Current research indicates that L-theanine, an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, does not cause rebound anxiety when its use is stopped. In multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, L-theanine has been shown to potentially reduce anxiety and stress without noted dependency or withdrawal symptoms¹²³.

Footnotes

1. Jerome Sarris, "L-theanine in the adjunctive treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial," PubMed Central, 2018. ↩

2. Jackson L. Williams, "The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review," PubMed Central, 2024. ↩

3. Shinsuke Hidese, "Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial," PubMed Central, 2019. ↩

There is some evidence to suggest that individuals might experience a form of tolerance to L-theanine, although it is not universally reported. Studies do not conclusively show that L-theanine builds a notable tolerance, but anecdotal reports and some sources suggest that its calming effects might diminish with prolonged and repeated use¹².

A common approach to managing this perceived tolerance is to take periodic breaks or adjust the dosage. For instance, reducing the dosage or taking L-theanine only on certain days might help maintain its efficacy. However, as individual responses can vary, it may be beneficial to experiment with different dosing schedules to find what works best for you.

Footnotes

1. PsychonautWiki, "Theanine," PsychonautWiki, 2024. ↩

2. SmarterVitamins Supplements, "L theanine Caffeine Tolerance: Can You Build a Tolerance For Caffeine and L Theanine?" SmarterVitamins, 2024. ↩