter—a chemical that reduces neural activity.
It functions as a calming signal, and drugs that enhance GABA's effects include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol: Anxiety medications work by boosting GABA activity.
Low GABA levels are associated with anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. (Lowercase gaba refers to Japanese pickles.)
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- synapticOf nerve connections
inhibitory · agonist · antagonist · ligand · neuromodulator · neural · signal · excitation
Tending to suppress activity
- excitationStimulation of response
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- epilepsyBrain disorder causing seizures
- convulsionSudden involuntary muscle contractions
disinhibition · hyperactivity · anticonvulsant · sedation · depressant · threshold · overstimulation · calming
Substance lessening nervous tension
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- worryTroubled mental state
- calmFree from agitation
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
tension · nervousness · fear · apprehension · tranquilizer · benzodiazepine · relaxant · cortisol
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
glycine · endorphins · neuroplasticity · neurotransmitters · catecholamines · neuropeptides · adenosine · histamine
Persistent inability to rest
- melatoninCircadian rhythm regulator
- sedativeDrug promoting calm
- restfulPeaceful and calming
- circadianDaily biological cycle
drowsiness · somnolence · barbiturate · REM · hypnotic · nighttime · slumber · restorative
Undisturbed mental quietude
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- relaxationState of being unwound
- sedationDrug-induced calm state
- peacefulnessState of quiet tranquility
soothing · restfulness · quietude · repose · ease · comfort · calmative · placidity
Encased doses of medicine
- powderFine dry particles
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- magnesiumAlkaline earth metal
- valerianBotanical sleep aid
passionflower · nootropic · bioavailability · stack · natural · over-the-counter · melatonin · ashwagandha
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
synaptic · inhibitory · agonist · antagonist · ligand · neuromodulator · neural · signal · excitation · reuptake
inhibitory
Tending to suppress activity
- excitationStimulation of response
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- epilepsyBrain disorder causing seizures
convulsion · disinhibition · hyperactivity · anticonvulsant · sedation · depressant · threshold · overstimulation · calming · dampening
anxiolytic
Substance lessening nervous tension
panic · tension · nervousness · fear · apprehension · tranquilizer · benzodiazepine · relaxant · cortisol · fight-or-flight
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
norepinephrine · glycine · endorphins · neuroplasticity · neurotransmitters · catecholamines · neuropeptides · adenosine · histamine · taurine
insomnia
Persistent inability to rest
circadian · drowsiness · somnolence · barbiturate · REM · hypnotic · nighttime · slumber · restorative · dozing
serenity
Undisturbed mental quietude
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- relaxationState of being unwound
- sedationDrug-induced calm state
peacefulness · soothing · restfulness · quietude · repose · ease · comfort · calmative · placidity · gentleness
capsules
Encased doses of medicine
valerian · passionflower · nootropic · bioavailability · stack · natural · over-the-counter · melatonin · ashwagandha · extract
- sleep aidsmelatonin, sleeping pills, sleeping pill, sleep aid, Ambien
- Biochemicalsamino acid, amino acids, protein, proteins, DNA
- brain sciencebrain scan, brain research, brain map, brain imaging, brain chemistry
- chemical compoundsacetone, aldehydes, amines, esters, ketones
- neuroscienceneuron, MRI, brain, neurons, synapses
- Neuroactive Drugsdopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, neurotransmitters
GABAglutamate
Excitatory neural transmitter
aspartate · epinephrine · norepinephrine · acetylcholine · dopamine
GABAstimulant
Alertness-boosting drug
excitation · arousal · agitation · hyperactivity · anxiety
- GABA receptorsInhibitory neurotransmitter binding proteins