Theanine - Epidiolex (Cannabidiol (prescription drug)) Interaction

Interaction Details

Cannabidiol (prescription drug) is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression. In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Pharmacist Analysis

L-theanine is most commonly taken to help improve some aspects of cognitive function. However, it is also sometimes used to treat anxiety and reduce stress as it may have a mild sedative effect. Studies are lacking, but some report theanine's anti-anxiety effects might be due to its effects on glutamate receptors and possibly an effect on certain inhibitory neurotransmitters like glycine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The sedative effects of L-theanine appear to be relatively mild, but it is important to know if combined with other drugs that may cause sedation as well due to the potentially additive effects.

References

• Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017;29(2):72-9.
• Tsuchiya T, Honda H, Oikawa M, et al. Oral administration of the amino acids cystine and theanine attenuates the adverse events of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2016;21(6):1085-90.

Cannabidiol (prescription drug) Overview

• Cannabidiol is used to control seizures in adults and children 1 year of age and older with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that begins in early childhood and causes seizures, developmental delays, and behavioral issues), Dravet syndrome (a disorder that begins in early childhood and causes seizures and later may lead to developmental delays and changes in eating, balance, and walking), or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC; a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow in many organs). Cannabidiol is in a class of medications called cannabinoids. It is not known exactly how cannabidiol works to prevent seizure activity.

Theanine - More Interactions

Theanine interacts with 557 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.