Low glutamate diet

[Neonatal RRT]

Is L-theanine excitatory? I like tea, but I have issues with it, including green tea. I'm not sure if it contains so much caffeine or if it's theanine or a different substance, but it's much worse than strong coffee for me. It makes me feel unable to focus or even feel on edge when that happens or it might trigger me into OCD and other forms of anxiety. Apparently green tea raises serotonin and I have similar but stronger issues with SSRIs.

It is the L-theanine that is responsible for raising serotonin levels in the brain.

Having said that, some autistics lack sufficient serotonin receptor density and/or have difficulties with serotonin receptor binding and turnover, resulting in significantly lower levels of serotonin in the brain.

SSRIs, as you are likely aware, work on those "downstream" pathways in an attempt to inhibit this reuptake, raising levels of serotonin. However, if you are one of those genetic variants, you might not be able to populate your serotonin receptor sites efficiently, so SSRIs may not have efficacy. Psilocin, to be studied in the PSIAUT study will look at the effects of psilocybin, as it's active form, psilocin, which mimics serotonin, has a higher affinity for the serotonin receptor sites than endogenous serotonin.

 

[vergil96]

Well, SSRIs are "too effective" for me. In my opinion they trigger mania. It's exponentially worse than depression. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Well, SSRIs are "too effective" for me. In my opinion they trigger mania. It's exponentially worse than depression. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had.

Then L-theanine may be an effective alternative to the SSRIs for some individuals. However, no head-to-head trials compare L-theanine to SSRIs in ASD or mania-prone individuals.

Alternatively, L-theanine can be combined with SSRIs to reduce agitation or anxiety, potentially lowering mania risk. L-theanine's GABAergic effects may counteract SSRI-induced excitation. However, no studies confirm this combination's safety or efficacy in ASD.

Start with 50-100mg/day, increasing to 200mg/day as needed. Effects are typically felt within 30-60 minutes.

Green tea (2-3 cups/day) provides lower doses but may be less consistent due to the excitatory effects of caffeine.