L-Theanine and epilepsy

[a820e13f]

Hello there,

I would like to ask if you can help me in interpreting some results of a research and also in sharing some experience.

I have temporal lobe epilepsy (becuase of hippocampal sclerosis) and i would like to try L-Theanine for sleep problems. Currently i take no drugs for epilepsy or anything else.

The only available research (tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.... which examines the connection of L-Theanine and epilepsy states, that it decreased the chances for focal seizures, but increased the chances of generalized seizures.

Does this mean, that if one have focal epilepsy seizures (like me), then it can even help, but in case of having generalized seizures it will make things worse?

Or does it mean, that regardless of the epilepsy type, it can cause generalized seizures, even if the user never had them before?

Is there anybody with TLE of HS who takes L-Theanine?

Thanks in advance.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi

We can only access the abstract of the research so can’t comment fully on the research. But as the study is in mice, more research would be needed to prove if it would have the same effect on seizures in humans.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team

[a820e13f in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Hello Diane,

Sorry for not replying this long, but life buried me for good for awhile...

So, you're suggesting, that L-Theanine should be safe to take with focal epilepsy?

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action in reply to a820e13f]

Hi a820e13f

Thank you for your further question. We don’t have any information on the use of L-Theanine and epilepsy. It's difficult to find research on complementary treatments as they are not regulated like prescription medicines.

Green tea should be safe but we have no specific or conclusive information on L-Theanine and epilepsy.

Maybe you could ask your pharmacist if they have any information on L-Theanine. They might be able to help.

Regards

Diane

[a820e13f in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Hello Diane,

Well, if green tea should be safe, then that means L-Theanine should too as green tea contains L-Theanine, but that's just linear logic.

Though i doubt that they will have any particular infos about this, asking cannot do any harm, so i will.

Thank you for your answers.

[Glaistiarlyn]

Hi!

I am 67 and have Focal Epilepsy, diagnosed as Left Temporal Lobe Epilepsy when I was 15 in 1972. It encompassed both temporal lobes by the time I was 48. I had one tonic clonic seizure in 2011 after a marathon gaming/raiding session in World of Warcraft lasting 12 hours. It was the only time. I currently take 1- 250mg DR Depakote at bedtime and one or two L-theanine if I awaken. So far I have been good. I am trying it to see how it works with focal seizures. Still reading peer reviews and research to learn more. I can say, however, I've had no sleep interference with mild seizures since beginning the L-theanine.