Is L-Theanine Safe To Take With Dexedrine?

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.