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Dietary supplement

L-Theanine 200 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nutricost

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

L-Theanine 200 mg is a dietary supplement by Nutricost 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 200 mg by Nutricost

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in tea. At 200 mg per capsule, it's meant to support calm focus and cognition.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, and the filling includes rice flour as an inactive ingredient.

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).

L-theanine is possibly effective for supporting cognitive function, according to the research we have on file. For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, and cancer, the evidence isn't established well enough for us to rate it.

If you're considering theanine for one of those purposes, there's not enough reliable data yet to know whether it'll help.

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 in healthy adults for short-term use, but how safe it is over the long haul hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects reported are headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, and more vivid dreams.

One pediatric case of facial tics was reported within days of starting 400 mg daily, though the child had a history of tics and they stopped when theanine was discontinued, so the link wasn't clear. There isn't enough safety data to know whether theanine is safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

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.

Check before starting if you take blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs) — theanine may strengthen their effect and lower your pressure more than intended. Also double-check if you're on sedating medications (CNS depressants) or antidepressants that work through serotonin (serotonergic drugs), though those interactions are less certain.

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 focus and mental clarity if that's what you're after, though the evidence is strongest for cognitive function specifically. If you take blood pressure medication, sedating drugs, or any serotonergic antidepressant, check your medications against the tool on this page before starting — some may need adjustment or closer monitoring.

Have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation.

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 Jun 24, 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 200 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nutricost
Barcode (UPC) 702669934916
Net contents 240 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 223413
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 200 mg by Nutricost, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
240
UPC/BARCODE
702669934916
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin Capsule

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

Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1-2 times daily with 8-12 oz of water, or as directed by your physician.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Do not exceed recommended use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

Storage

Notice: 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.

Formula

L-Theanine 200 mg per serving

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Nutricost Quality guaranteed 3rd party tested

Formulation

Non GMO Gluten free product

See for yourself

L-Theanine 200 mg by Nutricost label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Theanine 200 mg by Nutricost

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container240 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: Rice Flour, Gelatin Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine 200 mg by Nutricost Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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
565Drugs
172 Moderate 393 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Theanine 200 mg 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 200 mg, from the product label.

Nutricost

See all Nutricost products
Name
Nutricost
Street Address
351 E 1750 N
City
Vineyard
State
UT
ZipCode
84059
Phone Number
(866) 438-3694
Web Address
www.nutricost.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Theanine 200 mg by Nutricost: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine 200 mg by Nutricost interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Theanine 200 mg 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 200 mg 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.
Can I take L-theanine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on L-theanine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's appropriate for you — they can weigh the unknowns against your individual needs.
What side effects might I notice?
Headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep duration, and more vivid dreams are the most commonly reported. These are generally mild, but if you experience them and they bother you, mention it to your pharmacist.
Is L-theanine proven to work for anxiety or memory?
L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function. For anxiety disorders like GAD or OCD, and for memory problems tied to aging or Alzheimer disease, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.
How long is it safe to take this supplement?
L-theanine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults for short-term use, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you plan to take it regularly for weeks or months, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will this make me drowsy?
Drowsiness and increased sleep have been reported by some users, though not everyone experiences it. If you're sensitive to sedating effects, start carefully and see how you respond.
Does this product have fillers?
Yes — the capsule contains gelatin and rice flour as inactive ingredients to hold and deliver the L-theanine.

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

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

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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 200 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Theanine 200 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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 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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