Benzos Upregulate receptors

[Pirrracetamol]

Hi all
Is there ANYTHING that upregulates gaba receptors?

I'm fucked atm can hardly remember the last week and count on one finger simple mathematics.

Help would be very appreciated

Thank you

 

[BorbOrB]

Fasoracetam is supposed to unregulated GABA b receptors. Apparently helpful for phenibut withdrawal.

 

[Pirrracetamol]

Fasoracetam is supposed to unregulated GABA b receptors. Apparently helpful for phenibut withdrawal.

Link,?

 

[placebonaut]

Nootropics I researched in order of best benefit to GABA recovery - it's heavily taken from AI but also some offline research so take it with a pinch of salt.

think this will work best when combined with stopping taking any GABA drug ideally.

I've been taking this stack for a while, think I'll cut out everything below and including lions mane when I run out of this batch with the exception of magnesium which I'll keep taking. so minimal stack would be:- Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA), Citicoline (CDP‑Choline), Uridine (UMP), magnesium, and NAC

Supplement	Best Time	Typical Range (mg)	GABA Recovery Benefit (Rank + Description)
Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA)	Morning / with meals	250–1000 mg EPA+DHA	(1) Strong — reduces neuroinflammation, supports receptor normalization
Citicoline (CDP‑Choline)	Morning	250–500 mg	(2) Strong — boosts neuroplasticity & membrane repair
Uridine (UMP)	Morning	50–300 mg	(3) Strong — supports synaptic repair & membrane rebuilding
NAC (N‑Acetylcysteine)	Morning or after drug use	600–1200 mg	(4) Strong — regulates glutamate, supports GABA rebound, reduces oxidative stress
Lion’s Mane	Morning	500–1500 mg	(5) Moderate — supports NGF & neuroplasticity
Magnesium (Glycinate)	Evening	100–400 mg elemental	(6) Moderate — calms glutamate rebound & supports sleep
ALCAR	Morning	500–1500 mg	(7) Mild — supports mitochondrial repair & dopamine
L‑Tyrosine	Morning / pre‑task	500–2000 mg	(8) Mild — supports dopamine recovery
Creatine Monohydrate	Anytime	3000–5000 mg (3–5 g)	(9) Mild — supports brain energy & stress resilience
Zinc Picolinate	Morning	15–30 mg​	(10) Neutral — no direct GABA effect​

 

[Pirrracetamol]

Nootropics I researched in order of best benefit to GABA recovery - it's heavily taken from AI but also some offline research so take it with a pinch of salt.

think this will work best when combined with stopping taking any GABA drug ideally.

I've been taking this stack for a while, think I'll cut out everything below and including lions mane when I run out of this batch with the exception of magnesium which I'll keep taking. so minimal stack would be:- Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA), Citicoline (CDP‑Choline), Uridine (UMP), magnesium, and NAC

Supplement	Best Time	Typical Range (mg)	GABA Recovery Benefit (Rank + Description)
Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA)	Morning / with meals	250–1000 mg EPA+DHA	(1) Strong — reduces neuroinflammation, supports receptor normalization
Citicoline (CDP‑Choline)	Morning	250–500 mg	(2) Strong — boosts neuroplasticity & membrane repair
Uridine (UMP)	Morning	50–300 mg	(3) Strong — supports synaptic repair & membrane rebuilding
NAC (N‑Acetylcysteine)	Morning or after drug use	600–1200 mg	(4) Strong — regulates glutamate, supports GABA rebound, reduces oxidative stress
Lion’s Mane	Morning	500–1500 mg	(5) Moderate — supports NGF & neuroplasticity
Magnesium (Glycinate)	Evening	100–400 mg elemental	(6) Moderate — calms glutamate rebound & supports sleep
ALCAR	Morning	500–1500 mg	(7) Mild — supports mitochondrial repair & dopamine
L‑Tyrosine	Morning / pre‑task	500–2000 mg	(8) Mild — supports dopamine recovery
Creatine Monohydrate	Anytime	3000–5000 mg (3–5 g)	(9) Mild — supports brain energy & stress resilience
Zinc Picolinate	Morning	15–30 mg​	(10) Neutral — no direct GABA effect​

What about lemon balm tea, vitamin b1, vitamin b6, normal magnesium (not glycinate) taurine, valerian root, l-theanine ?

 

[placebonaut]

What about lemon balm tea, vitamin b1, vitamin b6, normal magnesium (not glycinate) taurine, valerian root, l-theanine ?

sure you can add in other things but they're more about helping/managing other issues/symptoms rather than helping repair your GABA.

so you can take a number of things in the morning if you have anxiety:-
Ashwagandha
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
Chamomile
Taurine
Magnesium (Glycinate) (evening)

or if sleeps an issue evening doses of things like:-
Camomile
Magnolia bark
Passionflower
Lemon Balm
Valerian (Anxiety as well)

 

[PtahTek]

always the search for the magic bullets
no judgement whatsoever
im reading....

 

[placebonaut]

always the search for the magic bullets

yeah nootropics aren't a magic bullet unfortunately, stopping taking GABA is the tough 1st step, let your system reset it's baseline.

They might help a bit though and the the right combo might take the edge off a taper - thankfully I've never been there to know how workable it is, but lots of threads talk about them

 

[Pirrracetamol]

sure you can add in other things but they're more about helping/managing other issues/symptoms rather than helping repair your GABA.

so you can take a number of things in the morning if you have anxiety:-
Ashwagandha
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
Chamomile
Taurine
Magnesium (Glycinate) (evening)

or if sleeps an issue evening doses of things like:-
Camomile
Magnolia bark
Passionflower
Lemon Balm
Valerian (Anxiety as well)

So all those things I listed won't repair gaba?

 

[placebonaut]

So all those things I listed won't repair gaba?

I'm not an expert on this but my research points to the 10 things I listed as being the best to actually repair GABA, not the things you listed.

Would love to hear from someone else who knows more about nootropics though to confirm or correct things, otherwise you might want to try to do a bit of research to confirm things, I've gone pretty deep down this rabbit hole and it's bloody time consuming trawling through things.

I'm as confident in this as I can be to the extent that I plan to actually give a version of this stack a try as I try to stop taking GABA myself - I'll add in anxiety/sleep stuff as required.

 

[Pirrracetamol]

sure you can add in other things but they're more about helping/managing other issues/symptoms rather than helping repair your GABA.

so you can take a number of things in the morning if you have anxiety:-
Ashwagandha
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
Chamomile
Taurine
Magnesium (Glycinate) (evening)

or if sleeps an issue evening doses of things like:-
Camomile
Magnolia bark
Passionflower
Lemon Balm
Valerian (Anxiety as well)

Is normal magnesium okay? Not glycinate.
Damn these c supplements are expensive!

 

[PtahTek]

take the edge off a taper

well played and true ime.
been there and will likely be there again at some point.
anything that may help like grasping at straws in desperation.
maybe this time it will be a mild transition.

at op
just keep moving in the general direction youre heading you already have a bearing follow it. trust your gut.
peace

 

[chippermonk]

No quick answers, unfortunately. Time and careful tapering off the benzos. Don't replace them with alcohol or other gaba depleters. Reduce caffeine, as in your condition it will make for worse anxiety. Intense exercise is supposed to aid repair and can also greatly help you relax and sleep.
If you can manage it in your state, try relaxation, mindfulness, yoga, meditation exercises to calm yourself down ( but yeah, hard to do).
Take supplements but also EAT WELL, because good diet is more readily absorbed than are pill supplements. You need to set your body up to heal itself because nothing else will do it for you, so that means good nutrition, good sleep, exercise.
Good luck!

 

[placebonaut]

I found this in my research log which is relevant, don't think I've posted it before

again it's AI generated but this time I've not verified accuracy

Phase / Timeline	What’s Happening in the Brain	Common Experiences	How Your Stack Helps	What Improves First / Progress
Phase 1: Acute Rebound (Days 1–14)	• GABA receptors downregulated (low inhibition)• Glutamate upregulated (high excitation)• Dopamine suppressed (low motivation)• Stress systems (CRH/cortisol) elevated	• Anxiety• Insomnia• Restlessness• Low libido• Emotional volatility• Cognitive fog• “Flat/unmotivated” feeling	• Magnesium → calms glutamate rebound• Omega‑3 → reduces neuroinflammation• Lion’s Mane → supports early neuroplasticity• Citicoline + Uridine → begin repairing synapses• ALCAR + Tyrosine → support dopamine tone	• Sleep begins stabilizing• Anxiety reduces• Emotional swings soften
Phase 2: Early Receptor Upregulation (Weeks 2–6)	• GABA‑A and GABA‑B receptors begin upregulating• Glutamate begins downshifting• Dopamine slowly increases• Neuroplasticity increases• Stress hormones begin normalizing	• Sleep improves• Anxiety decreases• Libido begins returning• Motivation flickers on/off• Cognitive clarity improves in waves	• Uridine + Citicoline → accelerate membrane repair• Omega‑3 → supports receptor normalization• Lion’s Mane → supports NGF and synaptic growth• ALCAR → improves mental energy• Tyrosine → supports dopamine synthesis	• Libido begins returning• Orgasm intensity improves• Focus and motivation come back in bursts• Emotional stability increases
Phase 3: Stabilization & Dopamine Recovery (Months 2–4)	• GABA receptors reach ~70–90% of baseline• Dopamine receptors begin normalizing• Stress systems calm• Neuroplasticity increases• Sexual function improves significantly	• Motivation returns• Libido and orgasm function normalize• Sleep becomes consistent• Cognitive performance improves• Emotional resilience increases	• ALCAR + Tyrosine → restore dopamine pathways• Omega‑3 → supports long‑term receptor health• Lion’s Mane → supports neurogenesis• Citicoline + Uridine → enhance working memory and focus	• Sexual function often returns to normal• ADHD‑style symptoms improve• Mood stabilizes• Energy becomes consistent
Phase 4: Full Receptor Normalization (Months 4–12)	• GABA‑A and GABA‑B receptors reach full baseline• Dopamine system fully stabilizes• Neuroplasticity continues• Hormonal systems normalize• Stress response becomes healthy again</br>• No rebound anxiety• No cravings for GABAergic substances	• Normal libido and orgasm• Stable motivation• Strong cognitive performance• Emotional balance• No rebound anxiety• No cravings for GABAergic substances	• Omega‑3 → long‑term brain health• Lion’s Mane → ongoing neuroplasticity• Citicoline + Uridine → cognitive optimization• Creatine / Zinc / Vitamin D (if added) → hormonal support	• Sexual function fully restored• Motivation and drive feel natural• ADHD symptoms stabilize• Mood becomes resilient
Where Each Drug Fits in This Timeline	• Longest recovery (3–12 months): GBL, Phenibut, Diazepam, Xanax, Meprobamate (Deep GABA downregulation)• Medium recovery (1–4 months): Alcohol, Pregabalin, Soma (Moderate receptor disruption)• Short recovery (days–weeks): Cannabis, Psychedelics, Ketamine, MDMA, Mephedrone, Cocaine, Amphetamine (Dopamine/serotonin focus, not GABA)	N/A (Categorization only)	N/A	N/A

Drug	Does Lower Dose Reduce Recovery Impact?	Do Nootropics Reduce Impact Further?	Lower Dose + Nootropics Combined Effect
GBL	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Phenibut	Slight reduction	No reduction	Minimal reduction
Diazepam	Moderate reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction
Xanax (Alprazolam)	Moderate reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction
Meprobamate	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Soma (Carisoprodol)	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Pregabalin	Meaningful reduction	Small–moderate reduction	Moderate reduction
Alcohol	Meaningful reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction

Table showing how long it takes GABA to improve once you stop taking each drug, and the impact having a dose has to gaba repair

Substance	GABA Improvement (Rank)	GABA Setback per Use (Rank)	GABA Breakeven Point	Why / Mechanism	Effect on Recovery for Each Time the Drug Is Used
GBL	2–6 w (1)	7–14 days (1)	21–30 days	Strong GABA‑B agonist; deep dopamine suppression	Each use resets GABA‑B recovery, prolongs dopamine suppression, delays libido return.
Phenibut	2–6 w (2)	5–10 days (2)	18–28 days	Long‑acting GABA‑B agonist	Each use extends receptor downregulation, increases tolerance, delays sexual recovery.
Diazepam	2–4 w (4)	3–7 days (4)	10–18 days	Long half‑life; slow GABA‑A receptor rebound	Each use slows GABA‑A receptor rebound, prolongs sedation‑related sexual dysfunction.
Xanax (Alprazolam)	1–3 w (6)	2–5 days (6)	7–12 days	Potent, short‑acting GABA‑A modulation	Each use spikes tolerance, increases rebound anxiety, delays libido normalization.
Meprobamate	2–5 w (3)	5–10 days (3)	14–22 days	Barbiturate‑like GABA‑A modulation	Each use significantly delays GABA‑A repair, prolongs CNS depression effects.
Soma (Carisoprodol)	1–3 w (5)	3–7 days (5)	10–16 days	Converts to meprobamate	Each use partially resets progress, especially for sexual function and sleep.
Pregabalin	1–4 w (7)	2–5 days (7)	6–10 days	Reduces excitatory neurotransmission	Each use prolongs emotional blunting, delays dopamine‑driven libido recovery.
Alcohol	1–2 w (8)	1–3 days (8)	4–7 days	GABA‑A + NMDA disruption; hormonal effects	Each use disrupts sleep + hormones, slowing both GABA and sexual recovery.
Ketamine	3–10 d (14)	0–2 days (14)	1–3 days	NMDA antagonist; minimal GABA impact	Each use mildly delays dopamine stability, but minimal GABA impact.
Cannabis	1–3 w (9)	1–3 days (9)	4–7 days	Dopamine suppression + prolactin elevation	Each use prolongs dopamine suppression, delaying libido and motivation.
MDMA	3–14 d (13)	1–3 days (13)	3–6 days	Serotonin depletion	Each use depletes serotonin, delaying sexual function and emotional stability.
Mephedrone	3–14 d (12)	1–3 days (12)	3–6 days	Dopamine + serotonin crash	Each use worsens dopamine rebound, delaying libido and motivation.
Cocaine	3–14 d (11)	1–3 days (11)	3–6 days	Dopamine depletion + vasoconstriction	Each use deepens dopamine crash, delays sexual function and mood recovery.
Amphetamine	1–3 w (10)	1–3 days (10)	3–6 days	Dopamine depletion	Each use prolongs dopamine recovery, delaying libido and motivation.
2C‑B	3–10 d (15)	0–2 days (15)	1–2 days	Serotonergic; minimal long‑term impact	Each use slightly delays serotonin balance, but minimal long‑term effect.
Psilocybin / Psilocin	3–7 d (16)	0–1 days (16)	0–1 days	Serotonin receptor modulation	Each use has minimal impact on recovery, unless used very frequently.
DMT	1–3 d (17)	0 days (17)	0 days	Ultra‑short acting; negligible recovery impact	Each use has negligible effect on long‑term recovery.

I've researched this last table a bit because it's actively driving which drugs I use, sexual function included because I have issues there ignore it if you don't! I'm trying to push my usage down the list as much as possible and away from GABA which is my biggest drug problem - though clearly stopping taking GABA and doing loads of coke instead is a very bad idea!

 

[placebonaut]

Is normal magnesium okay? Not glycinate.
Damn these c supplements are expensive!

I did look into this and the conclusion was that glycinate was the best version.

yeah the nootropics are bloody expensive, that's partly why I'm going to cut down how many I use and just focus on the ones that have the biggest effect on GABA repair

AI summary on Magnesium...

When repairing the GABA system after drug abuse, Magnesium Glycinate is generally considered the superior choice, but it is not the only option that works. Here is the breakdown of why, and how other forms compare:

1. The Gold Standard: Magnesium Glycinate (or Bisglycinate)​

Why it’s best for GABA repair:

• Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Glycine itself is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. When magnesium is bound to glycine, it helps the mineral cross into the brain more effectively than many other forms.
• Synergistic Effect: Glycine binds to NMDA receptors on the glutamate side, helping to "calm" the excitatory rebound often seen in withdrawal. This complements magnesium’s role in regulating GABA receptors.
• High Absorption & Low Laxative Effect: It is absorbed efficiently by the body, meaning you don’t need huge doses to get therapeutic levels in the brain, and it rarely causes diarrhea (which can happen with oxide or citrate).

2. Other Forms That Work Well​

While Glycinate is optimal, these are also effective for GABA repair:

• Magnesium L-Threonate:
  • Why it works: This form was specifically researched for its ability to significantly increase magnesium levels in the brain tissue. It is excellent for cognitive repair, memory, and reducing "brain fog."
  • Verdict: Often more expensive than Glycinate, but arguably better if your main symptoms are cognitive/mental clarity related. Some people use both (Glycinate for sleep/calming + L-Threonate for brain fog).
• Magnesium Taurate:
  • Why it works: Bound to taurine, another inhibitory neurotransmitter that supports GABA function. It is also good for heart health and blood pressure regulation, which can be affected by stimulant abuse.
  • Verdict: A strong runner-up to Glycinate, especially if you have cardiovascular concerns.

3. Forms That Are Less Ideal for GABA Repair​

• Magnesium Oxide: Poor absorption. Most of it stays in the gut. It’s cheap and used as a laxative, but not efficient for raising brain magnesium levels quickly.
• Magnesium Citrate: Good absorption, but has a mild laxative effect. It’s fine if you are constipated, but the glycine binding in Glycinate is more specific to neural calming.
• Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts): Excellent for transdermal (bath) absorption. If you have severe muscle tension or anxiety, an Epsom salt bath can help raise magnesium levels without digestive issues. This is a great adjunct to oral supplements.

Summary Recommendation​

1. Primary Choice: Magnesium Glycinate (200–400 mg elemental magnesium per day, preferably in the evening). This is the most balanced approach for calming the nervous system, improving sleep, and supporting GABA receptor normalization.
2. If Brain Fog/Cognitive Decline is Severe: Consider adding Magnesium L-Threonate during the day.
3. For Acute Muscle Tension/Anxiety: Add Epsom Salt Baths 2–3 times a week alongside oral supplementation.

Important Note:Start with a lower dose (e.g., 100–150 mg) to see how your body reacts, as too much magnesium too quickly can cause loose stools or drowsiness. Consistency is key—GABA receptors take weeks to fully upregulate, so daily magnesium intake is crucial throughout the entire recovery timeline (Phases 1–4).

 

[Pirrracetamol]

I found this in my research log which is relevant, don't think I've posted it before

again it's AI generated but this time I've not verified accuracy

Phase / Timeline	What’s Happening in the Brain	Common Experiences	How Your Stack Helps	What Improves First / Progress
Phase 1: Acute Rebound (Days 1–14)	• GABA receptors downregulated (low inhibition)• Glutamate upregulated (high excitation)• Dopamine suppressed (low motivation)• Stress systems (CRH/cortisol) elevated	• Anxiety• Insomnia• Restlessness• Low libido• Emotional volatility• Cognitive fog• “Flat/unmotivated” feeling	• Magnesium → calms glutamate rebound• Omega‑3 → reduces neuroinflammation• Lion’s Mane → supports early neuroplasticity• Citicoline + Uridine → begin repairing synapses• ALCAR + Tyrosine → support dopamine tone	• Sleep begins stabilizing• Anxiety reduces• Emotional swings soften
Phase 2: Early Receptor Upregulation (Weeks 2–6)	• GABA‑A and GABA‑B receptors begin upregulating• Glutamate begins downshifting• Dopamine slowly increases• Neuroplasticity increases• Stress hormones begin normalizing	• Sleep improves• Anxiety decreases• Libido begins returning• Motivation flickers on/off• Cognitive clarity improves in waves	• Uridine + Citicoline → accelerate membrane repair• Omega‑3 → supports receptor normalization• Lion’s Mane → supports NGF and synaptic growth• ALCAR → improves mental energy• Tyrosine → supports dopamine synthesis	• Libido begins returning• Orgasm intensity improves• Focus and motivation come back in bursts• Emotional stability increases
Phase 3: Stabilization & Dopamine Recovery (Months 2–4)	• GABA receptors reach ~70–90% of baseline• Dopamine receptors begin normalizing• Stress systems calm• Neuroplasticity increases• Sexual function improves significantly	• Motivation returns• Libido and orgasm function normalize• Sleep becomes consistent• Cognitive performance improves• Emotional resilience increases	• ALCAR + Tyrosine → restore dopamine pathways• Omega‑3 → supports long‑term receptor health• Lion’s Mane → supports neurogenesis• Citicoline + Uridine → enhance working memory and focus	• Sexual function often returns to normal• ADHD‑style symptoms improve• Mood stabilizes• Energy becomes consistent
Phase 4: Full Receptor Normalization (Months 4–12)	• GABA‑A and GABA‑B receptors reach full baseline• Dopamine system fully stabilizes• Neuroplasticity continues• Hormonal systems normalize• Stress response becomes healthy again</br>• No rebound anxiety• No cravings for GABAergic substances	• Normal libido and orgasm• Stable motivation• Strong cognitive performance• Emotional balance• No rebound anxiety• No cravings for GABAergic substances	• Omega‑3 → long‑term brain health• Lion’s Mane → ongoing neuroplasticity• Citicoline + Uridine → cognitive optimization• Creatine / Zinc / Vitamin D (if added) → hormonal support	• Sexual function fully restored• Motivation and drive feel natural• ADHD symptoms stabilize• Mood becomes resilient
Where Each Drug Fits in This Timeline	• Longest recovery (3–12 months): GBL, Phenibut, Diazepam, Xanax, Meprobamate (Deep GABA downregulation)• Medium recovery (1–4 months): Alcohol, Pregabalin, Soma (Moderate receptor disruption)• Short recovery (days–weeks): Cannabis, Psychedelics, Ketamine, MDMA, Mephedrone, Cocaine, Amphetamine (Dopamine/serotonin focus, not GABA)	N/A (Categorization only)	N/A	N/A

Drug	Does Lower Dose Reduce Recovery Impact?	Do Nootropics Reduce Impact Further?	Lower Dose + Nootropics Combined Effect
GBL	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Phenibut	Slight reduction	No reduction	Minimal reduction
Diazepam	Moderate reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction
Xanax (Alprazolam)	Moderate reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction
Meprobamate	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Soma (Carisoprodol)	Minimal reduction	No reduction	No reduction
Pregabalin	Meaningful reduction	Small–moderate reduction	Moderate reduction
Alcohol	Meaningful reduction	Small reduction	Small–moderate reduction

Table showing how long it takes GABA to improve once you stop taking each drug, and the impact having a dose has to gaba repair

Substance	GABA Improvement (Rank)	GABA Setback per Use (Rank)	GABA Breakeven Point	Why / Mechanism	Effect on Recovery for Each Time the Drug Is Used
GBL	2–6 w (1)	7–14 days (1)	21–30 days	Strong GABA‑B agonist; deep dopamine suppression	Each use resets GABA‑B recovery, prolongs dopamine suppression, delays libido return.
Phenibut	2–6 w (2)	5–10 days (2)	18–28 days	Long‑acting GABA‑B agonist	Each use extends receptor downregulation, increases tolerance, delays sexual recovery.
Diazepam	2–4 w (4)	3–7 days (4)	10–18 days	Long half‑life; slow GABA‑A receptor rebound	Each use slows GABA‑A receptor rebound, prolongs sedation‑related sexual dysfunction.
Xanax (Alprazolam)	1–3 w (6)	2–5 days (6)	7–12 days	Potent, short‑acting GABA‑A modulation	Each use spikes tolerance, increases rebound anxiety, delays libido normalization.
Meprobamate	2–5 w (3)	5–10 days (3)	14–22 days	Barbiturate‑like GABA‑A modulation	Each use significantly delays GABA‑A repair, prolongs CNS depression effects.
Soma (Carisoprodol)	1–3 w (5)	3–7 days (5)	10–16 days	Converts to meprobamate	Each use partially resets progress, especially for sexual function and sleep.
Pregabalin	1–4 w (7)	2–5 days (7)	6–10 days	Reduces excitatory neurotransmission	Each use prolongs emotional blunting, delays dopamine‑driven libido recovery.
Alcohol	1–2 w (8)	1–3 days (8)	4–7 days	GABA‑A + NMDA disruption; hormonal effects	Each use disrupts sleep + hormones, slowing both GABA and sexual recovery.
Ketamine	3–10 d (14)	0–2 days (14)	1–3 days	NMDA antagonist; minimal GABA impact	Each use mildly delays dopamine stability, but minimal GABA impact.
Cannabis	1–3 w (9)	1–3 days (9)	4–7 days	Dopamine suppression + prolactin elevation	Each use prolongs dopamine suppression, delaying libido and motivation.
MDMA	3–14 d (13)	1–3 days (13)	3–6 days	Serotonin depletion	Each use depletes serotonin, delaying sexual function and emotional stability.
Mephedrone	3–14 d (12)	1–3 days (12)	3–6 days	Dopamine + serotonin crash	Each use worsens dopamine rebound, delaying libido and motivation.
Cocaine	3–14 d (11)	1–3 days (11)	3–6 days	Dopamine depletion + vasoconstriction	Each use deepens dopamine crash, delays sexual function and mood recovery.
Amphetamine	1–3 w (10)	1–3 days (10)	3–6 days	Dopamine depletion	Each use prolongs dopamine recovery, delaying libido and motivation.
2C‑B	3–10 d (15)	0–2 days (15)	1–2 days	Serotonergic; minimal long‑term impact	Each use slightly delays serotonin balance, but minimal long‑term effect.
Psilocybin / Psilocin	3–7 d (16)	0–1 days (16)	0–1 days	Serotonin receptor modulation	Each use has minimal impact on recovery, unless used very frequently.
DMT	1–3 d (17)	0 days (17)	0 days	Ultra‑short acting; negligible recovery impact	Each use has negligible effect on long‑term recovery.

I've researched this last table a bit because it's actively driving which drugs I use, sexual function included because I have issues there ignore it if you don't! I'm trying to push my usage down the list as much as possible and away from GABA which is my biggest drug problem - though clearly stopping taking GABA and doing loads of coke instead is a very bad idea!

Interesting!

 

[Pirrracetamol]

Nootropics I researched in order of best benefit to GABA recovery - it's heavily taken from AI but also some offline research so take it with a pinch of salt.

think this will work best when combined with stopping taking any GABA drug ideally.

I've been taking this stack for a while, think I'll cut out everything below and including lions mane when I run out of this batch with the exception of magnesium which I'll keep taking. so minimal stack would be:- Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA), Citicoline (CDP‑Choline), Uridine (UMP), magnesium, and NAC

Supplement	Best Time	Typical Range (mg)	GABA Recovery Benefit (Rank + Description)
Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA)	Morning / with meals	250–1000 mg EPA+DHA	(1) Strong — reduces neuroinflammation, supports receptor normalization
Citicoline (CDP‑Choline)	Morning	250–500 mg	(2) Strong — boosts neuroplasticity & membrane repair
Uridine (UMP)	Morning	50–300 mg	(3) Strong — supports synaptic repair & membrane rebuilding
NAC (N‑Acetylcysteine)	Morning or after drug use	600–1200 mg	(4) Strong — regulates glutamate, supports GABA rebound, reduces oxidative stress
Lion’s Mane	Morning	500–1500 mg	(5) Moderate — supports NGF & neuroplasticity
Magnesium (Glycinate)	Evening	100–400 mg elemental	(6) Moderate — calms glutamate rebound & supports sleep
ALCAR	Morning	500–1500 mg	(7) Mild — supports mitochondrial repair & dopamine
L‑Tyrosine	Morning / pre‑task	500–2000 mg	(8) Mild — supports dopamine recovery
Creatine Monohydrate	Anytime	3000–5000 mg (3–5 g)	(9) Mild — supports brain energy & stress resilience
Zinc Picolinate	Morning	15–30 mg​	(10) Neutral — no direct GABA effect​

Okay got some goodies today. Few questions: omega 3 says on the back for general health and well-being take 1 capsule a day.

For cardiovascular and nervous system health. Take 1 capsule a day.

For brain eye and skin health take 5 capsules a day.

Which one is it?

With Uridine (UMP) it says to take with water not with food.
Should I take it with food?

Same goes for magnesium Glycinate, but I'd imagine you would just take it with water because it says high strength superior absorption.