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Dietary supplement

L-Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutraBio

Powder Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

L-Theanine is a dietary supplement by NutraBio with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, relaxation and calm, sleep support.Based on those ingredients, 565 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Theanine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Theanine by NutraBio

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

NutraBio L-Theanine is a straightforward single-ingredient powder — just L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in tea. There are no other active ingredients.

The product contains no inactive fillers or additional ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Theanine's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Theanine for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Cognitive function — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence here is limited. L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function — some research supports a role in mental clarity and focus.

For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety, OCD, and cancer, the evidence isn't established enough for us to rate it. If cognitive support is your goal, the data offers some promise; for other uses, we simply don't have enough reliable information.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Theanine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-theanine is generally well tolerated by healthy adults in short-term use, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Reported side effects include headaches, drowsiness, increased sleep duration, and more vivid dreams.

One pediatric case of facial tics was reported, though the child had a history of tics and they stopped when the supplement was discontinued. There isn't enough safety data to recommend L-theanine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Theanine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Theanine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 565 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this L-Theanine powder, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) — theanine may strengthen their effect and lower your pressure more than intended. Also flag any CNS depressants (sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, sedating pain relievers) or serotonergic drugs (certain antidepressants, migraine meds) so your provider can weigh the risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Theanine may help with cognitive function, but the evidence for other uses is sparse. The main caution is with blood pressure medications — theanine can lower pressure, and stacking it with BP drugs might lower it too much.

Check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take anything for blood pressure, sleep, anxiety, or depression.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 26, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Theanine, straight from the product label.

Brand NutraBio
Barcode (UPC) 649908245108
Net contents 5.3 oz; 150 grams
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 212999
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for L-Theanine by NutraBio, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.2 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.2 Gram(s)
Servings per container
750
UPC/BARCODE
649908245108
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Absolutely None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 serving with your favorite beverage 1 to 2 times daily on an empty stomach, or as directed by your physician. We advise an accurate milligram weight scale be used.

Formulation

Vegetarian

Non-GMO Gluten free BSE/TSE free

No fillers No excipients

HPLC lab tested for potency

Free of harmful impurities

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are pregnant, breast feeding, have known medical conditions (including kidney or liver disease) or are taking prescription or OTC medication(s) consult with your health care practitioner before using this product. If you are taking anti-depressant drugs such as MAOI's or SSRI's, consult your healthcare professional before taking this product.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

General Statements

Manufactured in our GMP & FDA inspected facility FDA Registration: 16906175560 Since 1996

Some settling of contents may have occurred during the shipping and handling.

Serving scoop included.

150g powder

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA with ingredients sourced worldwide Made in our GMP & FDA inspected facility OU (Kosher)

Formula

OU (Kosher)

Pure grade amino acid

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

L-Theanine by NutraBio label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Theanine by NutraBio

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.2 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container750 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
200 mg per serving

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong dro...

L-Theanine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Absolutely None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine by NutraBio Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Theanine?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
565Drugs
172 Moderate 393 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Theanine with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Theanine3 drug types · 565 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals. Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Clinical studies regarding the effects of L-theanine on serotonin levels are conflicting. Some studies suggest it can increase serotonin levels in the brain while others report that it may decrease them. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of l-theanine being a causative agent in serotonergic-related side effects or serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Theanine, from the product label.

NutraBio

See all NutraBio products
Name
NutraBio Labs, Inc.
Street Address
564 Lincoln Blvd.
City
Middlesex
State
NJ
ZipCode
08846
Phone Number
732-748-8606
Web Address
www.nutrabio.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Theanine by NutraBio: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine by NutraBio interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Theanine has a known interaction with 565 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Theanine contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is L-theanine, and what is it supposed to do?
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea. This product is possibly effective for cognitive function — supporting focus and mental clarity — but evidence for other uses like anxiety or age-related memory loss isn't established in the data we hold.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. The safety data advises against using it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual situation.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common reported side effects are headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep duration, and more vivid dreams. One case of facial tics was reported in a child, though it stopped once the supplement was discontinued.
Is this safe to take long-term?
It's generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about using it regularly, discuss that with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does this product have any fillers or extra ingredients?
No — it's a pure L-theanine powder with absolutely no other inactive ingredients added.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if L-Theanine is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

L-Theanine label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Theanine's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 6 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Theanine 6 references
  1. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;62:1065-8.
  2. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., and Scholey, A. B. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol.Psychol. 2008;77(2):113-122. PubMed
  3. Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., Takihara-Matsuura, T., Kakuda, T., and Takeuchi, N. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 1995;59(4):615-618. PubMed
  4. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-
  5. 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.
  6. 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. PubMed

See these in context on the Theanine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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