L-Theanine for Anxiety and Depression - Does It Work? Evidence?
L-theanine is a supplement that you can take that has evidence behind it that it will help you reach higher levels of serotonin, dopamine and glycine, and a combination of these increases could help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and maybe even help some depression. L-theanine is something that is primarily found in green and black tea and some mushrooms, but it's also available in a pill or tablet form. In the image to the right, I've got what I've been taking. This is my bottle of L-theanine.
It's not expensive. I don't remember how much I spent on it. I heard from a family member about the effectiveness of this, and that it's indicated for stress and anxiety. I thought, I've got to check this out for myself. So I went online. I bought that bottle. I've been taking it for a few months now. I'll be honest with you, my experience with it hasn't been earth shattering.
I do think at this time in my life, I've got the things that I take for my anxiety. I take L-Methylfolate, which is another supplement I talk about in an article here. I take Prozac, which is an SSRI. I also take magnesium as a lotion. I supplement that and I talk about that in another article here. Between those three things, plus adding this L-theanine, I've been in the best condition of my life. As far as anxiety goes and my overall mental health, I feel great. I have energy. I'm exercising. I'm going to school full time. I'm working. I also have a lot of other stressors in my life, but I'm able to manage, and I'm able to do it and be happy. I'm not miserable doing all these things. I don't really know how much this L-theanine plays a role in how I'm feeling right now, but I know I feel great, and I know it's something that has the evidence behind it, and I'm going to keep taking it.
I want to talk a little bit about what this does. Like I said, it helps increase your serotonin level, increase your dopamine level, and your Glycine level, but it also increases a protein called brain derived neurotrophic factor, which I talk about a lot in an article here, which helps you learn. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) helps your brain adapt and make new connections. It helps you learn, but it also plays a role in mental health, which I talk about in that article. It also increases something called nerve growth factor, which, again, is like BDNF, and helps you make new connections in your brain and within your body. Between all these things, there's a lot of good potential behind L-Theanine use.
“Stress-related symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety-trait, and sleep) scores decreased and cognitive function (i.e., verbal fluency and executive function) scores improved after four weeks of L-theanine administration. The reduction in sleep quality problems (disturbances in sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and use of sleep medication) was greater in the L-theanine administration compared to the placebo administration.”
It helped with sleep, and it helped with anxiety and depression symptoms. There are some other studies that talk about this as well. But my conclusion is, it's cheap, it's easy to get. I ordered that online on Amazon. I feel great. Don't know how much role it's playing, but there may be people out there who are actually really deficient in this stuff. So a supplement might really help you. It's definitely something to look into. With all supplements, you want to tell your doctor that you're taking it. This is to make sure it doesn't interfere with any other medications that you're taking.
Always be safe. Stay within the dosage range on these. I believe this one has a fairly high dosage range; it's suggested that you take 200 milligrams of L-Theanine at bedtime. That's what I take is the 200 milligrams. This might be an option for you.
Other Articles
Remeron (Mirtazapine) for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Remeron, also known as Mirtazapine, is a medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. In this article, we will discuss what Remeron is, its history, mechanism of action, evidence for use, side effects, and pros and cons.
What is Remeron?
Remeron is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called tetracyclic antidepressants. It is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Remeron is available in tablet form and is a prescription medication.
History
Remeron was first approved by the FDA in 1996 for the treatment of depression. Since then, it has been used off-label to treat anxiety disorders.
Mechanism of Action
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs). Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine and serotonin [1].
Mirtazapine is a potent antagonist of the presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which leads to an increase in the release of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain [2]. Additionally, mirtazapine blocks the postsynaptic 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors, which enhances the activity of serotonin [3]. This unique combination of actions is believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression.
Mirtazapine has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and insomnia [4]. It is believed to work by improving the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to alleviate symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbances [5].
In summary, mirtazapine is an antidepressant medication that works by enhancing the activity of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Its unique combination of actions is believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia.
Evidence for Use
Research has shown that Remeron may be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that Remeron was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that Remeron was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in adults with major depressive disorder.
Side Effects/ Adverse Reactions/ Contradictions
Remeron may cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. It may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and constipation. Remeron may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Positives or Pros
Remeron is a prescription medication that may be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety. It is widely available and can be easily incorporated into a treatment regimen. Additionally, Remeron has other benefits for depression and sleep disorders.
Negatives or Cons
While Remeron may be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, it may cause side effects and interact with certain medications. It may also cause weight gain, which can be a concern for some individuals. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking Remeron or any other medication.
The Anxious Resistance Take
As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I am always interested in new treatments that may help to alleviate symptoms. While Remeron may be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to consider the potential side effects and interactions with other medications. I believe that Remeron, when used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may be an effective tool in managing symptoms of anxiety. However, as with any medication, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Sources:
- Remeron (Mirtazapine) for Anxiety: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/remeron-for-anxiety
- Mirtazapine: https://www.drugs.com/mirtazapine.html
- Mirtazapine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a placebo-controlled study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25608205/
- Efficacy of mirtazapine in patients with major depressive disorder who have comorbid anxiety symptoms: a 12-week, open-label, flexible-dose study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5088126/
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