Quick question concerning Theanine and Focalin

[Dysphoric]

I'm very certain its safe to take the two in combination, or for me I want to take it to aid in the comedown.

The reason I'm concerned is Theanine works with Dopamine, so does Focalin. I've heard from some that taking Theanine with Amphetamines can cause a raise in heart BPM and possibly Blood Pressure. Ironically, Theanine is said to lower BP and HR. So, do I have to be concerned about it with Dexmethylphenidate? I know its not going to be dangerous, but I have slight "cardiophobia" specifically I just get anxiety if my heart rate is elevated quite a bit when resting.

Any answers would be appreciated, sources especially. :D

 

[Swimmingdancer]

The main risks are from combining dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) with an antidepressant such as an SSRI or MAO-I. Theanine's primary effect seems to be an increase in the overall level of GABA in the brain. It also increases brain dopamine levels. I have heard of people taking theanine while on dexmethylphenidate and I was unable to find any reports of adverse interactions. I did, however, find posts on other forums where people said theanine reduced the anxiety and elevated heart rate from Focalin. You may want to start off by taking a small dose of the theanine to see how it affects you. This is a good idea when taking any new supplement.

WebMD says: Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Theanine might work to slow down the nervous system.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

Theanine works on dopamine? This is news to me. I thought it had very mild action on the GABA system.

 

[Swimmingdancer]

^In animal studies at least it's been shown to increase dopamine. I think theanine has pretty mild effects though.

Theanine administration caused significant increases in serotonin and/or dopamine concentrations in the brains of rats, especially in striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus.

Source

L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine) or theanine is a major amino acid uniquely found in green tea. L-theanine has been historically reported as a relaxing agent, prompting scientific research on its pharmacology. Animal neurochemistry studies suggest that L-theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors. In addition has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in animal models possibly through its antagonistic effects on group 1 metabotrophic glutamate receptors. Behavioural studies in animals suggest improvement in learning and memory. Overall, L-theanine displays a neuropharmacology suggestive of a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent and warrants further investigation in animals and humans.

Source

However, it's important to note that studies have had mixed results. The effect on serotonin, for example, is not understood, and similar studies found it to both lower and raise serotonin levels. And I do think it's likely that they were giving the animals massive doses of theanine.

 

[Dysphoric]

You may want to start off by taking a small dose of the theanine to see how it affects you. This is a good idea when taking any new supplement.

I've been taking Theanine here and there for about 2 and a half years, mainly for anxiety/attacks. From my experience with Theanine alone it didn't seem to lower or elevate either BP or HR. However I have taken it after stims like Adderall, and I don't know if its just me, but it seemed like my HR was up, but then again it would be hard to tell, because it seems like stimulant come downs actually elevate my HR more so than while its working/peaking. Is this a normal thing to experience a faster HR or elevated BP after you come off of stims, or is it just a psychological phenomenon? I have a friend who believes the same.

Either way, you recommend Theanine as safe then in the aid of a comedown? Its just been so long since I've taken a stimulant. 16 months now, so I'm just trying to get some advice to ease some of the nervousness. 8(

 

[Swimmingdancer]

If you have taken each before then I think it should be fine to take the theanine when you are coming down from the dexmethylphenidate. I of course can't guarantee that you won't have any adverse effects, as everyone is different, but theanine is generally considered safe to take with dexmethylphenidate. I have not heard of anyone having a paradoxical reaction from theanine when it is taken close together with dexmeth, although that doesn't mean it is impossible. Yes it is normal to experience elevated HR and BP when coming down from stimulants. Some people get this more while they're experiencing peak effects from the stimulant, some people get it more during the come-down phase. Really everything I have heard or read indicates that theanine should help with the adverse effects of stimulants and the come-down.