Is it safe to take L-theanine with trazodone? (+3 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether it is generally safe to take L-theanine and trazodone together or not. We will further discuss the common factors that come into play between trazodone and L-theanine. We will further discuss the possible interactions between trazodone and L-theanine.
Is it safe to take L-theanine with trazodone?
Yes, It is safe to take L-theanine and trazodone together. However, individual responses to medications and supplements may vary. You must consult your healthcare provider before taking these two together.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the serotonin antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug class. It is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder (1).
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid found in tea leaves, particularly in green tea. It is known for relaxing and calming effects and can be taken as a supplement to induce relaxation (2).
However, there are no reported interactions between L-theanine and trazodone. Taking trazodone and L-theanine is generally considered safe but you must consult your doctor.
What does research suggest?
In a research study conducted, L-theanine was considered to investigate sleep disorders in attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients (2).
For this study, 93 ADHD-diagnosed patients participated. Among them, 46 patients were given an oral dose of 400mg (200mg in the morning and 200mg in the afternoon) of L-theanine once daily. While 47 of these patients were given a placebo (2).
However, the results of this study concluded that L-theanine did not show any improved effects on the sleep latency of ADHD patients. These patients displayed efficiency in sleep and a reduction in nocturnal activity was noticed (2).
Trazodone, on the other hand, is used to induce sedation in patients with insomnia. Based on this research, trazodone and L-theanine can be used together as L-theanine does not significantly induce sedation, drowsiness, or sleepiness in patients (2).
What factors are to be considered when taking L-theanine and trazodone?
The following factors should be considered before taking L-theanine and trazodone together to ensure safe and effective treatment:
- Sedative and calming effects- Since both L-theanine and trazodone are associated with causing sedating and calming effects. You must consider this factor before taking them together.
- Dosage and timing- Your healthcare provider must provide you with the right dosing and timing to take these both together. Due to the sedative effects, trazodone is not preferred to take in the morning to avoid daytime drowsiness.
- Individual patient variation- Different patients may react differently to the combination of medications. Some medications and combinations work well for patients while may not suit others.
- Alcohol consumption- You must avoid consuming alcohol or other sedatives while you are taking L-theanine and trazodone in combination to avoid excessive sedation.
Therefore, it is essential to consider all these factors before starting trazodone and L-theanine together. Generally, there are no reported interactions between L-theanine and antidepressants.
How to ensure safe use of L-theanine and trazodone?
To ensure the safe and effective use of L-theanine with trazodone, you must consult your healthcare provider, If they approve of the combination then you must start taking trzodone and L-theanine.
Always take this combination as prescribed by your doctor. Although it is generally a safe combination, to avoid complications you must take it according to the dosage, frequency, and timing suggested by your doctor.
To ensure safety, you must monitor yourself for any abnormal or unusual side effects due to this combination. If you suspect any adverse side effects, seek medical help.
In the end, I would advise you to always keep an open and transparent communication with your doctor regarding any supplement or over-the-counter medication that you are taking to avoid any prolongation and complication in your treatments.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2.-
Barrett JR, Tracy DK, Giaroli G. To sleep or not to sleep: a systematic review of the literature of pharmacological treatments of insomnia in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2013 Dec;23(10):640-7. doi: 10.1089/cap.2013.0059. Epub 2013 Nov 21. PMID: 24261659; PMCID: PMC3870602. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870602/
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