What it means
A neurotransmitterNOOR-oh-trans-mit-erA chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.neur/o nervetrans- acrossmitt send-er one that doesFull entry that slows down nerve signals. Many drugs work by boosting it, including benzodiazepines such as midazolammih-DAZ-oh-lamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation before procedures and to stop seizures.Full entry , barbiturates, sleep drugs such as zolpidemZOLE-pih-demA prescription sleep medicine used for short-term trouble falling or staying asleep.Full entry , some seizure drugs, and alcohol; baclofenBAK-loh-fenA muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.Full entry acts on a different GABA receptor in the spinal cord. That shared action is why these drugs together can dangerously slow breathing.
At a glance
| Also written | gamma-aminobutyric acid, gamma aminobutyric acid |
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Related terms
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
benzodiazepine
A group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.
zolpidem
A prescription sleep medicine used for short-term trouble falling or staying asleep.
baclofen
A muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.