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Dietary supplement

Theanine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by LiveLong

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

Theanine is a dietary supplement by LiveLong 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 Theanine by LiveLong

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.

LiveLong Theanine is a single-ingredient powder: L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in tea. It contains no inactive fillers or other ingredients.

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: stress reduction and calm focus.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Cognitive function, relaxation, dopamine enhancement.
  • 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), Stress.

The evidence supports L-theanine as possibly effective for cognitive function — that is, some good-quality research suggests it may help. For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and cancer, the evidence isn't established well enough for us to rate it in the data we hold.

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 over the short term, but we don't have solid data on long-term safety. The most common side effects are headaches, drowsiness, and changes to sleep (longer sleep, more vivid dreams).

One pediatric case of facial tics was reported, but it was not confirmed to be caused by theanine. There isn't enough safety data in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so the safety information advises avoiding this supplement during those times.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, 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 starting this product, check whether you take blood pressure–lowering drugs (antihypertensives), CNS depressants like sleeping pills or sedatives, or serotonergic drugs such as certain antidepressants. The blood pressure interaction is the most serious.

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.

LiveLong Theanine may help with focus and mental clarity based on current evidence. If you take blood pressure medication, sleep aids, or antidepressants, check with your pharmacist first — theanine can interact with these.

For long-term use or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a conversation with your doctor.

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 May 24, 2013.

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 Theanine, straight from the product label.

Brand LiveLong
Net contents 50 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21717
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Theanine by LiveLong, 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:
0.25 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.25 tsp
Servings per container
100
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine500 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.
General Statements

Theanine is a molecule similar to Glutamic Acid, and is found in Green Tea, although in small amounts. Pure Theanine causes a noticable sense of calm in users and increases dopamine, which is the reward chemical found in the brain. Theanine has also been shown to increase alpha waves, which is responsible for relaxed and calming thoughts. Take the edge off a stressful day, or promote a long-term strategy for stress reduction, by including Theanine in your daily regimen.

- Stress Reduction - Powerful Anti-Oxidant - Raise Dopamine Levels

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 servings daily. Always consult your physician before taking supplements.

Precautions

WARNING: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Consult your physician before using this dietary supplement. Do not use this product if you are at risk or are being treated for high blood pressure, heart, kidney, thyroid, or psychiatric disease, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, or stroke.

Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are taking antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, or any other prescription drugs.

Discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional if dizziness, sleeplessness, tremors, nervousness, headache or heart palpitations occur. Consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any weight loss program.

See for yourself

Theanine by LiveLong label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Theanine by LiveLong

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

Serving size0.25 tsp Dosage formPowder Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
500 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

Theanine by LiveLong Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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 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 Theanine, from the product label.

LiveLong

See all LiveLong products
Name
LIVELONG NUTRITION(TM)
City
Piedmont
State
SC
ZipCode
29673
Web Address
www.LiveLongSupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Theanine by LiveLong: Common Questions

Does Theanine by LiveLong interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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.
Is L-theanine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for either pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety information advises avoiding this supplement during those times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What are the most common side effects?
Headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, and more vivid dreams have been reported. A case of facial tics in a child was reported but wasn't confirmed to be caused by theanine.
Will this help with memory or mental focus?
The evidence says L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function, meaning some quality research supports it. For age-related memory loss or Alzheimer disease, the evidence isn't established enough for us to rate it.
Can I take this long-term?
It's well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but we don't have solid safety data for long-term use. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, check with your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if 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.

Theanine label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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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