Possible Interaction: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Hypnotics And Sedatives

“The fast inhibitory actions of GABA are mediated by GABA type A receptors (GABA(A)Rs); they mediate both phasic and tonic inhibition in the brain and are the principle sites of action for anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative-hypnotic agents that include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, neurosteroids, and some general anesthetics.”

“ Sedative hypnotics alter multiple neurotransmitter systems in this circuitry, including: 1) gamma aminobutyric acid ; 2) dopamine; 3) serotonin; 4) glutamate; and 5) opioid peptides.”

“In the human central nervous system, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor complex undergoes changes with both acute and chronic exposure to sedative-hypnotic drugs.”

“Costa and Guidotti26 proposed that anticonvulsant and sedative properties are a consequence of enhanced inhibitory neurotransmission mediated by GABA.”

“Clinically used benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents for the treatment of insomnia produce their therapeutic effects through allosteric enhancement of the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at the GABAA receptor.”

“These results suggest that the inhibition of GABA uptake might have some role in the prescribed antidepressive and sedative nature of this drug.”

“The benzodiazepines that have anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle-relaxant, and sedative-hypnotic properties affect respiration possibly by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic receptors.”