Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Theanine Serene Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Theanine Serene label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Theanine Serene 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: Major

Theanine Serene is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance and endurance, heart health, energy support.Based on those ingredients, 880 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Theanine, GABA, Magnesium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Theanine Serene by Source Naturals

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Theanine Serene by Source Naturals

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 Jul 11, 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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Theanine Serene contains five active ingredients. L-theanine, an amino acid from tea, is the star here—it's included to support calm focus.

Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and is needed for many body processes. Taurine, another amino acid, supports cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Holy Basil Leaf Extract is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to ease stress. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a brain chemical involved in relaxation.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—sorbitol, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, and silica—which are excipients that help form and stabilize the pill.

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: calm mind and body, support relaxation and focused attention.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Cognitive function, stress reduction, sleep quality, mental clarity.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Theanine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety.
  • Also on file: Magnesium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Perioperative anxiety.

L-theanine is rated possibly effective for cognitive function based on available evidence, but evidence isn't yet strong enough to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, generalized anxiety, or OCD. Magnesium is effective for dyspepsia (indigestion) and constipation, and is effective for preventing preeclampsia in pregnancy when used under medical care.

Taurine is rated possibly effective for hepatitis and congestive heart failure, but possibly ineffective for weight loss. Holy Basil and GABA lack sufficient reliable evidence for the conditions listed—we can't yet say they work for anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, diabetes, or the other claims tested so far.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Taurine Theanine Holy Basil Magnesium Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Taurine is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety is less certain; the most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, particularly in people with sulfonamide or sulfite allergies.

L-theanine may cause headaches, drowsiness, longer sleep, or more vivid dreams; long-term safety isn't well studied. Holy Basil is generally well tolerated but can cause loose stools and nausea in a small number of people; high-quality long-term data are limited.

Magnesium is generally well tolerated and can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal irritation; it's effective and often needed in pregnancy but use supplements only under doctor guidance. GABA may cause drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, throat irritation, or muscle weakness; long-term safety is not well studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Taurine Theanine Holy Basil Magnesium Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba), Magnesium, Taurine, Theanine, Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 880 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 taking Theanine Serene, double-check if you're on levodopa/carbidopa (Parkinson's disease), blood-pressure medications, skeletal muscle relaxants, potassium-sparing diuretics, calcium channel blockers, acid reducers (PPIs or H2 blockers), sulfonylurea diabetes drugs, quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, other diabetes medications, pentobarbital, lithium, or sedatives and other CNS depressants. The interactions range from Major (levodopa/carbidopa) down to Minor (CNS depressants), and some can significantly reduce a drug's effectiveness or increase its side effects.

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. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Theanine Serene can be a reasonable choice if you're looking for a multi-ingredient relaxation support without prescription sedatives, but it's not for everyone. If you take blood-pressure medication, diabetes drugs, lithium, blood thinners, muscle relaxants, or levodopa/carbidopa, you need to check each medication against this product—the interactions are real and can affect how your drugs work.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 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 Theanine Serene, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078017745
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2017
DSLD ID 77865
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Theanine Serene by Source Naturals, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
15
UPC/BARCODE
021078017745
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Taurine450 mg--
L-Theanine200 mg--
Holy Basil Leaf Extract100 mg--
Magnesium300 mg75%
GABA500 mg--

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, modified Cellulose Gum, Silica

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

Calm mind & body

Try Theanine Serene to start relaxing today.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Serene Science

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Theanine Serene contains the amino acid l-theanine, to support relaxation and focused attention, and the calming neurotransmitter GABA. Taurine can support the movement of potassium out of neurons, which may help prevent overexcitation of neurons. It also features magnesium to support muscle and nerve relaxation, and calming holy basil leaf extract to gently soothe away the tension in your body.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 2 tablets daily.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or taking any medication including antidepressant drugs such as MAOIs, SSRIs, or other neuropsychiatric drugs or supplements such as St. John’s wort, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Excessive consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy equipment. Not recommended for consumption with alcoholic beverages.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Formulation

Suitable for Vegetarians.

Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

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

SN1774 REV I152-A

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Theanine Serene by Source Naturals label

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

Theanine Serene 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 Theanine Serene by Source Naturals

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container15 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Taurine

Interacts with
173 drugs
450 mg per serving

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements,...

Taurine monograph & interactions

L-Theanine

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...

L-Theanine monograph & interactions

Holy Basil Leaf Extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
100 mg per serving

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and p...

Holy Basil Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Magnesium

Interacts with
295 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Magnesium Chelate

Magnesium is an essential mineral your body needs for muscles, nerves, blood pressure, and many other functions, and supplements are useful for preven...

Magnesium monograph & interactions

GABA

Interacts with
419 drugs
500 mg per serving

GABA is a calming chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that your body makes on its own, and it is sold as a supplement for stress, anxiety, and sleep...

GABA monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Modified Cellulose Gum, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Theanine Serene by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Theanine Serene?

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
880Drugs
6 Major 510 Moderate 364 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

L-Theanine 565
GABA 419
Magnesium 295
Holy Basil Leaf Extract 212
Taurine 173

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Theanine Serene interact with 880 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Theanine Serene interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Theanine GABA Magnesium Holy Basil Leaf Extract Taurine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Theanine Serene with known interactions, here are the types of medications they 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

GABA2 drug types · 419 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking GABA with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical research shows that GABA can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, GABA might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Endogenous GABA has well-established relaxant effects and GABA(A) receptors have an established physiological role in sleep. However, the effects of GABA supplements are unclear, as it is unknown whether exogenous GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier. Although there have been limited reports of drowsiness or tiredness with GABA supplements, these effects have not been widely reported in clinical studies. Additionally, intravenous GABA 0.1-1 mg/kg has been shown to induce anxiety in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
GABA full monograph & interactions

Magnesium15 drug types · 295 drugs

Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

Magnesium can reduce the bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking magnesium oxide 1000 mg with levodopa 100 mg/carbidopa 10 mg reduces the area under the curve (AUC) of levodopa by 35% and of carbidopa by 81%. In vitro and animal research shows that magnesium produces an alkaline environment in the digestive tract, which might lead to degradation and reduced bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Concomitant use of aminoglycoside antibiotics and magnesium can increase the risk for neuromuscular weakness.
Both aminoglycosides and magnesium reduce presynaptic acetylcholine release, which can lead to neuromuscular blockade and possible paralysis. This is most likely to occur with high doses of magnesium given intravenously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Use of acid reducers may reduce the laxative effect of magnesium oxide.
A retrospective analysis shows that, in the presence of H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a higher dose of magnesium oxide is needed for a laxative effect. This may also occur with antacids. Under acidic conditions, magnesium oxide is converted to magnesium chloride and then to magnesium bicarbonate, which has an osmotic laxative effect. By reducing acidity, antacids may reduce the conversion of magnesium oxide to the active bicarbonate salt.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Magnesium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Magnesium can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.
Cations, including magnesium, can decrease bisphosphonate absorption. Advise patients to separate doses of magnesium and these drugs by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Magnesium can have additive effects with calcium channel blockers, although evidence is conflicting.
Magnesium inhibits calcium entry into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers. Severe hypotension and neuromuscular blockades may occur when nifedipine is used with intravenous magnesium, although some contradictory evidence suggests that concurrent use of magnesium with nifedipine does not increase the risk of neuromuscular weakness. High doses of magnesium could theoretically have additive effects with other calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin

Magnesium salts may reduce absorption of digoxin.
Clinical evidence suggests that treatment with oral magnesium hydroxide or magnesium trisilicate reduces absorption of digoxin from the intestines. This may reduce the blood levels of digoxin and decrease its therapeutic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics decrease excretion of magnesium, possibly increasing magnesium levels.
Potassium-sparing diuretics also have magnesium-sparing properties, which can counteract the magnesium losses associated with loop and thiazide diuretics. Theoretically, increased magnesium levels could result from concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics and magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Magnesium decreases absorption of quinolones.
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with quinolones and decrease their absorption. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Parenteral magnesium alters the pharmacokinetics of skeletal muscle relaxants, increasing their effects and accelerating the onset of effect.
Parenteral magnesium shortens the time to onset of skeletal muscle relaxants by about 1 minute and prolongs the duration of action by about 2 minutes. Magnesium potentiates the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants by decreasing calcium-mediated release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals, reducing postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine, and having a direct effect on the membrane potential of myocytes. Magnesium also has vasodilatory actions and increases cardiac output, allowing a greater amount of muscle relaxant to reach the motor end plate. A clinical study found that low-dose rocuronium (0.45 mg/kg), when given after administration of magnesium 30 mg/kg over 10 minutes, has an accelerated onset of effect, which matches the onset of effect seen with a full-dose rocuronium regimen (0.6 mg/kg). In another clinical study, onset times for rocuronium doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/kg were 86, 76, and 50 seconds, respectively, when given alone, but were reduced to 66, 44, and 38 seconds, respectively, when the doses were given after a 15-minute infusion of magnesium sulfate 60 mg/kg. Giving intraoperative intravenous magnesium sulfate, 50 mg/kg loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg/hour, reduces the onset time of rocuronium, enhances its clinical effects, reduces the dose of intraoperative opiates, and prolongs the spontaneous recovery time. It does not affect the activity of subsequently administered neostigmine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Sulfonylureas

Magnesium increases the systemic absorption of sulfonylureas, increasing their effects and side effects.
Clinical research shows that administration of magnesium hydroxide with glyburide increases glyburide absorption, increases maximal insulin response by 35-fold, and increases the risk of hypoglycemia, when compared with glyburide alone. A similar interaction occurs between magnesium hydroxide and glipizide. The mechanism of this effect appears to be related to the elevation of gastrointestinal pH by magnesium-based antacids, increasing solubility and enhancing absorption of sulfonylureas.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Magnesium decreases absorption of tetracyclines.
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut and decrease their absorption and antibacterial activity. Advise patients to take these drugs 1 hour before or 2 hours after magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, magnesium may have antiplatelet effects, but the evidence is conflicting.
In vitro evidence shows that magnesium sulfate inhibits platelet aggregation, even at low concentrations. Some preliminary clinical evidence shows that infusion of magnesium sulfate increases bleeding time by 48% and reduces platelet activity. However, other clinical research shows that magnesium does not affect platelet aggregation, although inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombosis can occur.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin absorption can be decreased by magnesium.
Clinical research shows that giving magnesium oxide orally along with gabapentin decreases the maximum plasma concentration of gabapentin by 33%, time to maximum concentration by 36%, and area under the curve by 43%. Advise patients to take gabapentin at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)

Sevelamer may increase serum magnesium levels.
In patients on hemodialysis, sevelamer use was associated with a 0.28 mg/dL increase in serum magnesium. The mechanism of this interaction remains unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Magnesium full monograph & interactions

Holy Basil Leaf Extract3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Holy Basil Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions

Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Taurine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Theanine Serene, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Theanine Serene by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Theanine Serene by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Theanine Serene has a known interaction with 880 medications, including 6 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Theanine Serene contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Taurine and magnesium are rated likely safe in pregnancy (magnesium is actually needed), but only use magnesium under your doctor's guidance. L-theanine safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not adequate—it's best to avoid it. Holy Basil is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided; safety while breastfeeding isn't well established. GABA lacks safety data for both. Talk to your obstetrician or midwife before taking this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequent side effects across these ingredients are gastrointestinal—diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and indigestion. L-theanine may cause headaches or drowsiness. Holy Basil can cause loose stools or nausea in some people. These tend to be mild and often settle with continued use or dose adjustment.
Does this actually work for anxiety?
L-theanine is rated possibly effective for cognitive function, but the evidence for anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder) isn't strong enough to rate yet. Holy Basil, GABA, and taurine don't have sufficient reliable evidence to say whether they work for anxiety. This product may help some people feel calmer, but we can't guarantee it based on the data we hold.
Can I take this long-term?
Long-term safety data are limited for all five ingredients. Taurine is well tolerated for up to one year in studies, but safety beyond that isn't established. L-theanine, Holy Basil, GABA, and magnesium all need more long-term research. If you want to use this product regularly beyond a few weeks, check in with your pharmacist or doctor.
Why does this product have so many ingredients?
Each ingredient is included to support relaxation or calm focus through different mechanisms: L-theanine supports calm focus, GABA and magnesium promote relaxation, Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb, and taurine supports nervous-system health. The idea is that together they offer broader support than any single ingredient alone, but the evidence for this combined approach isn't established.
Is there magnesium in here—and does it matter?
Yes, magnesium is one of the five active ingredients. It matters because magnesium interacts with more medications than the other ingredients in this product—most importantly blood-pressure drugs, diabetes drugs, and levodopa/carbidopa. If you're on any of those, you need to talk to your pharmacist before adding this product.

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.

Theanine Serene label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Theanine Serene’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Taurine

Interacts with 173 drugs

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements, and short-term use appears generally sa...

Read the full Taurine monograph → 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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Magnesium

Interacts with 295 drugs

Magnesium is an essential mineral your body needs for muscles, nerves, blood pressure, and many other functions, and supplements are useful for preventing or correcting deficiency. Some othe...

Read the full Magnesium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Interacts with 419 drugs

GABA is a calming chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that your body makes on its own, and it is sold as a supplement for stress, anxiety, and sleep. The science behind oral GABA supplemen...

Read the full Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Theanine Serene'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 129 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.

Taurine 21 references
  1. Ahmad S, Robertson HT, Golper TA, et al. Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects. Kidney Int 1990;38:912-8. PubMed
  2. Machado-Vieira R, Viale CI, Kapczinski F. Mania associated with an energy drink: the possible role of caffeine, taurine, and inositol. Can J Psychiatry 2001;46:454-5. PubMed
  3. Obermann M, Schorn CF, Mummel P, et al. Taurine induced toxic encephalopathy? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2006;108:812-3. PubMed
  4. Bichler, A., Swenson, A., and Harris, M. A. A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids 2006;31(4):471-476. PubMed
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Theanine 6 references
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Holy Basil 8 references
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Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) 12 references
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