Why do I feel weird after taking L-theanine?
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. 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.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.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.L-theanine may affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, and cortisol, which helps the body deal with stress. A change in the balance of these chemicals can change a person’s mood or stress levels.
Why does L-theanine make me feel so good?
Lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. At the same time, it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 2, found that L-theanine has a protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice, mitigating liver tissue damage and reducing serum levels of liver enzymes.L-theanine has been historically reported as a relaxing agent, prompting scientific research on its pharmacology. Animal neurochemistry studies suggest that L-theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors.L-theanine has an average rating of 5. Drugs. Xanax has an average rating of 8. Drugs.In fact, some studies have shown that L-Theanine may actually decrease estrogen levels. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, including L-Theanine, as they may interact with certain medications or have other potential side effects.L-theanine supplements may improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Doses studied by researchers range from 200 milligrams (mg) per day to 900 mg per day, although the FDA considers L-theanine safe (GRAS) in doses up to 250 mg per day.
Does L-theanine stop overthinking?
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. 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.For example, one study found that L-theanine with caffeine lowered impulsivity in children with ADHD. Another indicated that test groups who received L-theanine alone or L-theanine plus caffeine both showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms versus placebo.Theanine is an amino acid extracted from green or black tea. In the brain, l-theanine increases dopamine, serotonin, and the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine (Yamada et al.Some studies suggest that taking an L-theanine supplement may help improve mental alertness, reaction time, and memory.A calming effect is usually noted within 30 to 40 minutes after L-theanine is taken at a dose of 50 to 200mg, and typically lasts 8 to 10 hours.
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. 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.Onset of Effects Most users begin to notice the effects of L-Theanine within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it. However, several factors can affect this timeframe: Form of L-Theanine: Capsules, tablets, or powders may differ in absorption rates. Some formulas dissolve faster, leading to quicker effects.Evidence is Still Developing: While L-theanine has an excellent safety profile, many of its purported health benefits are not yet supported by large, high-quality human clinical trials.L-theanine resulted in a notable reduction in the subjective stress response one hour after administration, as well as a significant reduction in cortisol levels three hours after administration [12].The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 2, found that L-theanine has a protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice, mitigating liver tissue damage and reducing serum levels of liver enzymes.
Does L-theanine change your brain?
Some studies suggest l-theanine may increase alpha waves in the brain associated with relaxation and selective attention, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality, though findings are often inconsistent. Potential neuroprotective and anti-seizure effects have also been reported in animal models. It is well absorbed from the intestine and can cross the blood brain barrier. Putative biological activities include relaxation and cognitive enhancement. The rationale is that l-theanine increases alpha brain waves in the brain, which is associated with relaxation and selective attention.Earlier reports showed the dose dependent features of l-theanine on the brain activity can be prolonged and could typically last 8–10 h. However, the original claims relating to the calming effect of l-theanine show it is usually noted within 40–60 min after l-theanine ingestion at a dose of 50–200 mg.It appears to do this by influencing key brain chemicals linked to mood and relaxation, while also increasing alpha brain wave activity—the kind associated with a quiet, focused mind. L-theanine may impact the production of serotonin and dopamine, the hormones affect the quality of our mood and emotions.This evidence suggests that the L-theanine–caffeine combination enhances attentional focus by suppressing mind wandering and deviation of attention to distracters(27).
Is caffeine with L-theanine good for ADHD?
Research on L-Theanine for ADHD Boys who had taken L-theanine with caffeine showed significantly improved attention and focus compared to those who had taken the placebo. A calming effect is usually noted within 30 to 40 minutes after L-theanine is taken at a dose of 50 to 200mg, and typically lasts 8 to 10 hours. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve with a regimen of 200mg once or twice daily.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.L-theanine is what’s known as an anxiolytic—it works to reduce anxiety. Some anxiolytics, such as valerian and hops, have sedative effects. L-theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without sedating.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.