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L-Theanine for anxiety, insomnia


Nadia

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See this report in Life Extension Magazine.

 

"Stress hormones known as glucocorticoids are activated by both stress and depression. In turn, they cause imbalances in brain chemistry that interfere with mood and memory.23-26 The effect is biochemical. Glucocorticoids disrupt serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals.27,28 These “neurotransmitters” are the target of prescription antidepressants such as Prozac® and Wellbutrin®. And it has been shown that glucocorticoids can interfere with the ability of Prozac® and other drugs to work.29 Worse still, glucocorticoids can cause the brain to shrink.30,31 Counteracting glucocorticoids is extremely important.

 

Drugs that block glucocorticoids have been proposed as a treatment for depression, and strangely enough, people have been treated successfully with ketoconazole (Nizoral®), an antifungal drug with the side effect of suppressing glucocorticoids.32,33 Theanine also suppresses glucocorticoids, and it is one of the few dietary supplements that crosses the blood-brain barrier.

 

Theanine’s connection to the suppression of glucocorticoids is through glutamate. Researchers have discovered that this natural component of brain chemistry, which is not traditionally associated with depression, in fact plays a major role.34 In people who are depressed, glutamate levels are out of balance.35 Preliminary studies show that blocking certain signals in the brain activated by glutamate may be as effective as prescription antidepressants.36,37 L-theanine may act as a glutamate antagonist.38 Researchers believe that glutamate receptor antagonists may offset the harmful effects of high glucocorticoid levels and offer neuroprotective effects against both acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.39"

 

I wonder if anyone here has tried it?

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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I have talked to a nutritionist and author from Palm Desert about this and have tried it, although not regularly enough to give good feedback. Since talking to that nutritionist, I've noticed theanine mentioned quite a bit.

As I recall (this was before realizing I was experiencing protracted withdrawal), he said it was a precursor to dopamine AND should be calming and to take before sleep. That didn't fit into my thinking at the time as I associated DA with activation/alerting. Ill have to go over this with him.

Steven Stahl, MD @ UCSD discusses the 'glutamate connection' to depression in his psychopharm texts. Sounds like that is the next target of antidepressants.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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This is whats in green tea isnt it?

 

Ive tried green tea and didnt like the effect it had on me. Hard to describe.

Off Lexapro since 3rd November 2011.

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Yeah, it's what's in green tea... except I'm not touching green tea because of the caffeine!

 

I read about the glutamate connection for the next generation of antidepressants as well. Alas, they won't stop their quest. A whole new generation of guinea pigs.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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I'm not sure they'll get as far as another generation of guinea pigs, considering what a disaster the current situation is.

Off Lexapro since 3rd November 2011.

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Of course, many have postulated that glutamate greatly influences w/d. The framework of this theory makes sense to me, though I am not a neuro-scientist and, I've discovered, can't become one in a few weeks through a few books.

 

As to this, I not too familiar with it, L-Theanine.

 

How would you try L-Theanine? Is there a food source or a food supersource?

 

Alex.i

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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How would you try L-Theanine? Is there a food source or a food supersource?

 

Alex.i

 

Green tea is the only one I can think of.

 

From wikipedia:

 

"Theanine is a glutamic acid analog or amino acid derivative commonly found in tea (infusions of Camellia sinensis), primarily in green tea,[1] and also in the basidiomycete mushroom Boletus badius and in guayusa.[2]"

 

There's also this about glutamate:

 

"Researchers also speculate it may inhibit glutamic acid excitotoxicity.[11] Theanine also promotes alpha wave production in the brain.[6]

Off Lexapro since 3rd November 2011.

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I've looked at the grocery store for decaf green tea (bottles not tea bags) and have not yet found it. Does it exist?

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Administrator

You can get it as a supplement, which is probably a better way than in green tea, which contains caffeine.

 

And in a supplement, you can control the amount you take. As with everything, start with a fractional dose to see how it affects you.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Have you tried it yourself, Alto? Just curious, would be nice to know if it's helped anyone.

 

Alex - you can get decaf green tea, but I agree with Alto probably best to try the supplement in a small dose.

Off Lexapro since 3rd November 2011.

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I tried it but can't remember what it did. I didn't stick with it so I guess it didn't help.

 

I've always found that decaf green tea made me feel weird, and I used to enjoy green tea before I had to swear off caffeine.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Plus, it tastes like dirt.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I tried a supplement with theanine in it, but it had a bunch of other stuff in it as well (B vitamins, tryptophan, etc) so I don't know how much I can interpret my reactions to the theanine.

History is approximate; I didn't track my dosages.

 

1995 - started zoloft/sertraline for depression

1995-2008 - sertraline ranged from 100-200mg, may have gone as high as 250mg

2006 - 2009 - added welbutrin/budeprion SR, 150 mg

sometime in 2009-2010 - stopped budeprion c/t

sometime around 2009-2010, Tapered down sertraline w/o guidance to 50 mg, then 25mg.

~ feb 2010, stopped sertraline.

~ Apr 2010, resumed 25mg low dose (really bad business trip)

Oct 2010, stopped sertraline

Jan 2011 - another bad business trip "breaks" my sleep.

 

current issues include insomnia, anxiety, GI distress, depression.

Taking multivitamins, Vitamin D, fish oil, Chinese herbs, ~ 0.5mg melatonin in the evening.

Going to therapy and acupuncture once a week.

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There are lots of things I can't get here in Mexico, but when I'm in Canada next month for that job, I plan to order some and I'll let you guys know if it helps. Not that it will be a controlled study by any means... I'm trying so many different things it's really hard to tell what works and what doesn't, unless it has an immediate effect, like the wonderful acupunture session I just got.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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Just came across a line of beverages using theanine and other amino acids/supps --NEUROBRANDS from Santa Monica (not a surprise). NeuroBliss, NeuroGasm, etc. Amazing what's out there. I believe there is another line using theanine, also from SoCal (Venice, perhaps).

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Hmm... I'll be trying a conservative dose of the pure substance (I hear it really matters what brand you get, too)... I need to be able to isolate it's effect from the other stuff!

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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  • 1 month later...

I tried some Theanine yesterday, I had about 40mg. After about half an hour I started to feel calmer and a bit more relaxed.

My focus and cognition improved. My friend commented that I appeared more relaxed in my body language than usual.

 

The only downside was that it seemed to affect my breathing slightly, like I had to take deeper breaths than usual or something.

 

Overall, I would try it again sparingly for situations I usually find difficult and anxiety-provoking such as going to the supermarket.

 

Has anyone else tried it?

Off Lexapro since 3rd November 2011.

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  • 4 months later...
  • Administrator

Here's some more info on l-theanine: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/l-theanine

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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That looks like a really interesting site. A resource I'd not before seen. Thanks for sharing.

 

The theanine experiment is going well. It does seem to enhance benzo effect -- which is not good for my reflux, possibly due to relaxation of the LES or some other reason. However, I think I foresee promising possibilities in alleviating some misery in my eventual benzo taper.

 

I have a great resource at home to test my sensitivities. My mother whose is 62 and in terrific health. If something seems to really affect me, for instance mag glycinate, I've had her try it. I attributed the mag glycinate's potency to my hypersensitiity. However, my however also found it extremely sedating at a reduced dose.

 

In the case of l-theanine. She took 100mg (most theanine supps come in 250mg/capsule). She experienced at good boost of energy and concentration. In fact, we have family coming to town (my sister and her husband) and mom was stressing about her messy house, which actually isn't very messy but that's beside the point.

 

After the theanine, she got going and really felt motivated to go through her piles of mail and clean the toaster and stuff like that. Her ""hypomania"" was contagious so I joined her and got four loads of laundry done myself. After this she relaxed with Murder She Wrote, as she is wont to do.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Just noticed Phil's mention of supermarket anxiety -- that is the worst DP/DR places for me •

The disorientation is intense --i wondered if it may have something to do with fluorescent lighting which generally makes my mood plummet even in small doses ~

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Alex ~

LOL

Always good to have a control handy :-)

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Hmmm... I have a friend coming into town who is willing to bring me supplements I can't get locally. I think I might order some of this (as I didn't before). That and lactium and niacinamide. Worth a try.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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  • 1 year later...

I want to know if anyone has used it and if it helped at all with anxiety...I was told that I can take it while on zoloft & klonopin...just was hoping to hear from others who have used it

2006-2012 50mgs zoloft
skipped doses every other day for a year and started having anxiety again in March 2012
back on at 50mgs Dec 2013
started taper from benzos April 2014 per Heather Ashton method (c/o from kpin to diazepam)
March 2015 started 1.25mg lorazepam
Tapered off Zoloft in May off in 4 weeks...5 weeks later crashing AGAIN. Dr wanted to start Gabapentin tried it 7 days
Symptoms :burning eyes, anxiety, pounding heart, dizzy, strange head feeling, internal shaking, Overall UNWELL
Taking lorazepam 1.25mg daily

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I've taken it. It had an odd affect. Caused calmness when anxious but gave mild energy when lethargic. If I recall I think the effect tapered off and I didn't want to raise the dose. I just bought some recently but have been taking glycine for sleep instead.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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so I have tried it several times and for the most part it did calm me....but it was while I was off the zoloft....now that I am in RI I want to make sure its still safe to take. I take 2 pills equals 200mgs...you can take it up to three times a day

 

but with still being on klonopin I worry, although the nature store where I purchased it says its completely safe

 

 

was really wanting to hear from others who actually are taking it now

2006-2012 50mgs zoloft
skipped doses every other day for a year and started having anxiety again in March 2012
back on at 50mgs Dec 2013
started taper from benzos April 2014 per Heather Ashton method (c/o from kpin to diazepam)
March 2015 started 1.25mg lorazepam
Tapered off Zoloft in May off in 4 weeks...5 weeks later crashing AGAIN. Dr wanted to start Gabapentin tried it 7 days
Symptoms :burning eyes, anxiety, pounding heart, dizzy, strange head feeling, internal shaking, Overall UNWELL
Taking lorazepam 1.25mg daily

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You have to watch those store clerks in the herb stores, they will usually say everything in the store is safe and harmless. I can't agree with that. Something that is safe for one may not be safe for all.

 

A popular doctor show had some kind of specialist on and he was recommending SAM-e along with other supplements.

 

I've learned the hard way to check things out. Still learning :blink:

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  • 7 months later...

I had been taking L-theanine(Suntheanine) for a couple of years for heart palpitation due to too much caffeine in coffee or chocolate.  This past summer I experienced anxiety attacks due to some stressful events.  I went to the doctor for a prescription for Ativan but held off taking it because I feel herbal remedies are safer.

 

I continued to research and discovered higher dosages of L-theanine(extract of green tea) are for anxiety.  I now take 200mg with breakfast, 200 with lunch, and 400mg for sleeping. I have read the L-theanine is what cancels out the caffeine in products so it actually calms you.  I believe it is different from taking concentrated green tea, not sure.  As far as I researched, the FDA, although they do not officially approve herbal remedies, has stated up to 1280mg of L-theanine a day will not hurt you, if I remember correctly.  It supposedly has no interactions or side effects.  

 

If it had not been for this product I would be on anti anxiety medicine by now.  I have read to get a pure brand, you need to search it as Suntheanine and make sure that is printed somewhere on the bottle.  I am not sure about the validity of that either.

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Hello, Ellen. Thanks for the tips about theanine.

 

You might seriously consider reducing caffeine as well, if it's causing a worsening of heart palpitations and anxiety.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I tried L-Theanine (Vitamin Shoppe brand) one time and said never again.  It made me feel very weird - in the brain .  Sort of like a hang over/ headache/ foggy thinking - very unpleasant.  Holistic doctor had recommended it.  It took a few hours to wear off. It was not for me. 100 mg capsule. Maybe that was too much?

 

I think someone told me benedryl is a glucocorticoid. Is that true? 

2002? zoloft.  Start of synthroid unknown.

2002? switched to paxil  - Developed restless leg syndrome. stopped all caffeine which helped for many years.

2003? switched to effexor XL 75 mg. May 2012 began taper

July 2012 stopped all effexor . Usual WD symptoms, lost excess weight, had more energy. RLS stopped immediately!

Sept 2012 depression off and on, increasing. Tried tryptophan and acupuncture

Dec 2012 severe anxiety began

February 2013 used magnolia bark for anxiety - helped but developed central sleep apnea, so I stopped it

by April 2013- stopped tryptophan, using saffron herb successfully and started HRT

June 2013 doctor noticed bradycardia. I tried very small dose cytomel sev days for hypothyroidism but seemed to strain my heart.

July 2013 stopped saffron due to slow heart and palpitations - did not help.

July 2013 Increased synthroid from 50mg to 75mg. depression and anxiety improved. Heart problems continue.

September & October 2013 - 2 month course of antibiotic for possbile lyme disease - mood and anxiety improved further.  Heart pvc's flair up at times. 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I still have not tried l-theanine, but met a woman who swears it helps her with insomnia.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Since I'm still struggling with anhedonia, I decided to try Suntheanine, the only patented version of L-theanine, which supposedly means that it's a standardized dose. A cup or two of decaffeinated green tea seemed to perk me up, so I thought it was worth a try.

 

Well, forget it. I took it for two days, feeling okay at first, but then experiencing neuro-emotions such as strong anxiety and mild depression which have decreased over four days but haven't completely abated.  RATS.

 

I'm embarrassed, having given some members the business about trying unproven supplements, but I wanted to post my experience.  I recommend staying away from this stuff. I'm twenty-two months out from my last dose of Lexapro, and this supplement stimulate all the wrong things.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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  • 1 year later...

Hi. I went in to a nutrition center and they said L-theanine with lemon balm for anxiety relief and mental focus... what do you say about that ?

Anyone tried this? she said the effect should come after 20 minutes...

fluoxetine since 13years followed doctors advice tapered 40 mg to 0mg in 4 months july 2015 august crasched in panic attacks etc end of september akatisia , nausea, crying alot no one told me it could be something called withdrawal I read it and also about going back to last dose No one knew if it was worth it. tried reinstate autumn 2014 5 mg prozac then 10mg since 29/11-2014 feel only worse sucidal for real, tried antihistamine 10 mg or oxascand (benso) 5 mg or valerian for anxiousness but sick feeling taking this. 6mg prozac to taper slowly down since 15/2-2014 (30ml out of 100ml water with 20 mg pill) tapered 10-20% per month until June 2015 super anxious depressed tired. Got Buspar may 2015 5mg 10mg 15mg headache etc
June 2015: 10mg buspar plus around 3 mg prozac quit this cold turkey in July 2015. One week later crying spells and suicidal. Tried 5htp.magnesium omega 3 until September. October 2015 tested vit D was 17 . Since October 2015 ONLY Vit D and magnesium . nov 2016 can laungh again! but still too anxious ,depressed or lethargic in waves can't focuS, Crying spells , scared, social fobia, bitterness. .. . Did not reinstate prozac again . Trying to survive ....

july 2016-troathpain /reflux starts...

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It seems people have had mixed reactions, it did help my anxiety but made me sort of manic-y and agitated in the end.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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I've taken it occasionally when I feel over-revved and it seemed to be calming.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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