Posted by Ron Hill on November 20, 2003, at 1:08:37
Lar,
I’m obtaining good results by taking 400 mg/day of l-theanine to treat my dysphoric mood states (i.e.; extreme irritability). As you know, these dysphoric mood states are associated with my bipolar II disorder. I started the l-theanine trial only about a month ago, so it’s too early to speculate regarding long term efficacy. But so far I like it.
L-theanine releases GABA and dopamine, and lowers cortisol. The GABA provides pretty good relief for my dysphoric mood states and the (small?) dopamine release partially treats the low motivation associated with the atypical depressive component of my bipolar disorder. For me, the dopamine effect from l-theanine is not nearly as profound as the initial dopamine effect I experienced with ENADA NADH. However, I have a hunch that the l-theanine is going to be sustainable over the long-term whereas, as you know, I had to discontinue ENADA NADH after five months of good results.
I mention all this for two main reasons. First, I wonder if l-theanine might help your CFS via the added dopamine release. In my mind’s eye, I see you as a rather even tempered individual, and if true, you might not need the GABA aspects of l-theanine. Do you ever struggle with irritability (flash rage) or extreme frustration? Have you ever tried L-theanine?
Second, I want to post these preliminary positive anecdotal results in case it might benefit other people on this board who struggle with dysphoric mood swings.
Here is a pretty good article on l-theanine. It is taken from a vendor site (which I know you love), but the information is good and the best part is that the references are hot-linked to the PubMed abstracts. I think you’ll approve; take a look:
http://www.lifelinknet.com/siteResources/ArchivePages/Theanine-Sharpe.asp#fn27
Hope things are well with you in the Great White North.
In case anyone is wondering about my current medication/supplement cocktail, here it is:
300 mg/day Lithobid
300 mg/day St. John’s Wort (Kira brand name)
400 mg/day L-theanine
Small pocket-full of vitamins per day
Three teaspoons of Carlson’s Fish Oil per day-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:281539
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/281539.html