Are theanine supplements safe?

Daniel

New member
Theanine is a natural amino acid found in green tea. I've been taking an SSRI (Paxil 30mg) for many years and it helps with anxiety. However for a while now I've been having brain fog and sometimes trouble sleeping at night, and everything I've read about theanine is that can provide a slight calmative effect, which can be useful for focus and it can promote better sleep. I'm planning on trying just one 100mg capsule of theanine soon, and have found *no* reports anywhere on negative side effects, drug interactions, or anything. I've had green tea concomitantly with SSRIs and never had any problems.

Does anyone here have any experience with SSRIs and theanine; is there anything I should be concerned about?

They always say "check with your psychiatrist if you're adding a new supplement to your regimen" but is it really worth it in this case? I've added appropriate amounts of B-12, methylfolate, magnesium, vitamin d to my daily regimen without experiencing any problems.

Is it even worth consulting my psychiatrist about theanine of all things? My psychiatrist was willing to prescribe Wellbutrin concomitantly with Paxil (I never tried this combination, out of fear) I imagine he wouldn't even bat an eyelash if I inquired about the "green-tea calmative"?
 
I've taken Theanine with absolutely no side effects, as have many other people I know. I think natural products present a lot less to worry about than any prescription drug. But if the doubt causes you anxiety that might be reason to check it out with someone you trust.
 
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