Miya Pearson
Kavinace was a dietary supplement that many people took to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. It was a natural product that combined three potent ingredients: taurine, 4-amino-3-phenyl butyric acid HCL, and vitamin B6. However, in 2019, the FDA issued a letter to several nutraceutical companies to discontinue supplements containing 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid, leaving many people who relied on Kavinace for sleep support in a difficult situation. So, what alternatives are people turning to for sleep support now that Kavinace is no longer available?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural alternatives | Melatonin, L-theanine, selenium |
| Natural supplements | Mucuna pruriens, 5HTP, PharmaGABA |
| Natural products | Natural sleep aids, herbal teas, meditation |
| Prescription alternatives | Ambien, Unisom |
| Dietary supplements | CereVive |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin
If you want to try melatonin for sleep, it is recommended to first try to make the most of your natural melatonin production. This includes getting exposure to daylight during the morning and afternoon and creating optimal conditions for melatonin to do its job by keeping the lights low before bed. Stop using your computer, smartphone, or tablet before bed, as the blue and green light from these devices can neutralize melatonin's effects. If you watch television, be sure to be at least six feet away from the screen.
If you are experiencing insomnia, want to overcome jet lag, or are a night owl who needs to get to bed earlier, you can try a melatonin supplement on a short-term basis. Melatonin supplements should not take the place of good sleep practices. Most physicians recommend committing to these practices before turning to melatonin. Good sleep practices include having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, limiting screen time two hours before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol later in the day, and sleeping in a dark, cool, and comfortable bedroom.
If you are considering taking melatonin supplements, it is important to follow the recommended dosage. For children weighing less than 88 pounds, providers recommend a maximum of 3 mg per dose. Children and teens weighing more than 88 pounds can take up to 5 mg at once, and adults should not take more than 10 mg at a time. Small doses can be effective, and too high of a dose can be dangerous and associated with increased side effects. If melatonin for sleep isn't helping after a week or two, stop using it. If your sleep problems continue, talk to your healthcare provider. Melatonin is generally safe for most people to take nightly for one to two months. After that, stop and see how your sleep is.
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L-Theanine
Research suggests that L-theanine may improve sleep quality by influencing several neurotransmitters and promoting relaxing brain activity. L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to rapidly affect neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. It has a similar structure to glutamate, a neurotransmitter that may play a role in promoting wakefulness. Animal studies have found that L-theanine blocks glutamate from binding to cells in the brain. L-theanine also affects other neurotransmitters, increasing GABA, dopamine, and serotonin levels while decreasing levels of norepinephrine.
Several studies have suggested that L-theanine could help people relax before bedtime, get to sleep more easily, and sleep more deeply. A 2018 study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder reported greater sleep satisfaction after taking 450–900 mg of L-theanine daily for 8 weeks. The study participants were taking antidepressants. The authors noted that there were no reported improvements in anxiety or insomnia severity.
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PharmaGABA
In addition to improving sleep, PharmaGABA can also help with severe anxiety and provide a noticeable sense of calm and relaxation without any unwanted side effects. Users have reported feeling a wave of calm within 30 minutes of taking the supplement. PharmaGABA can be particularly useful for those who wake up in the middle of the night with their minds racing, as it helps them fall back asleep more easily.
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5-HTP
Kavinace was a dietary supplement that people took to help them fall and stay asleep. However, it is no longer available as it contained 4-amino-3phenylbutyric acid, which the FDA has determined is not a dietary supplement.
One alternative to Kavinace is 5-HTP, which is known as a precursor to the sleep-regulating neurotransmitter and hormone serotonin. A randomised controlled trial found that 5-HTP supplementation improved sleep quality for up to 8 weeks in older adults, particularly in those who were poor sleepers. This improvement may be explained by increasing gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria in the gut. However, the efficacy of 5-HTP supplementation for improving sleep quality in older adults is still unclear.
Kavinace Ultra PM, another alternative, contains melatonin and 5-HTP to specifically target sleep issues. It is designed to promote restorative sleep and can help address issues with stress, anxiousness, sleep problems, and mood.
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Natural remedies
Kavinace was a dietary supplement that many people took to help with staying asleep. It contained a small amount of 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid, which is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. It also contained taurine, an amino acid that positively impacts GABA. However, it is no longer available as a supplement after the FDA issued a letter to several nutraceutical companies to discontinue supplements containing 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid.
PharmaGABA : This is a unique form of GABA that can be absorbed in the GI tract and cross the blood-brain barrier. CereVive is one product that contains PharmaGABA.
Mucuna Pruriens Extract : This is standardized to contain 10% of L-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps with focus, concentration, and motivation. However, taking mucuna is not recommended for people with type-A personalities who are already hyper-focused and task-oriented.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) : This is a precursor to serotonin, the "happy neurohormone" that is important for sleep, appetite craving control, and mood regulation.
Balancing Neurotransmitters : Balancing serotonin, dopamine, and GABA is essential for restful sleep. Combining Mucuna Pruriens and 5-HTP with PharmaGABA can help balance neurohormones for healthy sleep.
Natural Supplements : Melatonin is often the go-to natural supplement for sleep. L-theanine is another natural ingredient found in sleep aids that can promote deeper sleep and help you wake up feeling refreshed.
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Frequently asked questions
Melatonin, L-theanine, selenium, and PharmaGABA are all natural alternatives to Kavinace.
CereVive is a supplement that contains PharmaGABA, which is an absorbable form of GABA.
Ambien and Unisom are prescription sleep medications that can be used as alternatives to Kavinace.
Balancing serotonin, dopamine, and GABA is important for restful sleep. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help improve sleep quality.
Yes, it is important to address any underlying issues that may be causing sleep disturbances, such as stress, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances. Additionally, creating a comfortable sleep environment and limiting screen time before bed can also improve sleep quality.
