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Dietary supplement

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos), anxiety and panic, depression and mood.Based on those ingredients, 651 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Theanine, Inositol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains two active ingredients. L-theanine is an amino acid that may support cognitive function and brain health.

Inositol is a carbohydrate-like compound involved in cell signaling and has been studied for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome. The capsule also holds a few inactive ingredients—hypromellose, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide—that help form and stabilize the tablet.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: relaxation, alertness, and cognitive function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Cognitive function, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Panic disorder, Stress — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Theanine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Inositol is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Anxiety.
  • Also on file: Inositol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Insomnia, Panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

L-theanine shows possibly effective evidence for supporting cognitive function. Inositol is possibly effective for polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and preterm labor, but the evidence is limited for anxiety, depression, and diabetic nerve pain.

For other uses listed—L-theanine for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety, and OCD—the evidence we hold is not enough to rate them either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Inositol 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both ingredients are generally well tolerated at common doses. Inositol's most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, gas, and nausea.

L-theanine may cause headaches, drowsiness, increased sleep duration, or more vivid dreams. Inositol use in pregnancy is sometimes studied but safety is not fully established—use only under medical supervision.

L-theanine safety in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not well established; the data advises against use in both cases.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Inositol 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Inositol, Theanine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 651 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 product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs (inositol may lower blood sugar further), antihypertensive drugs for high blood pressure (L-theanine may add to their blood-pressure-lowering effect), CNS depressants like sleep aids or benzodiazepines (minor risk of extra drowsiness), or serotonergic drugs such as SSRIs for depression or anxiety.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may appeal to someone looking to support cognitive function or manage polycystic ovary syndrome—but if you take diabetes medication, blood pressure medication, or sedating drugs, you'll want to check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist first. The same goes for anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for depression or anxiety.

Talk it over with your healthcare provider before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2024.

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 Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739001481
Net contents 120 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 314284
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW, 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:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
733739001481
IngredientAmount% DV
Inositol100 mg--
L-Theanine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide

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 Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily as needed, preferably on an empty stomach.

Formula

L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found naturally found in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). L-Theanine promotes relaxation while maintaining alertness and promotes healthy cognitive function. L-Theanine may also support healthy vascular function through this relaxing effect.

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg with Inositol

Triangle K (Kosher)

This product has twice the L-Theanine (200 mg per capsule) as in our regular strength product (100 mg per capsule).

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Stress Management Promotes Relaxation Healthy Vascular Function

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Amino Acids Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 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.

Inositol

Interacts with
86 drugs
100 mg per serving

Inositol is a sugar alcohol made naturally in the body and found in many foods, and it is sold as a supplement (often myo-inositol) mainly for PCOS, m...

Inositol monograph & interactions

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: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg?

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
651Drugs
258 Moderate 393 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg 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.

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

Inositol1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking inositol with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that inositol lowers blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg has a known interaction with 651 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg contains 2 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against L-theanine use in both pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information. Inositol is sometimes studied in pregnancy but safety isn't fully established—use only under medical supervision. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking either if you're pregnant or nursing.
What side effects might I notice?
Inositol may cause diarrhea, gas, or nausea. L-theanine might cause headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, or more vivid dreams. Most people tolerate these ingredients well, especially at common doses, but side effects vary.
Does this really help with brain function and memory?
L-theanine has possibly effective evidence for cognitive function, meaning some research supports it. For age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, though, the evidence we hold isn't enough to know either way.
Why does this product have inositol in it if I'm taking it for L-theanine?
The product contains both ingredients; if you're interested mainly in L-theanine, that's a question for NOW's customer service. The inositol in the formula may have its own benefits—it's studied for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Inositol is generally well tolerated at common doses, but L-theanine's long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you plan to take it for months, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for you.

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

Not sure if Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg is safe with your meds?

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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.

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg'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 20 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.

Inositol 14 references
  1. Palatnik A, Frolov K, Fux M, Benjamin J. Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2001;21:335-9.. PubMed
  2. Allan SJ, Kavanagh GM, Herd RM, Savin JA. The effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol 2004;150:966-9. PubMed
  3. Machado-Vieira R, Viale CI, Kapczinski F. Mania associated with an energy drink: the possible role of caffeine, taurine, and inositol. Can J Psychiatry 2001;46:454-5. PubMed
  4. Kamenov Z, Kolarov G, Gateva A, Carlomagno G, Genazzani AD. Ovulation induction with myo-inositol alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with insulin resistance. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015;31(2):131-5. PubMed
  5. Matarrelli B, Vitacolonna E, D'Angelo M, et al. Effect of dietary myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy on the incidence of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013;26(1 PubMed
  6. Mukai T, Kishi T, Matsuda Y, Iwata N. A meta-analysis of inositol for depression and anxiety disorders. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014;29(1):55-63. PubMed
  7. Farren M, Daly N, McKeating A, Kinsley B, Turner MJ, Daly S. The Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus With Antenatal Oral Inositol Supplementation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care. 2017;40(6):759-63. PubMed
  8. Zheng X, Liu Z, Zhang Y, et al. Relationship Between Myo-Inositol Supplementary and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(42):e1604. PubMed
  9. Crawford TJ, Crowther CA, Alsweiler J, Brown J. Antenatal dietary supplementation with myo-inositol in women during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(12):CD011507. PubMed
  10. Maurizi AR, Menduni M, Del Toro R, et al. A pilot study of D-chiro-inositol plus folic acid in overweight patients with type 1 diabetes. Acta Diabetol. 2017;54(4):361-65. PubMed
  11. Leppink EW, Redden SA, Grant JE. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of inositol in trichotillomania. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;32(2):107-14. PubMed
  12. Lam S, Mandrekar SJ, Gesthalter Y. A Randomized Phase IIb Trial of myo-Inositol in Smokers with Bronchial Dysplasia. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2016;9(12):906-14.
  13. Wozniak J, Faraone SV, Chan J, et al. A randomized clinical trial of high eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 fatty acids and inositol as monotherapy and in combination in the treatment of pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders: a pilot study. J Clin Psychiatry. PubMed
  14. Vitale SG, Corrado F, Caruso S, et al. Myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes in overweight non-obese women: bioelectrical impedance analysis, metabolic aspects, obstetric and neonatal outcomes - a randomized and open-label, placebo-

See these in context on the Inositol monograph →

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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