Is It Safe To Take L-Theanine With Antidepressants?

There is no known drug interaction between L-Theanine and any antidepressant medications. In fact, no literature exists that has reported any interaction between L-Theanine and:

• SSRI antidepressants (e.g. Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, Celexa)
• Wellbutrin
• SNRI antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta)

Below, we discuss why individuals may consider taking L-Theanine and how it may help depressive and other cognitive symptoms.

How L-Theanine Works

L-Theanine is a major, non-essential amino acid meaning our bodies produce it in sufficient amounts and therefore, isn't required from our diet. Nevertheless, it is found in abundance in green tea and other foods, including mushrooms. 

Historically, L-Theanine has been used for:

• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Preventing Alzheimer's disease
• Treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Improving cognitive performance

Certain studies have pointed to the beneficial effects of L-Theanine in regard to cognitive performance specifically. One such study, published in Neuropharmacology,  showed that taking L-Theanine 100 mg prior to cognitive testing reduced the rate of errors compared with placebo in adults.

L-Theanine Mechanism Of Action

L-Theanine, as a major amino acid, has numerous effects on the body. In terms of its cognitive effects, L-Theanine might work for anxiety and depressive symptoms by increasing levels of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and serotonin according to studies.  It is also thought to work by reducing the release of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter).

It is important to note that some studies have reported that L-Theanine might decrease serotonin in the brain by enhancing the degradation of the neurotransmitter as well as inhibiting the enzyme responsible for serotonin synthesis. These results have only been seen in mice, however.

L-Theanine Interaction With Antidepressants

Although it appears that L-Theanine does influence serotonin levels, there are no documented interactions with antidepressants. Nevertheless, most antidepressants do affect serotonin levels by inhibiting re-uptake in the brain. It is uncertain whether or not L-Theanine will change this action. As L-Theanine is naturally produced in our bodies, and there are few, if any reports of adverse effects with L-Theanine, interactions seem unlikely.

L-Theanine Dosing

Studies for L-Theanine have used varying doses for different indications. These doses include the following:

Cognitive performance: Doses of 100 mg prior to cognitive testing have been used safely. In addition, combination doses of 30-100 mg of caffeine and 12-100 mg of L-Theanine have been used with no adverse effects.

Stress And Anxiety: Single doses of 200 mg prior to a stress-inducing exam have been used safely. The daily dosing of L-Theanine 200 mg twice daily has also been reported with no adverse effects.

ADHD: 200 mg of L-Theanine twice daily for 6 weeks has been used in boys with no adverse effects.

Final Words

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