The studied one
PharmaGABA (made by fermentation)
Made with a bacteria used in fermented foods. The form used in several small studies.
Good for: Sleep & stress
What variations of GABA exist?
The brain's main calming messenger. As a supplement it's used for stress and sleep, though it's unclear how much reaches the brain. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Budget-friendly: the basic one (GABA capsules or powder)
- Easy to take: the as-needed one (Chewable or under-the-tongue GABA)
Every form, in plain words
The studied one
PharmaGABA (made by fermentation)
Made with a bacteria used in fermented foods. The form used in several small studies.
Good for: Sleep & stress
The basic one
GABA capsules or powder
The same molecule, usually for less money.
Good for: Budget-friendly
The as-needed one
Chewable or under-the-tongue GABA
Melts in your mouth. Often taken when stress hits.
Good for: Easy to take
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'PharmaGABA' on the label (the studied one)
Watch out for
- Calming blends that pile together many sleepy herbs
- Promises that it works like anxiety medicine
Check with your provider first if…
- You take sedatives, sleep medicine, benzodiazepines (like lorazepam), or seizure medicine, or you drink alcohol
- You take blood pressure medicine, since GABA may lower blood pressure a little
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (not well studied)
- Tingling, flushing, or feeling short of breath can happen at higher amounts
In the Lesher Wellness store
3 products in the store have GABA. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.