How does theacrine work?
Theacrine exerts dopaminergic and adenosinergic activity [6]. These effects appear similar to those of caffeine. The neuropsychopharmacological effects of theacrine have not yet fully been discovered by researchers.
How much and how often should you dose theacrine?
Human studies in people tend to use doses between 100 and 400mg. The frequency of dosing varies between studies. It is usually taken daily but sometimes taken only once for its acute effects.
Anecdotal reports from dosages used by self-experimenters posting how they use it on the web tend to be lower: 50-200mg.
There are some anecdotal reports and one animal study [7] that hint at the possibility that low doses, below 70mg, may have sedative effects as opposed to the normally stimulating effects which theacrine has.
What substances stack well with theacrine?
There's no high-quality research on the benefits of combining theacrine with other substances, such as nootropic drugs or supplements, except for the research that has been conducted on the combination of theacrine and caffeine. The efficacy of the below-listed combinations is supported only by anecdotal reports.
People tend to report better effects from methylliberine when they also use:
A combination of methylliberine, caffeine, and theacrine has also been described as having synergistic effects by some users.
The combination of these three stimulant nootropics or theacrine with either caffeine or methylliberine appears safe in healthy humans when used in appropriate doses once. [8]
Studies on long-term use of caffeine, theacrine, and methylliberine combined have not been conducted.
There has been one study on the safety of combining Theacrine (25-50 mg) with Methylliberine (100-150mg). No adverse events were reported in that study.
The combination of theacrine and caffeine has been shown to increase the concentrations of theacrine in the blood, which may result in stronger theacrine effects. [9]
This combination of theacrine and caffeine had no beneficial effects on physical performance in one study on healthy resistance-trained men:
"Neither TEA300, CAFF300, COMBO, or PLA (when consumed 90 min pre-exercise) improved muscular strength, power, or endurance performance in resistance-trained men. Only CAFF300 improved measures of focus, energy, and motivation to exercise." [10]
Another study found that the combination of caffeine and theacrine enhanced physical endurance performance and cognitive performance (as measured by reaction time tests):
"These findings suggest TeaCrine® favorably impacts endurance and the combination with caffeine provides greater benefits on cognitive function than either supplement independently." [12]
There have also been some other studies looking at the effects of theacrine when combined with dozens of other substances. These combinations appeared safe and some were effective for cognitive enhancement, but since there were so many other supplements in these studies, it is impossible to know if theacrine had anything to do with the beneficial effects that were seen. [13] [14]
Before combining any drugs or supplements, talk with your trusted medical professional about the risks involved.
Is theacrine found in food?
Yes. It can be found in Kucha tea leaves. [15]
How does it feel when you take theacrine?
The following qualitative user experience reports and reviews are included to give you an understanding of what the experience of taking theacrine is like.
Anecdotal theacrine experience reports and reviews from Reddit
After 8 weeks of sporadic use of theacrine, one redditor wrote the following report:
"Even after discontinueing, there is no crash, in fact the days after stopping theacrine I feel less inclined to consume coffee, this seems to last about 3-4 days.
I find that 180-200mg is the sweet spot, the anti-inflammatory and pain killing effects of it are real, what the study said about increased desire to exercise I find true aswell. The effects on mood are consistent and smooth, but has less ups than for example caffeine." [16]
Another person who had used theacrine for 10 days said the following about his experiences with the nootropic:
" Noted results:
- more spontaneous behavior
- less overthinking
- dramatic increase in the amount of yawning, despite not feeling tired (oxytocin/adenosine related I figure) and for those wondering no I did not had sleep deprivation, I have been sleeping 7-8hours on this so the amount of yawning is impossible to be placebo.
- more of an ability to sit and relax
- more laughter and living in the moment
- more appreciation in smaller things in life
- shift from negative to positive attitude
- IMPROVEMENT in sleep (depends on dose and timing for me), despite feeling not very tired in the evening which made think Id be unable to sleep I actually fall asleep way easier! and wake up feeling more rested, this is something I was completely not expecting at all.
- Adding a cup of coffee seems to be synergistic, removes about half of the analgesic effect theacrine has I'd say." [17]
A third person said the following on Reddit:
"Tried 100 mg, and became very tired, which can happen at low doses. Presumably “low” is different for everyone. To counteract the effect, I took 100 mg caffeine, which didn’t help whatsoever. Finally added another 100 mg Theacrine. Not smart; became hyper-stimulated, short of breath, and generally unwell. The effect wore off after about 6-8 hours." [18]
Yet another redditor said the following about theacrine:
"... my physical endurance is increased by 50 percent I am way less out of breath and also way less fatigued but theacrine provides such a smooth unique stimulation it is pleasantly suprising, I am energized yet at the same time feel really chill and calmed down." [19]
