Glycine Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Glycine 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
Glycine is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sleep quality and insomnia, relaxation, cognitive function.Based on those ingredients, 1 medication has a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Glycine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Glycine by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Glycine by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Glycine 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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains 1 active ingredient: glycine, a simple amino acid your body naturally produces. Glycine plays a role in protein synthesis and several other body functions.
There are no other inactive ingredients listed for this powder.
Does it work?
Not established
Glycine is possibly effective for schizophrenia — though as noted above, combining it with clozapine may actually worsen symptoms, so that's not a straightforward use case. For other conditions listed in our data — 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (3-PGDH) deficiency, ADHD, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and cystic fibrosis — we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Glycine is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but long-term safety data are limited. A small number of people have reported mild sedation, which goes away quickly when they stop taking it.
Digestive side effects like soft stools, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort have also been reported rarely and resolve when use stops. Other symptoms like irritability, insomnia, fatigue, memory issues, headache, dry mouth, and sensory changes have been reported, though it's unclear whether they're actually caused by glycine.
Not enough reliable safety data exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best avoided unless your doctor approves. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting this supplement.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check clozapine (Clozaril) before you start. If you take this antipsychotic, adding glycine may make it less effective and could worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
NOW Glycine is a straightforward single-ingredient supplement. If you take clozapine for schizophrenia, do not use this product without your doctor's approval — the interaction could worsen your symptoms.
For anyone else, check your medications with the tool on this page before starting.
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 May 23, 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
General information
Key facts about Glycine, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739002259 |
| Net contents | 1 Pound(s); 454 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 23, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 314374 |
| Product type | Amino Acid/protein |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 Glycine by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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 1/4 - 3/4 level teaspoon daily mixed in water or juice, preferably on an empty stomach.
Formula
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.
Glycine Pure powder
Triangle K (Kosher)
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.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Formulation
Natural color variation may occur in this product. Neurotransmitter Support Promotes Restful Sleep Nervous System Support Pharmaceutical Grade
Vegetarian/Vegan
Packaged and quality tested in the USA.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.
Seals/Symbols
Non-GMO
Triangle K (Kosher)
GMP Quality Assured
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Amino Acids Family owned since 1968.
Storage
This product is sold by weight not volume. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Glycine by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Glycine by NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container151 Amounts shown are per serving.
Glycine
Interacts with1 drug
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep q...
Glycine monograph & interactionsGlycine by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
NOW Glycine is a single-ingredient supplement that does interact with one medication.
The main concern is clozapine (Clozaril), an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia. A small clinical study found that adding glycine to clozapine actually worsened schizophrenia symptoms compared with clozapine alone, suggesting glycine may decrease how well the medication works.
The exact reason for this interaction isn't clear, but it's rated Moderate in severity.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Althogether, these interactions span 1 individual medication.
If you take clozapine, do not add this supplement without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. For any other medications you're on, use the interaction checker below to be sure.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Glycine?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Glycine interact with 1 drug. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Glycine interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Glycine
ClozapineClozaril, Versacloz
How Clozapine interacts with Glycine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlycineClozapine (clozaril) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.
Read the full Glycine + Clozapine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Glycine 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.
Glycine
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.
One small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that adding glycine to clozapine therapy worsens symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with clozapine alone. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Glycine, 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
Glycine by NOW: Common Questions
Does Glycine by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What is glycine used for?
Will glycine make me drowsy?
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are there any inactive ingredients or fillers in this powder?
What side effects might I experience?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Glycine is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Glycine’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Glycine'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 5 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.
Glycine 5 references
- Heresco-Levy U, Javitt DC, Ermilov M, et al. Efficacy of high-dose glycine in the treatment of enduring negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999;56:29-36.. PubMed
- Potkin SG, Jin Y, Bunney BG, Costa J, Gulasekaram B. Effect of clozapine and adjunctive high-dose glycine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry 1999;156:145-7.. PubMed
- Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI, Dambinova SA, et al. Neuroprotective effects of glycine for therapy of acute ischaemic stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis 2000;10:49-60. PubMed
- Inagawa K, Kawai N, Ono K, Sukegawa E, Tsubuku S, Takahashi M. Assessment of acute adverse effects of glycine ingestion at a high dose in human volunteers. Seikatsu Eisei. 2006; 50:27-32.
- Woods SW, Walsh BC, Hawkins KA, Miller TJ, Saksa JR, D'Souza DC, Pearlson GD, Javitt DC, McGlashan TH, Krystal JH. Glycine treatment of the risk syndrome for psychosis: report of two pilot studies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2013 Aug;23(8):931-40. PubMed
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