How to Stop Anxiety With L-Theanine

Author:
Susan Holland
Updated:
Aug 18, 2022 3:22 PM EDT

Can L-Theanine help with anxiety?
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash

A Natural Alternative for Anxiety

Stress, anxiety, panic attacks—they are killers. Killers of mood. Killers of emotions. Killers of social ability. Killers of physical health. Killers of mental health.

Anxiety causes feelings of fear and paranoia, and it debilitates our enjoyment of life. Stress brings on anxiety. The combination of stress and anxiety can bring on a panic disorder.

Many of us take anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medications prescribed by our doctor. While we should follow doctor’s orders, we should not fear investigating natural alternatives.

On one of my trips to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, I came across Dr. Fain’s Herbal Shop. At the time, school was about to start, and I had several other things on my plate. I felt like I was stressed to the max. I was anxious and felt panic attacks coming in waves.

When I walked into the shop, the knowledgeable assistant was able to help me immediately. “You need L-theanine, also known as theanine. You will take it any time you want, and it will help you relax without making you sleepy.”

"Will it make me hyper or jittery?" I asked.

"No, the exact opposite, and it is safe to take at high and low doses," she responded.

Really? Sounds too good to be true, but she was correct.

Fain's Herbacy in Eureka Springs, Arkanas

What Is L-Theanine?

According to drugs.com, L-theanine is a “Gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid” that is extracted from green tea leafs. A simpler way of putting it is that it is an amino acid found in tea leaves. When you are enjoying a cup or glass of tea, you are ingesting small amounts of L-theanine.

Tea is second only to water as the favorite choice of drink. You would need to drink 6 – 8 servings of tea to receive approximately 200 mg of L-theanine, which is the recommended dose to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

How L-Theanine Works and Possible Side Effects

When this supplement is taken, it interacts with a chemical in our brains known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It increases the GABA in our brains, which has a natural calming effect on our systems reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

It also increases the release of Serotonin into our bloodstreams. Serotonin helps us stay balanced to ward off anxiety, which also creates a natural calming effect without causing drowsiness.

There have been no conclusive studies to suggest the supplement has a negative interaction with other drugs. There are unsubstantiated claims that it helps hold off Alzheimer's, acts to create more effectiveness with cancer drugs, and aids high blood pressure medications. It may decrease the effectiveness of stimulant drugs (WebMD).

Always discuss taking any supplement with your doctor if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. Make sure your doctor feels comfortable allowing you to take L-theanine with other prescription drugs.

Benefits of Taking L-Theanine

Other than relieving stress and anxiety, L-Theanine can help with a variety of other ailments that are caused by stress and anxiety. It can:

help lower blood pressure
help mood swings
help women with PMS
help concentration
help memory
help support the immune system
help increase dopamine in the brain

The list can go on. Stress and anxiety can create many physical and mental issues in our bodies. Controlling them naturally can only help in calming stress and anxiety and giving your body the proper chemicals to help ward off unhealthy reactions.

skin sensitivity
racing heart
chest pain
muscle stiffness
sweating
shortness of breath
brain fog
teeth gritting or grinding
fear of losing control
fear of everything
feeling trapped
crying with no apparent reason
nervous
apathy
no feelings
grumpy
uncharacteristically blunt
detached from people and things you love
ominous feeling of doom
dry mouth
sleepless nights
bizarre dreams
worry, worry, worry

Compare L-Theanine to Other Anti-Anxiety Herbs

Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms of an anxiety attack, also known as panic attack, are too many to list here and can come in a variety of combinations or can show as just one. Here are a few to provide awareness:

chest tightness
blushing or feeling heat in your face and body
nausea
jittery
fear for self, others, and the world
body tremors
tired
depressed
overwhelmed
feelings of being helpless
dizziness or light headedness
unnatural often use of the bathroom for bowel and bladder movements
headache
joint pain
paranoia
feeling cold or chilled
hair loss

As we can see from this list, anxiety is not something to be ignored. It will cause physical and mental damage and possibly death. If experiencing many of these symptoms, a physician should be consulted.

L-theanine will help calm the body but if anxiety has been tearing down the body's ability to fight, more serious problems may have evolved.

Using this calming supplement when stress, anxiety, and panic begin to start is one way of preventing levels of damaging health problems.

Being Overwhelmed: My Experience

As I said earlier, I stumbled upon L-theanine in Dr. Fain's Herbal Shop. I am so glad I did. I take it every night before I go to bed just to keep it in my system. I am also one of those people who will lie down while that proverbial squirrel is still running on its wheel. Time for a natural tranquilizer, Mr. Squirrel!

Some people say they have replaced their Valium with L-Theanine. I have never taken Valium, but I do choose the homeopathic natural over the prescription.

I have a fear of flying. I go to New York each year to visit my brother. I typically feel a horrible panic attack coming on, with many of the symptoms listed above. On days I fly, I sporadically take three 200 mg L-Theanine capsules throughout the day to keep the anxiety at bay. It helps tremendously. I get on the plane without compunction.

I actually carry L-theanine with me everywhere. It makes anxiety and panic disorders so much easier to manage. I also share it with friends. My girlfriend had just found out her husband was leaving her, and I gave her two 200 mg of L-Theanine. It was not an answer to her problems with her husband but it calmed her down so she could think about how she needed to handle the situation.

I love the fact that, for me, it is safe to take when serious anxiety is overwhelming me. I could not do that with Valium without risking a drug overdose. L-theanine is fast acting—kicking in about 20 minutes after taking it. It has been a true life saver for me.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can you take L-theanine with Citalopram?

Answer: Yes. After having breast cancer, my oncologist placed me on Citalopram/Celexa. There are days that are more overwhelming and need a bit more help, so the L-theanine is safe to take.

Comments

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on July 29, 2016:

Hi Jeanie! When I am having anxiety, I take two 200 mg capsules. L-Theanine is simply green tea extracts. I took it for anxiety before surgery, BUT each of us is different, so consult a doctor before doing that. I have taken it before going out with friends for drinks (a couple glasses of wine), but, again, that is me. One capsule is supposed to be equivalent to drinking 8 cups of green tea. I hope this helps.

Thanks for dropping by!! :-)

Jeannie on July 24, 2016:

I have used l theanine from time to time with subtle results at 200 mg daily. How much is safe to take? Also, is there an interaction with alcohol or should I skip the l theanine on days when I may be having drinks with friends? Thank you!

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on June 13, 2016:

Hi Adena! Wow, you have had a time. I understand your feelings. Today is the day after the horrendous Orlando shooting, and it makes me feel very anxious and paranoid. L-theanine helps me, and I hope it helps you. I do not have to take it all the time. If you need something stronger, though, you should talk to your doctor. I have taken Zoloft in the past, but the L-theanine helps me. If you like decaf green tea, that is good too - which is what makes up L-theanine (you would have to drink 8 cups a day, though). I take two 200 mg capsules without any drowsiness. That is me, though. Everyone is different. Please keep me posted. Take care!! :-)

Adena Dries on June 01, 2016:

Hi. I have just read your article and several others about l theanine. I am going to the store in the morning and purchasing some. I have suffered from severe panic disorder for almost 16 years now. It started when I was 19, shortly after I had my second daughter. It was a stress reaction to personal things going on at the time I guess. Anyways, I had such a wide range of symptoms, heart palpitations, numbing sensations, fear of dying, racing mind, bathroom issues, couldn't eat, but the scariest symptom for me is the dilation of my pupils. I can tell you I was to the ER and doctors like 15 times in a month. Not one doc knew what was wrong with me. I had CT scan and MRIs. Nothing. Finally, after googling my symptoms for a week or two I diagnosed myself with panic disorder. I went to my doc and told them what to put me on. I really didn't know about natural remedies then. I got Celexa. Worked great for a few months, then 911 happened. Needed something stronger. So Paxil it was. Now, Ive been on and off paxil for almost 16 years. Never fails, I ween off and something triggers my panic button. I was good till about 1 week ago. Been off the paxil for about 2 months. But, now my pupils keep switching dilating, my heart is racing, numbing sensations. Omg. And I have for kids. One who is about to turn 3 in a few days. My mind won't stop racing, I keep thinking I have a brain aneurysm or something. I need to focus but I refuse to go back on the paxil, that is an absolute last resort. I also do extensive research on something before I try it, I'm so paranoid of reactions. I recently tried the turmeric and pepper. That made my face feel, idk, kinda hot and spicy. So no more of that. I will try this and let you know. Thanks for the great information.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on October 15, 2015:

Hi Goldlesson! Sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you feel better soon. I cannot tell you if it will help with claustrophobia. I know it helps me with anxiety when I fly. Since it is equivalent to green tea, I feel safe taking it. Good luck!

Thanks for dropping by!

Goldlesson on October 12, 2015:

I just bought the L-Theanine.Havent taken it yet because im on antibiotics for the flu right now. I have to fly soon and im very claustrophobic. Ive also suffered from panic attacks since I was 4 years old now in my fifties and still on occasion suffer. Do you think this will help me with claustrophobia?

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on March 20, 2015:

Oh Tessa, I am so glad L-Theanine has helped you. I have taken it for anxiety, and you are right - it is a life saver! I am glad you found my article and it helped you, too. Thanks for dropping by!

Take Care and Best Wishes! :-)

Tessa on February 23, 2015:

You have saved my life!!! I cannot begin to tell you how this product saved me. I have been sick with chronic high cortisol for 3 months that is killing me. Since taking this it stops the awful adrenaline rushes I get. This is a miracle! It has helped me get off clonazepam as well. Cheers to this wonderful product! I hope someone with high cortisol will read this and know that it could save your life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on May 12, 2014:

Hi Lorz! Yes, the L-Theanine works. Does your combination work?

Thanks for dropping by!! :-)

lorz on May 09, 2014:

Hi. thank you so much for the info. My anxiety is caused by overdose of glutathione. Does the l-theanine help? I'm currently taking B complex, non acidic vit C. Magnesium and DGL w/ licorice for my acid reflex which triggers also.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on February 01, 2014:

Shirley, I would not venture a guess. I have never heard of a reaction like yours. I would talk to an herbalist. Please take care, and stop taking anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. I am sorry I cannot be of more help. I know L-theanine works for me, but we each react differently. Again, take care! :-)

Shirley on February 01, 2014:

Question...I have drank, once in the morning, macha green tea and after the 4th or 5th day notice a strong feeling like an adrenaline rush where my whole body tenses even my intestinal tract. I have taken L-theanine with the same results. Am I not taking enough or is there another answer to why this happens...thanx

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on November 24, 2013:

Thank you, Passionate77! It has truly helped me. I encourage you to talk to your doctor before taking anything. We each have to do whatever works for us. :-)

Thanks for dropping by!

passionate77 on November 24, 2013:

very helpful information sholland dear you shared here, i just bookmarked the post for further reference. i take green tea a lot but i think i will consult some doctor about starting taking it at daily basis, but anyway thanks a lot and blessings for sharing such a great personal experience.

Susan Holland (author) from Southwest Missouri on November 24, 2013:

Mary, it has been a life-saver for me. I hope it helps your daughter. Thanks for voting and sharing! :-)

DreamerMeg, thank you! I hope it is helpful. I appreciate you dropping by! :-)

DreamerMeg from Northern Ireland on November 24, 2013:

Very useful and informative, thank you.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on November 24, 2013:

I've never heard of this before, but I'm glad I found this Hub! I don't suffer from too much stress, but I have a daughter who really would benefit from this information.

Voted up and will share.