Is L-Theanine Safe To Take With Dexedrine?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between L-theanine and Dexedrine.
Hello, I am taking 40mg of Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) for my ADHD. I am considering using L-Theanine in the evening because I have read in multiple sources that it can help me relax and sleep better. My question is, would taking around 250mg of L-Theanine in the evening interact with my ADHD medication, and if so, how? Thank you.
Feb 10, 2023- There is no known interaction between Dexedrine and L-theanine, and they are generally considered safe to take together.
- Although L-theanine may affect serotonin levels in the brain, there have been no reports of it causing serotonin syndrome even when used with other drugs that increase serotonin.
- Keep in mind that dietary supplements have limited interaction data available compared to prescription medications, so it's always good to discuss new supplement use with your healthcare provider.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out! I'm happy to answer this question for you.
There is no known interaction between Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and L-theanine. They are generally considered safe to take together.
I always like to mention a caveat when discussing a natural product or dietary supplement and that caveat is that it is often challenging to know the full range of potential drug interactions due to the lack of data available.
Nevertheless, based on what we understand about how both Dexedrine and L-theanine work, there is nothing to suggest an interaction between the two (although our interaction checker does report a minor interaction, which I have explained in the sections below).
What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is an isomer of theanine, an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves, particularly in green tea.
It is utilized as a dietary supplement for a variety of purposes, most commonly for its purported ability to improve cognition and reduce stress.
We don't have a full understanding of how L-theanine works, but some studies suggest it may modulate levels of several neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.
What About Serotonin Concerns?
Although L-theanine has purported effects on serotonin, there have been no reports of it being a potential causative agent of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition, even when utilized with other drugs that increase levels of the neurotransmitter.
I mention serotonin here because amphetamines, like Dexedrine, stimulate the release of a number of neurotransmitters, including serotonin. The prescribing information for Dexedrine warns about its use with other drugs that affect serotonin:
The concomitant use of DEXEDRINE and serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Initiate with lower doses and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during DEXEDRINE initiation or dosage increase.
As mentioned, although we don't have a complete understanding in this regard, it doesn't appear as though L-theanine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, despite its potential effects on serotonin. More detail on this can be found on our interaction page between Dexedrine and L-theanine.
Final Words
Thanks for your question! Reach back out anytime.
References & sources
- Theanine-induced reduction of brain serotonin concentration in rats — PubMed
- The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent — PubMed
- Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial — PubMed
- Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dexedrine
- A prescription medication containing dextroamphetamine, a stimulant drug used to treat conditions like ADHD.
- Dextroamphetamine
- A stimulant drug that increases activity in the central nervous system and is commonly prescribed for ADHD.
- L-theanine
- An amino acid found in tea leaves that is sold as a dietary supplement, often used to promote relaxation and mental focus.
- Amino acid
- A building block of proteins that are found naturally in foods and can be taken as supplements.
- Neurotransmitters
- Chemicals in the brain that relay messages between nerve cells and affect mood, cognition, and body functions.
- Serotonin syndrome
- A rare but serious condition caused by too much serotonin activity in the body, resulting in symptoms like agitation, confusion, and muscle rigidity.
- Modulate
- To regulate or adjust the levels or activity of something.
- Serotonergic
- Relating to drugs or substances that affect serotonin levels in the brain.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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