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
poster:viridis
thread:136995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/136995.html