Can You Take GABA and Glycine Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Both GABA and Glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters. Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brainstem and spinal cord via glycine receptors. Stacking both may cause excessive CNS depression, leading to oversedation.

How to arrange timing

Use caution when combining GABA and Glycine, especially before sleep. Start with low doses of each to assess tolerance.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Bannai M, et al. The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers. Front Neurol. 2012;3:61.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.