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Dietary supplement

L-Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

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

L-Theanine is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature 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 Higher Nature

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. The capsule also includes inactive ingredients — cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate — which are standard binders and flow agents in supplements.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Theanine's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: relaxation and calm.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Insomnia, anxiety, sleep quality.
  • The closest evidence on file: Theanine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Theanine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Stress.

The evidence we hold shows L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function. For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cancer, the evidence is insufficient to rate — meaning studies haven't yet established clear benefit.

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, though long-term safety hasn't been thoroughly studied. Reported side effects include headaches, drowsiness, increased sleep duration, and more vivid dreams.

One case of facial tics in a child was reported, but the child had a history of tics and the tics stopped when theanine was discontinued, so the connection isn't certain. There isn't enough safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid this supplement if you're pregnant or nursing.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.

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 you take this, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications — theanine may lower your pressure further. Also flag any sleep aids, sedating drugs, or antidepressants you're taking.

No interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check beyond these three drug types.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

L-Theanine may help with focus and mental clarity, though evidence is limited. It's generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but if you take blood pressure medication, sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, or antidepressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — theanine can interact with these.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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 Mar 25, 2021.

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 Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013104817
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2021
DSLD ID 245639
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 L-Theanine by Higher Nature, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
5031013104817
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine100 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formulation

Free from: Artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives, corn, dairy products, gluten, lactose, maize, salt, soya, starch, sugar, wheat, yeast.

Advanced formula Optimal benefit

Vegetarian and vegan

For relaxation and calm

General Statements

This product has not been tested on animals. Mind Health

Find your inner calm

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement

Formula

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take 1-2 capsules (children 8 and over 1 capsule) a day at least 30 minutes before meals. Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Precautions

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

See for yourself

L-Theanine by Higher Nature label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Theanine by Higher Nature

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 container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
100 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: Capsule, Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine by Higher Nature 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.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd
Street Address
10 Discovery Way
City
Horam, East Sussex
ZipCode
TN21 0GE
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Theanine by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine by Higher Nature 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 supposed to do?
L-theanine is an amino acid from tea that research shows may help with cognitive function — things like focus and mental clarity. For other uses like anxiety or age-related memory loss, the evidence isn't clear enough yet to say whether it works.
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 of taking it regularly, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for either pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether there's a better option for you.
What side effects does L-theanine cause?
Common ones reported include headaches, drowsiness, and more vivid dreams or longer sleep. These are generally mild, but let your doctor know if they bother you.
Can I take this with my antidepressant?
Studies on theanine and serotonin-affecting drugs show mixed results, and no cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported from theanine — but it's still worth checking with your pharmacist or doctor first, just to be sure it won't interfere with how your medication works.

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

Not sure if L-Theanine 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 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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