Can you take L-theanine and ADHD meds?
Complementary to Medication: For those already using ADHD medication, L-theanine can be a complementary supplement. It may help mitigate some of the side effects of stimulant medications, such as anxiety or jitteriness, while supporting overall focus and calm. Taking L-Theanine for Anxiety Reduced anxiety: A review of nine published articles showed that taking 200 to 400 mg of L-theanine a day can help reduce anxiety in people exposed to stressful environments.The short answer is this, though: Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen to support your body’s stress response, whereas L-theanine interacts with brain waves and impacts neurotransmitters to create a sense of calm without causing sedation. If you were going to add just one to your lifestyle, it should be L-theanine.The calming effects of L-theanine usually kick in within about 30–60 minutes after taking it. To help treat insomnia, ADHD and hyperactivity, doses of 200 milligrams taken twice daily are usually most effective.There is no evidence that L-theanine can replace ADHD treatment. However, it may complement or supplement treatment. In people for whom ADHD treatment is unsafe or ineffective, it could be an alternative.
How much L-theanine should I take if I have ADHD?
How Much L-Theanine Should I Take? As noted above, there are no official dosing recommendations. However, it’s common for studies to use 2. Effectiveness for Different Lifestyles. Ashwagandha suits those with high, long-term stress levels, such as active individuals or those balancing work and personal life. L-Theanine is better for people who need quick relaxation, such as those with high anxiety or those preparing for high-focus tasks.You may take L-theanine at any time of day. Taking L-theanine in the morning can support a healthy stress response. You might take it at night before bedtime to promote restful sleep.
Is there a downside to taking L-theanine?
When taken by mouth: L-theanine is possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 900 mg daily have been safely used for 8 weeks. It isn’t clear if L-theanine is safe to use for longer periods of time. It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness. As a supplement, L-theanine supports mental clarity and focused attention without causing drowsiness. It helps calm your mind from overthinking while keeping you alert and composed, making it a perfect ally for those seeking calm focus without agitation.If you’re going to take L-theanine to gain more alertness and mental clarity, you should take it during the day,” advises Zumpano. It does seem to do better with coffee or a caffeinated beverage.While GABA and L-theanine have both been shown to promote relaxation, there are some differences between the two supplements. Efficacy: Taking L-theanine for anxiety might be beneficial over GABA because L-theanine can promote relaxation without causing the drowsiness that GABA supplements tend to.While L-theanine is often used to alleviate anxiety, it can increase feelings of anxiety in some people. This is extremely rare but is most likely caused by the changes the L-theanine has on how the brain deals with serotonin and GABA.
What medications should not be taken with L-theanine?
Some sleep medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien) may interact with L-theanine and cause more drowsiness. It may also interact with sedatives, stimulants, and medications for high blood pressure. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that drugs are. Before taking L-theanine supplements, talk with your health care provider, if you regularly take any medications. Some sleep medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien) may interact with L-theanine and cause more drowsiness.Many social media users recommend taking a “stack” (or combination) of magnesium and L-theanine supplements for better sleep. Both have been touted for reducing anxiety or stress, and there’s reason to believe they may help some people sleep.Conclusion. L-theanine offers a promising natural option for individuals with ADHD who are seeking to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and support overall well-being. Its ability to promote a state of relaxed alertness makes it particularly suited to addressing some of the core challenges of ADHD.Stimulant medication. Stimulants include methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Stimulants are the most effective medications for the treatment of ADHD, with responsiveness rates in the 70%–80% range (Spencer et al 2005).
Can L-theanine increase focus?
When combined with caffeine, l-theanine may improve cognitive performance, alertness and focus. However, the evidence supporting many health claims remains limited, especially the lack of rigorous human clinical trials. Some sleep medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien) may interact with L-theanine and cause more drowsiness. It may also interact with sedatives, stimulants, and medications for high blood pressure. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that drugs are.Before taking L-theanine supplements, talk with your health care provider, if you regularly take any medications. Some sleep medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien) may interact with L-theanine and cause more drowsiness.Some studies suggest Suntheanine may have more reliable potency and bioavailability due to its controlled production process. Suntheanine products can make health claims that plain L-Theanine cannot, due to research that has been performed on the Suntheanine form, specifically.When combined with caffeine, l-theanine may improve cognitive performance, alertness and focus. However, the evidence supporting many health claims remains limited, especially the lack of rigorous human clinical trials.
When to avoid L-theanine?
You shouldn’t take L-theanine supplements if: You are pregnant or breastfeeding. You’re allergic to green tea. You take sedatives, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, anti-seizure drugs or asthma medication. Cancer medication: Using L-theanine supplements while undergoing chemotherapy is best done in collaboration with your healthcare provider. Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding people should likely avoid L-theanine supplements.