L-theanine is Effective in Lessening Positive Symptoms, and improving Sleep Quality in patients with schizophrenia

anon88813813 · April 30, 2015, 6:47am

I really think it has. Firstly domestic duties (cooking, cleaning washing) have improved significantly.

Cognitively I have noticed I have been able to express myself more. I can use precisely the right words to share my thoughts. I wasn’t expecting this but it is definitely an area of improvement. I still have a problem with concentration - can’t watch a movie for more than 15mins at a time.

far_cry0 · April 30, 2015, 6:52am

have u tried yoga accupunture meditation mind fullness and Ayurveda…helps in concerntration…

Supernothing · May 5, 2015, 6:49am

Had a bad experience with L-theanine. I took 400mg, felt slightly more relaxed that day. Next day however, I felt very irritated/agitated. Tried it again a week or two later with the same outcome.

It’s weird because other gaba agonists (benzos/picamilon) never caused me agitation.

But that’s just my experience with it…

SzAdmin · May 5, 2015, 4:27pm

Hi - the recommended dose is 250 mg/day. Did you try it at that level?

everhopeful · May 5, 2015, 5:01pm

400mg is way too much in my experience. At least in one go. I now take 200mg when I wake up and I find that a bit heavy, I take another 100mg when I feel the effect of the 200mg has worn off (around 6 hours later).

anon33673328 · May 8, 2015, 3:45pm

@SzAdmin if you have access to the whole study, can you please check to see if the study was double-blind or not?

SzAdmin · May 8, 2015, 4:55pm

I don’t think the first study above mentioned was double blind - but there are other studies of this amino acid in schizophrenia that are double blind. Here is one:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study.

MS Ritsner, C Miodownik, Y Ratner, T Shleifer, M Mar, L Pintov and V Lerner, The Journal of clinical psychiatry, Jan 2011

L-theanine is a unique amino acid present almost exclusively in the tea plant. It possesses neuroprotective, mood-enhancing, and relaxation properties. This is a first study designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of L-theanine augmentation of antipsychotic treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.60 patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. 400 mg/d of L-theanine was added to ongoing antipsychotic treatment from February 2006 until October 2008. The outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) for neurocognitive functioning, and additional measures of general functioning, side effects, and quality of life.40 patients completed the study protocol. Compared with placebo, L-theanine augmentation was associated with reduction of anxiety (P = .015; measured by the HARS scale) and positive (P = .009) and general psychopathology (P < .001) scores (measured by the PANSS 3-dimensional model). According to the 5-dimension model of psychopathology, L-theanine produced significant reductions on PANSS positive (P = .004) and activation factor (P = .006) scores compared to placebo. The effect sizes (Cohen d) for these differences ranged from modest to moderate (0.09-0.39). PANSS negative and CANTAB task scores, general functioning, side effect, and quality of life measures were not affected by L-theanine augmentation. L-theanine was found to be a safe and well-tolerated medication.L-theanine augmentation of antipsychotic therapy can ameliorate positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder patients. Further long-term studies of L-theanine are needed to substantiate the clinically significant benefits of L-theanine augmentation.

ali123 · May 10, 2015, 4:30pm

Sir I have a shizophrenia patient in my family.We are treating her with olanzia.But now it does not seem to work.It has no effect on her.Her left eye has become red like blood she feels pain in her eye to.I shall be very thankful to you if u can tell me what should i do…

everhopeful · May 10, 2015, 5:02pm

You should explain this to her doctor and they will adjust / change their medication. Not all medications work for everybody. Everybody reacts differently to each medication. It’s trial and error.

anon28245434 · May 14, 2015, 11:30pm

Thank you, I have been wanting to take supplements, but not know what to take. Was considering, vitamin D, Zinc and … mmmmmm, I forget, but this does look like a very interesting option. Happy lady. Think I will try it. My only concern is that I take an unti convulsant for epilepsy and would want to have a reaction between the two. Am hoping it will be ok though, as it is calming. Thanks! x

ali123 · May 15, 2015, 6:09am

CAN YOU SUGGEST ME A MEDICINE FOR HER?BECAUSE she will not go to the doctor.She thinks every body is against her…

everhopeful · May 15, 2015, 1:32pm

I can’t suggest a medication as I’m not a doctor. Can you get the doctor to visit them if they won’t go to the doctor?

ali123 · May 15, 2015, 5:26pm

No,because we live in a small city and there is no doctor who can treat her.Can you suggest me a doctor who can help me online???

everhopeful · May 15, 2015, 5:33pm

No. A small city will have a doctor. A doctor should treat her or refer her to a specialist. A doctor can also recommend / help you getting them sent involuntarily to hospital if they feel necessary.

Do not go online looking for for help with something as serious as this. Please. Talk to a real doctor in your small city. Please.

anon28245434 · May 15, 2015, 10:41pm

Think I may up my green tea intake instead. Although am considering buying some.

scribbler · May 16, 2015, 3:53pm

tried it, not that brilliant, I prefer Kava Kava, Lemon Balm, and i’m really anxious I cant buy quality afghan hash, in a shop, away from scuz bag dealers, with coffee, listening to the dulcet tones of jimi hendrix playing the american national anthem and wild thing

everhopeful · May 16, 2015, 4:31pm

Kava kava is banned in Europe as it has killed people by screwing up their liver, even when used for a very short time. Google kava and liver and see if you still think it’s worth the risk.

Lemon balm interacts with abilify and caused me a serious cardiac issue.

Envisioneer · May 17, 2015, 9:28pm

What changes should I notice after taking 200 mg. I am getting it from PipingRock.com . Can anyone confirm that that brand works for them?

everhopeful · May 17, 2015, 11:52pm

Like jimbob said, it’s like Cloneazapam, but I found it helped with my disorganised thinking. I use this

http://m.iherb.com/Now-Foods-L-Theanine-100-mg-90-Veggie-Caps/853

Hugo · May 26, 2015, 9:12pm

I am taking 1000g day, for 7 days now. Hope it is not too much.