Aminalon

Aminalone, also known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is a naturally occurring amino acid neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of humans and many other animals. It plays a key role in regulating neuronal excitation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid has an inhibitory effect on neuronal signals, meaning it reduces the excitation of nerve cells, which can lead to decreased neural activity.

In medicine, gamma-aminobutyric acid is used as a drug to treat various disorders, such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and epilepsy. There is also a hypothesis about its potential role in reducing stress and improving mood.

Indications Aminalona

1. Anxiety Disorders: GABA may help reduce anxiety and tension in patients with anxiety disorders.
2. Insomnia: Because of its calming properties, GABA may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep.
3. Epilepsy: GABA is used in some cases to treat epilepsy, as it may help reduce the excitability of nerve cells and prevent epileptic seizures.
4. Stress and mood disorders: Some studies suggest that GABA may help manage stress and improve mood, although these effects require further research.
5. Hypertension: Research also shows that GABA may help lower blood pressure in some people.
6. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Some evidence suggests that GABA may help reduce IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction.

Release form

Tablets and capsules: GABA is often available in tablet or capsule form, making it easy to use and dose. They can be taken orally with water.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Inhibitory neurotransmission: GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It affects neurons by reducing their excitability and activity. GABA binds to GABA receptors, which are found on the surface of neurons. This activates chloride channels, which causes chloride ions to enter the neuron and hyperpolarize its membrane, making the neuron less likely to fire.
2. Anxiolytic and sedative effects: Due to its inhibitory effect on neurons, GABA is used to reduce anxiety and stress. It also has a calming effect that can help improve sleep quality and reduce nervous system excitability.
3. Anticonvulsant action: GABA may help prevent the onset and spread of epileptic seizures by reducing neuronal excitability and stabilizing the brain's electrical activity.
4. Possible effects on mood and behavior: Some studies suggest that GABA may influence mood and behavior, possibly through its interactions with other neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation: Some studies suggest that GABA may help lower blood pressure in some people, although the mechanism of this action requires further study.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: When taken orally, GABA is poorly absorbed in the intestines due to its hydrophilic nature and high molecular weight. This can significantly reduce its bioavailability.
2. Distribution: GABA is distributed evenly throughout the body's tissues and organs, including the central nervous system, where it functions as a neurotransmitter.
3. Metabolism: In the body, GABA is rapidly metabolized into glutamate by the enzyme gamma-aminobutyric acid decarboxylase (GAD). Glutamate is a precursor for the synthesis of other neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA.
4. Elimination: GABA is usually eliminated from the body via the kidneys as metabolites, including glutamate, and in unmodified form via the urine. Its half-life (the time it takes for the concentration of GABA in the blood to decrease by half) can vary depending on physiological and pathological factors.

Dosing and administration

Directions for use:

• Aminalone is taken orally, usually in tablet form.
• The tablets should be taken before meals with a sufficient amount of water.

Recommended doses:

1. For adults:

   • Usual dose: 500 mg (2 tablets of 250 mg) 2-3 times a day.
   • Maximum daily dose: 3 g (12 tablets of 250 mg).

2. For children:

   • Children 1-3 years: 1-2 tablets (250-500 mg) 2 times a day.
   • Children 4-6 years: 2 tablets (500 mg) 2 times a day.
   • Children over 7 years: 2-3 tablets (500-750 mg) 2 times a day.
   • Maximum daily dose for children: up to 2 g (8 tablets of 250 mg).

Duration of treatment:

• The course of treatment usually ranges from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the patient's condition and the effectiveness of the therapy.
• Repeated courses of treatment are possible after 1-2 months on the recommendation of a doctor.

Special instructions:

• Gradual increase in dose: It is recommended to start treatment with minimal doses, gradually increasing the dosage to therapeutic dose to reduce the risk of side effects.
• Monitoring of the condition: During long-term use of the drug, periodic medical examinations are recommended to assess liver and kidney function, especially in patients with chronic diseases.
• Elderly patients: In the elderly, the dosage may be adjusted depending on the general health condition and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Example of reception mode:

• Morning: 500 mg (2 tablets of 250 mg) before breakfast.
• Day: 500 mg (2 tablets of 250 mg) before lunch.
• Evening: 500 mg (2 tablets of 250 mg) before dinner.

Use Aminalona during pregnancy

1. Effects on the endometrium and embryo development: Studies in mice have shown that GABA consumption during early pregnancy may negatively affect endometrial and embryo development. High doses of GABA reduced the number of implantation sites and resulted in morphological degeneration of embryos, indicating potential risks of GABA use during early pregnancy (Tian et al., 2020).
2. Regulation of neurosteroids and GABA(A) receptors: Changes in concentrations of neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone may influence the plasticity of GABA(A) receptors in the brain during pregnancy and postpartum. These changes are associated with changes in the regulation of hormones such as progesterone, which may impact fetal development and maternal well-being (Concas et al., 1998).
3. Safety and toxicity: A review of the safety of GABA as a dietary supplement found that no serious adverse effects were observed at doses up to 18 g/day for 4 days and in long-term use (120 mg/day for 12 weeks). However, there are no data on the effects of GABA on pregnant women and fetuses, requiring caution in use (Oketch-Rabah et al., 2021).

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction: People with known hypersensitivity to gamma-aminobutyric acid or other components of the drug should refrain from using it.
2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on the safety of using GABA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so a doctor should be consulted before use in such cases.
3. Hepatic Impairment: Because the liver may be involved in the metabolism and elimination of many drugs, including GABA, patients with hepatic impairment may require dosage adjustments or additional physician monitoring.
4. Taking other medications: GABA may interact with some medications, so patients taking other medications should consult with their doctor before starting GABA to avoid potential adverse interactions.
5. Severe psychiatric disorders: In some cases, GABA may worsen symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, so its use may not be advisable in patients with these conditions.
6. Autoimmune Diseases: There is some concern about GABA's possible effects on the immune system, so its use may require special attention and medical supervision if you have autoimmune diseases.

Side effects Aminalona

1. Drowsiness and Fatigue: Some people may experience drowsiness or fatigue after taking GABA, especially when starting treatment or when the dose is increased.
2. Dizziness: Some patients may experience dizziness or mild headache.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, constipation or an upset stomach may occur.
4. Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to GABA, which may include skin rash, itching, or swelling.
5. Sleep disorders: Some people may experience changes in sleep quality, such as insomnia or waking up more frequently.
6. Muscle weakness or tremors: Some people may experience minor muscle symptoms such as weakness or tremors.
7. Psychiatric disorders: In rare cases, some patients may experience mood changes or mental agitation.

Overdose

1. Drowsiness and Lethargy: Overdosing on GABA can cause extreme drowsiness and lethargy, which can be dangerous when performing tasks that require attention and coordination.
2. Muscle weakness: High doses of GABA can cause muscle weakness or even paralysis.
3. Difficulty breathing: In extreme cases, overdosing on GABA can lead to difficulty breathing and even respiratory arrest.
4. Unconsciousness: In some cases, overdose may cause loss of consciousness or coma.
5. Other side effects: Other side effects may also occur, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and changes in heart rhythm.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Centrally acting drugs: Drugs that act on the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, diazepam) or hypnotics, may enhance the sedative effects of GABA, resulting in increased drowsiness and lethargy.
2. Alcohol: When GABA is taken with alcohol, there may be increased sedation and the risk of additional side effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or even potentially dangerous breathing problems.
3. Epilepsy medications: Using GABA with antiepileptic medications may change their effectiveness or increase unwanted side effects such as drowsiness or muscle cramps.
4. Drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression: Some anxiolytics and antidepressants may interact with GABA, which may lead to an increase in their sedative or anxiolytic effects.
5. Drugs that affect the cardiovascular system: Certain medications, such as beta blockers or blood pressure medications, can interact with GABA and alter its effect on the cardiovascular system.
6. Diabetes medications: GABA use may interact with some antidiabetic medications, changing blood glucose levels.