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Dietary supplement

L-Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

L-Theanine label
See full label image
Powder Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking L-Theanine 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

L-Theanine is a dietary supplement by NOW 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.

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Check Your Meds Against L-Theanine by NOW

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Theanine 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

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.

NOW L-Theanine is a single-ingredient powder containing L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. This form comes with no other active ingredients; the product contains no fillers or other inactive components.

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: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Cognitive function, Age-related cognitive decline, Focus, Mental clarity.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Theanine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Theanine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline, Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.

The evidence for L-theanine is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for cognitive function — some research suggests it may support mental clarity and focus.

For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cancer, the evidence in our data is insufficient to establish whether it works.

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 long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Some people report headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, or more vivid dreams.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data isn't available, so the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and lactation — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is 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.

Double-check this product if you take blood pressure medication — theanine may lower your pressure further. Also confirm it with your doctor or pharmacist if you use sedating medications or serotonin-affecting antidepressants, though the risks here are less clear.

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.

L-Theanine may help with focus and mental clarity, but the evidence is limited. If you take blood pressure medication, sedating drugs, or certain antidepressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

It's generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but we don't have long-term safety data, so keep that in mind if you're thinking about using it regularly.

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 Jan 25, 2017.

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 NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739002624
Net contents 1 oz.; 28 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2017
DSLD ID 69486
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 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:
0.125 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.125 tsp
Servings per container
93
UPC/BARCODE
733739002624
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine285 mg--

Other ingredients: None

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 1/8 level teaspoon daily in juice or water, preferably on an empty stomach. Do not exceed recommended dose.

Precautions

Do not exceed recommended dose.

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially blood pressure medications), or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do Not Eat Freshness Packet Enclosed.

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.

General Statements

L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found naturally 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.*

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Pure Powder Tension Management* ~ Promotes Relaxation* ~ Healthy Vascular Function*

Amino Acids Family owned since 1968.

This product is sold by weight not volume.

Please Recycle.

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.

General

CODE 0262 V1

Seals/Symbols

Non-GMO

GMP Quality Assured

Formulation

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

Storage

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.

See for yourself

L-Theanine by NOW label

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

L-Theanine 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 L-Theanine by NOW

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

Serving size0.125 tsp Dosage formPowder Servings per container93 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
285 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: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine by NOW 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

L-Theanine 565

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in L-Theanine interact with 565 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in L-Theanine interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Theanine

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
L-Theanine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Theanine, 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

L-Theanine by NOW: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine by NOW 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.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for either pregnancy or breastfeeding, so the data advises against it during both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in your specific situation.
What side effects might I notice?
Headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, and more vivid dreams have been reported. These tend to be mild, but if you notice anything that concerns you, stop taking it and tell your pharmacist.
Does L-theanine actually help with anxiety?
The evidence in our data is insufficient to say whether it works for generalized anxiety disorder. You might see it marketed for calm or relaxation, but we don't have solid proof it does yet.
Can I take this long-term?
L-theanine is well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about using it regularly for months or longer, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What is L-theanine and why is it in tea?
L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves. It's one of the compounds that gives tea its calming properties.

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.

L-Theanine label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Theanine’s Ingredients

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

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 →
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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