Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

L-Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

L-Theanine is a dietary supplement by Pure 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 Pure

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 derived from tea leaves. It's designed to support calm focus and relaxation without the caffeine jitters you'd get from coffee or traditional tea.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, which is an inactive ingredient that holds the L-Theanine inside.

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: mental alertness, calm, relaxation and anxiety relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Cognitive function, Insomnia, focus, emotional regulation.
  • 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 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Stress.

L-Theanine is possibly effective for supporting cognitive function — that's the strongest evidence we have on file. For other uses — including age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and cancer — the evidence isn't established enough in our data to rate it 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 when used short-term, but we don't have solid data on what happens with long-term use. The most common side effects are headaches and drowsiness; some people also report longer sleep or more vivid dreams.

One case of a facial tic was reported in a child taking a high dose, but the tic had occurred before and went away when the supplement was stopped — so the connection wasn't clear. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data on file, so the safety information advises avoiding L-Theanine at those times.

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 L-Theanine, double-check it with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medication — L-Theanine can lower pressure and might make your medication work too well. Also flag any drugs that make you drowsy (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications).

No interactions are documented for other medications in your regimen.

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 is a straightforward supplement for someone looking to support focus and calm without stimulants. If you take blood pressure medication or sedating drugs, check those combinations with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

For long-term use or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have that conversation with your own healthcare provider.

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 23, 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 Pure
Net contents 365 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2021
DSLD ID 248696
Product type Amino Acid/protein
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 Pure, 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
365
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine355 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin Capsules

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

Pure ingredients. Pure results.

Restore a sense of calm & relaxation

Gluten-free

Natural sourcing

Promote relaxation

Stress relief 1 year supply Mental alertness

Formula

All-natural & high strength L-Theanine for mental alertness & anxiety relief

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, consult your physician before taking this or any dietary supplement.

For adults only.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 capsule daily or as directed by a physician. Take with at least 8 oz of liquid.

General Statements

Made with 1 ingredient

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition.

See for yourself

L-Theanine by Pure label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Theanine by Pure

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 container365 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
355 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: Gelatin Capsules. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Theanine by Pure 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.

Pure

See all Pure products
Name
Pure Supplements
Street Address
2578 W 600 N
City
Lindon
State
UT
ZipCode
84042
Phone Number
801-903-2280
Web Address
Puresupplementsco.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Theanine by Pure: Common Questions

Does L-Theanine by Pure 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 L-Theanine while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data available on file for L-Theanine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so the safety information advises against it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's okay for your situation — they'll know your health history.
What side effects does L-Theanine cause?
The most common side effects are headaches and drowsiness. Some people also report sleeping longer or having more vivid dreams. One case of a facial tic was reported in a child, but it went away when the supplement was stopped and wasn't clearly linked to L-Theanine.
Does L-Theanine actually work for anxiety or focus?
L-Theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function — that's what our data supports. For anxiety disorders like GAD or OCD, the evidence isn't established enough yet to say whether it works. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it for a specific condition.
Is L-Theanine safe to use long-term?
It's generally well tolerated in healthy adults for short-term use, but we don't have solid long-term safety data yet. If you're planning to take it for months or longer, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What is L-Theanine and where does it come from?
L-Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. It's designed to give you calm focus — the relaxation benefit of tea without the caffeine buzz.

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

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

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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

Keep exploring