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Dietary supplement

L-Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ortho Molecular Products

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 Ortho Molecular Products 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 Suntheanine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products

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 (in the form of Suntheanine). It's an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves and is thought to promote relaxation without drowsiness.

The capsule also includes inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid—which serve as binders and fillers.

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).

The evidence is mixed. L-theanine is possibly effective for supporting cognitive function.

However, for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cancer, the current evidence isn't strong enough to make a clear recommendation one way or the other.

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. Some people report headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep duration, or increased dream activity.

One pediatric case of facial tics was reported after taking a high dose, but the connection to theanine was considered unlikely because the child had a history of tics. Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data to know whether it's safe, so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement if you're pregnant, planning to become 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.

Before you take this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications—L-theanine can lower blood pressure and may strengthen their effect. Also mention it if you take CNS depressants like sleep aids or anti-anxiety drugs, since additive sedation is theoretically possible, though uncommon.

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, though the evidence for anxiety or cognitive aging is unclear. If you take blood pressure medications or CNS depressants, check with your doctor or pharmacist first—theanine can lower blood pressure and may add to sedative effects.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.

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 Oct 24, 2022.

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 Ortho Molecular Products
Barcode (UPC) 615033008345
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 275391
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 by Ortho Molecular Products, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
615033008345
IngredientAmount% DV
Suntheanine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid

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 Use: 1 capsule, 1 to 2 times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated to be free of allergens derived from: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Endocrine health

Vcaps

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used.

Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Caution: This product contains a desiccant. For best results, keep the desiccant in the bottle until all contents are consumed. Do not eat desiccant.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged.

Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Learn more VitaSecure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Suntheanine is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.

Ortho Molecular Products Because Efficacy Matters

Seals/Symbols

Vcaps

See for yourself

L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Suntheanine

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...

Suntheanine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products 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.

Suntheanine3 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.

Ortho Molecular Products

See all Ortho Molecular Products products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
3017 Business Park Drive
City
Stevens Point
State
WI
ZipCode
54482
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine by Ortho Molecular Products 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.
Does L-theanine actually help you focus?
Research suggests it's possibly effective for cognitive function, but the evidence isn't overwhelming. For other brain-related concerns—like anxiety or memory loss with age—there's not enough reliable evidence to say whether it helps or doesn't.
Will this make me drowsy?
Some people report drowsiness after taking L-theanine, along with longer sleep or more vivid dreams. How you respond is individual—some find it calming without sedation, while others feel sleepy.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, there isn't enough safety data on L-theanine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's best to avoid it and talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice on what's safe for you.
Is L-theanine a natural ingredient?
Yes, L-theanine (Suntheanine in this product) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. This version is made in a lab but matches the natural form.
What are the inactive ingredients, and are there any fillers?
The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and stearic acid. These are standard binders and fillers used in capsules to hold the ingredient together and aid absorption.

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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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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