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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by viridis on January 22, 2003, at 1:44:50
Recently I've been experimenting with L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, for anxiety problems. I do quite well with my combo of Klonopin, Adderall, Neurontin, and occasional Xanax, but am always looking for something to smooth things out a bit more when I'm feeling stressed. The stress is nothing like it was before this med combo, so I'm not complaining; I guess I'm just always looking for that ideal mix.
I've generally been disappointed with the herbs and supplements I've tried (except fish oil -- I think it really does help with overall stability). But L-theanine (100-200 mg a couple of times a day) actually seems to enhance the effects of the meds I'm taking, and I'm pretty sure it isn't just placebo effect. From what I've found so far, this seems to be a fairly well-studied supplement, and apparently in Japan, it's added to everything from gum to softdrinks.
I've always found tea somewhat calming, despite the caffeine, to which I'm quite sensitive. So, my reaction to theanine seems consistent with this. It's not dramatic (as was the improvement with benzos), but it does seem to be real so far, and I'm generally pretty skeptical about supplements so I doubt that I'm imagining it.
I'd welcome any comments, additional info, or experiences.
Thanks,
Viridis
Posted by glenn on January 22, 2003, at 3:23:40
In reply to L-theanine--comments--IsoM, Larry Hoover et al?, posted by viridis on January 22, 2003, at 1:44:50
I am also trying this as I hardly ever use xanax any more, the effect seems very subtle and I think I will have to try 200mg as 100 is too subtle!
You might want to have a look at tryptozen and pikamilon the next two on my list glenn
Posted by Kari on January 22, 2003, at 11:38:31
In reply to L-theanine--comments--IsoM, Larry Hoover et al?, posted by viridis on January 22, 2003, at 1:44:50
Hi,
I think someone once wrote here that it has a dopaminergic effect. Actually, I feel it every time I drink a cup of light green tea. It sends me climbing up a wall :)
Kari.
Posted by mattdds on January 23, 2003, at 10:26:37
In reply to L-theanine--comments--IsoM, Larry Hoover et al?, posted by viridis on January 22, 2003, at 1:44:50
Viridis,
After reading your post, I went around the corner to the local supplement store and bought some l-theanine. I had stopped buying supplements a long time ago because they never had any noticible effects. But I decided, what the hell.
Interesting stuff. I think you're right, there is definitely something there, that is not placebo. It seems to dull the background noise in my mind, and clear up my thinking somewhat. I also noticed that I seemed intensely focused, yet also relaxed afterward; kind of "zoned in", if that makes sense. It is a qualitatively different calming sensation then, say, a benzo.
Like you said, not as powerful as 0.5 mg Klonopin, but a fairly noticible calming effect. Not too bad for something cheap, available without prescription, and that has been used for 100's of years with no safety problems.
Again, interesting!
Thanks!
Matt
This is the end of the thread.
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