Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Alpha GABA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NS

Alpha GABA label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Alpha GABA against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Alpha GABA is a dietary supplement by NS with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance and endurance, heart health, energy support.Based on those ingredients, 1,383 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha extract, Passion Flower extract, L-Theanine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Alpha GABA by NS

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Alpha GABA by NS — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Alpha GABA by NS

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (620 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Alpha GABA contains six active ingredients. L-theanine is an amino acid that may support cognitive function.

L-taurine is another amino acid with possible benefits for heart health and liver function. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential B vitamin.

Passion flower extract is a traditional herb used for anxiety and sleep. Ashwagandha extract is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used for stress and sleep support.

Lemon balm extract is an herb traditionally used for mood and relaxation. The product also contains inactive ingredients including a vegetable capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, organic rice concentrate, and silica.

Does it work?

Strong 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 its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients 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 ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Sideroblastic anemia — rated "Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Vitamin B6 deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy — rated "Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hyperhomocysteinemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Anxiety — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for the active ingredients varies. L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function but lacks reliable evidence for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, or anxiety disorders.

L-taurine is possibly effective for hepatitis and congestive heart failure, though possibly ineffective for obesity. Vitamin B6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia and B6 deficiency, likely effective for high homocysteine, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea.

Passion flower is possibly effective for insomnia and pre-procedural anxiety. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Lemon balm is possibly effective for cold sores, stress, and depression. The data we hold does not establish effectiveness for other claimed uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Taurine Passion Flower Lemon Balm Theanine Vitamin B6 Ashwagandha

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 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-theanine is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, though long-term safety is not well studied. It may cause headaches, drowsiness, or increased dream activity.

L-taurine is generally well tolerated in typical doses for up to one year; constipation and diarrhea are most common, and rare hypersensitivity reactions are possible in people with sulfite or sulfonamide allergies. Vitamin B6 is safe at normal doses but can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy) at very high doses over time.

Passion flower is generally well tolerated short-term and may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term but rarely may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; serious liver injury has been reported in rare cases.

Lemon balm is generally well tolerated for short-term use; dizziness and sedation are reported but do not occur more often than with placebo. Regarding pregnancy: L-theanine and passion flower advise against use due to lack of safety data.

Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage and should be avoided. Lemon balm lacks reliable safety data and should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

L-taurine is rated likely safe in pregnancy. Data on vitamin B6 in pregnancy and all ingredients in breastfeeding are not on file or are limited — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Taurine Passion Flower Lemon Balm Theanine Vitamin B6 Ashwagandha

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?
  • 6 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Vitamin B6, Ashwagandha, Taurine, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,384 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 Alpha GABA, check if you take any of the following: antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications), CNS depressants or sedating medications, hepatotoxic drugs (drugs that stress the liver), antidiabetic drugs (diabetes medications), seizure medications (especially phenobarbital or phenytoin), benzodiazepines, thyroid hormone, immunosuppressants, lithium, amiodarone, levodopa, serotonergic drugs, or OATP or CYP3A4 substrates. These interactions span from Major to Minor severity.

Use the medication checker on this page with your complete medication list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Alpha GABA may appeal to people seeking natural support for stress, sleep, or anxiety, but it carries significant interactions—especially with blood pressure medications, seizure drugs, sedating medications, blood sugar drugs, and benzodiazepines. Anyone taking prescription medications should check their exact drugs against the interaction tool below before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss this product with their pharmacist or doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

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 Alpha GABA, straight from the product label.

Brand NS
Barcode (UPC) 659468101820
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 267632
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Alpha GABA by NS, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
659468101820
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend620 mg--
L-Theanine400 mg--
L-Taurine0 NP--
Vitamin B62 mg118%
Passion Flower extract0 NP--
Ashwagandha extract250 mg--
Lemon Balm extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, organic Rice concentrate, Silica

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 Take 2-3 capsules up to two times daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed suggested use.

Precautions

This product has a tamper evident seal under the cap. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

This product may be unsafe in pregnancy or nursing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store at room temperature, in a dry place.

General Statements

NeuroScience Quality Consistent products, consistent results. Scan to learn more.

Brand IP Statement(s)

SENSORIL is protected under U.S. Patent No. 7,318,938 and CA Patent No. 2,508,478, and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Serotonin/GABA

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Alpha GABA by NS label

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

Alpha GABA label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Alpha GABA by NS

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

620 mg per serving

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
400 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

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Ashwagandha extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
250 mg per serving

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Ashwagandha extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Organic Rice concentrate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Alpha GABA by NS Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Alpha GABA?

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
1,383Drugs
916 Moderate 467 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha extract 1,372
Passion Flower extract 836
L-Theanine 565
Lemon Balm extract 264
Vitamin B6 210

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Alpha GABA interact with 1,383 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

6 of the 6 ingredients in Alpha GABA interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha extract Passion Flower extract L-Theanine Lemon Balm extract Vitamin B6 L-Taurine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Ashwagandha extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Ashwagandha extract full monograph & interactions

Passion Flower extract3 drug types · 836 drugs

Cns Depressants

Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Research in animals and humans shows that passion flower has sedative effects which can be additive when used with sedative medications like lorazepam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that passion flower can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, passion flower might reduce the bioavailability of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the passion flower constituents apigenin and vitexin inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. This inhibition may be dose-dependent. One specific high-flavonoid passion flower extract (Valverde) seems to inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while another extract with a lower flavonoid concentration (Arkocaps) shows less potent inhibition. OATPs are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body; however, the specific activities of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 are not well characterized.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Passion Flower extract full monograph & interactions

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
L-Theanine full monograph & interactions

Lemon Balm extract2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lemon Balm extract full monograph & interactions

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

L-Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
L-Taurine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Alpha GABA, from the product label.

NS

See all NS products
Name
NeuroScience
City
Osceola
State
WI
ZipCode
54020
Phone Number
1-888-342-7272
Web Address
www.neuroscienceinc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Alpha GABA by NS: Common Questions

Does Alpha GABA by NS interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Alpha GABA has a known interaction with 1,383 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Alpha GABA contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Several of the ingredients advise against use in pregnancy. L-theanine and passion flower lack safety data; ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage. L-taurine is rated likely safe, and data on vitamin B6 and lemon balm in pregnancy are limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
L-theanine, passion flower, and ashwagandha advise against breastfeeding use due to insufficient safety data. L-taurine occurs naturally in breast milk, but supplement safety isn't well studied. Lemon balm has limited safety information — talk with your doctor before use. Data on vitamin B6 while breastfeeding is not on file. Discuss this product with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Does this product actually help with anxiety or sleep?
Ashwagandha and passion flower are both possibly effective for anxiety and insomnia based on the evidence we hold. L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function but lacks reliable evidence for anxiety. Lemon balm is possibly effective for stress and depression. The other ingredients lack established evidence for these uses in our data.
What are the most common side effects?
The most commonly reported adverse effects are mild: headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea. L-theanine may cause increased dream activity. Passion flower and ashwagandha may increase drowsiness. Most people tolerate these ingredients well at typical doses, though long-term safety data are limited for several of them.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Long-term safety is not well studied for most of the ingredients in this product. L-theanine, L-taurine, passion flower, ashwagandha, and lemon balm all have limited long-term safety data. Vitamin B6 is safe at normal doses but can cause nerve damage at very high doses over extended periods. Talk with your pharmacist about your timeline and whether ongoing use is appropriate for you.
What if I'm taking blood pressure medication?
Three ingredients in this product — L-theanine, L-taurine, and ashwagandha — may lower blood pressure and could potentiate (strengthen) the effects of antihypertensive drugs, raising the risk of blood pressure dropping too low. If you take a blood pressure medication, check it against the interaction tool before starting, or talk with your pharmacist first.

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

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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.

Alpha GABA label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Alpha GABA’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Taurine

Interacts with 173 drugs

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements, and short-term use appears generally sa...

Read the full Taurine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Passion Flower

Interacts with 836 drugs

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restlessness, but the evidence is limited and mo...

Read the full Passion Flower monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lemon Balm

Interacts with 264 drugs

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold sores. Early studies are promising but gen...

Read the full Lemon Balm monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Theanine

Interacts with 565 drugs

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 drowsiness. Early research suggests it may...

Read the full Theanine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Alpha GABA'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 122 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.
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Taurine 21 references
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Vitamin B6 32 references
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Passion Flower 19 references
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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Lemon Balm 12 references
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  2. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:863-6. PubMed
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