There have been some reports that it helps increase dopamine levels in the nervous system. Some of the medicines given to prevent RLS, like gabapentin, are thought to work by this mechanism. Conversely, some medications, such as certain antipsychotics, are dopamine antagonists and sometimes seem to bring on RLS
Has anyone tried l-theanine at bedtime to counter bouts of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
Question posted by Uncle Dave on 20 Sep 2011
Last updated on 15 February 2023 by LDAISY
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6 Answers
LDAISY
15 Feb 2023
I have just begun having RLS symptoms at age 66. It's not hereditary none of my siblings have it. I had a major panic disorder prior to it starting.I took hydroxyzine to calm myself to sleep which may have been the cause. I have been waiting to see a neurologist for months. So I've started nootropics to control my anxiety thinking it was causing the rls symptoms. I don't like taking pharmaceuticals but I finally allowed my psychiatrist to give me Klonopin to sleep but the RLS pain would awaken me. I tried GABA it didn't work I tried 200mg L Theanine and found that it calmed the RLS pain along with the Klonopin so I could sleep all night. I even take 200mg during the day for anxiety. I know dopamine antagonists will eventually make RLS symptoms worse but L- Theanine helped my symptoms.
Here is a study ,
l-Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), a component of green tea, is considered to have regulatory and neuroprotective roles in the brain. The present study was designed to determine the effect of L-theanine on excess dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in both cell culture and animal experiments. L Theanine is an agonist " l-Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), a component of green tea, is considered to have regulatory and neuroprotective roles in the brain. The present study was designed to determine the effect of l-theanine on excess dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in both cell culture and animal experiments". That's why it is odd that it helps RLS by reducing the the effects while antagonist increases dopamine. I don't understand the chemistry but it helps reduce the pain and leg activity so I can sleep. I wish Scientist researched nootropic supplements more than pharmaceuticals which destroys the brain analysis always seem to augmentation. I became depressed after the RLS even with the panic disorder I was happy. THIS is a horrible syndrom and researchers have no cures for anything just a lot of harmful meds
daddiomccray
14 May 2021
Yes, it has helped me because after taking L-Theanine I seem to drift off to sleep faster and enjoy a relaxing sleep without the morning drowsy hangover feeling.
Jasongg52
19 May 2014
I take Requip for my RLS at bedtime, but some nights it doesn't help all thru the night. Would It be okay to take L-Theanine with the Requip? Waiting to get your answer. Thank you. - Shirley
btrbean
29 March 2012
I am on requip 4mlg seems to be working
LiverLips
6 Oct 2011
Hi Uncle Dave & a warm welcome to Drugs.com!
I'm unfamiliar with this medication but I did want to suggest that you might also consider joining our RLS group here as well. There are quite a few different medications that are used for relief. My own Dave, my hubby, has severe RLS, however, he hasn't tried L-theanine yet. At the moment, he uses Lyrica (300 mg) & Pramipexole (0.50-0.75 mg).
All the best to you, Uncle Dave! from Wendy :)
Inactive
5 Oct 2011
Uncle dave, sorry just found your question and Im sorry I have not tried l-theanine. I do not have RLS. Have you talk to your doc about this, if not I would. We have a large group here so maybe someone will come along who has tried this and can give you their take on it. Von-1
Related topics
bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, dopamine, gabapentin, l-theanine, nervous, medicine
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