GABA is made in brain cells from glutamate. It functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it blocks nerve impulses. Glutamate acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Therefore, when it binds to adjacent cells, it encourages them to “fire” and send a nerve impulse. On the other hand, GABA does the opposite and tells the adjoining cells not to “fire” and not to send an impulse. Without GABA, nerve cells fire too often and too easily.
As a result, anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, seizures, and numerous other conditions including addiction, are related to low GABA activity. It hinders the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another, thereby having a calming or quieting influence. In order to understand the effect, caffeine, which inhibits, GABA release, is a good example. The less GABA, the more nerve transmissions occur. Think about when you have had too much coffee: that is the sensation of glutamate without enough GABA.