What is Lexapro?
Lexapro, (escitalopram) belongs to a class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin by the nerve cells that produce it, thereby keeping it available to facilitate communication between nerve cells and improve mood [1].
Lexapro is prescribed to people with depression or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is FDA-approved for adults and adolescents who are 12 years and older with depression and for adults with GAD [2, 3].
The medication is available in both oral tablets and oral liquid solution. People who take Lexapro usually take doses ranging between 10 to 20 milligrams a day [1].
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is an abundant amino acid that can only be found in green tea. It is one of the non-proteinogenic 20 amino acids that can be derived from the leaves of green tea (Camellia sinensis) or some mushrooms, which contributes to the flavour and umami taste of tea [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9].
L-theanine has a long history of being used as a relaxing agent and, consequently, pharmacological exploration into the processes that underlie this behaviour. Studies of its mechanisms identified a series of serotonergic and dopaminergic impacts across animal neurochemistry. L-theanine also acts as a weak µ-receptor agonist with micromolar affinities towards AMPA, Kainate, and NMDA receptors [4].
It has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in animal models, possibly through glutamate receptor antagonism, and positive results from behavioural studies in animals indicate enhanced learning and memory [4].
L-theanine's hepatoprotective effects, as demonstrated in studies, provide a sense of reassurance and confidence in its potential. Its well-characterised anti-apoptotic activity, involves the inhibition of the intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and MAPK phosphorylation signalling pathway, further solidifying its potential benefits [10, 11].
However, L-theanine is also a unique amino acid that possesses interesting and distinct acute effects and has a growing potential for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries [7, 8]. It has been developed commercially as a valuable ingredient that is easy to use for a variety of food and pharmaceutical purposes. For more blogs related to the synergistic effects of L-theanine, please follow the links here.
The Interaction Between L-Theanine and Lexapro
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is naturally occurring in tea and is known to potentially aid mental health. It’s studied for its ability to exhibit lower effects on cognitive function, anxiety and stress [12, 13, 14, 15]. Lexapro, is used to treat depression and anxiety, and it’s prescribed to those who have clinical issues with those conditions [13].
However, the current research is nowhere near establishing substantial evidence-based literature that explores the interaction between L-Theanine and Lexapro. Any answer to using them together with safety and efficacy may not be definitive.
Lexapro can affect how other substances are metabolised and the level of their action [13]. Therefore, if you are taking Lexapro, you ought to talk to your healthcare provider before initiating any new supplement, including L-theanine, so that they can advise you accordingly based on your health history and current prescriptions.