Meta Information
ID:l-theanine
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Theanine may lower blood pressure, and combining it with antihypertensive medications could lead to an excessive drop (hypotension), causing dizziness or fainting.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure closely and consult your physician before combining L-Theanine with blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Target id:
/intervention/caffeine
Target name:
Caffeine
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
L-Theanine works synergistically with caffeine to promote a state of calm focus, enhancing cognitive performance while reducing caffeine-induced anxiety and jitteriness.
Actionable advice:
Take L-Theanine at the same time as caffeine, often in a 2:1 ratio (Theanine:Caffeine), for optimal effect.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
L-Theanine promotes relaxation and alpha brain wave activity, which can help improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep without causing direct sedation.
Actionable advice:
Take 30-60 minutes before your intended bedtime to aid with sleep onset and quality.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (Sedatives)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Theanine promotes relaxation and may have additive effects with sedative medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sleep aids), potentially causing excessive drowsiness.
Actionable advice:
Use caution and consult a healthcare provider before combining with any sedative medications.
Target id:
/class/stimulants
Target name:
Stimulant Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Theanine can reduce the stimulating effects and unwanted side effects (like jitteriness and anxiety) of stimulant medications used for conditions like ADHD.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that L-Theanine may blunt the peak effects and side effects of stimulant medications.
Target id:
/dietary/high-protein-meal
Target name:
High-Protein Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
1.5
Description:
L-Theanine competes for transport across the blood-brain barrier with other large neutral amino acids found in protein, which may slightly reduce its central effects.
Actionable advice:
For most noticeable cognitive or calming effects, take L-Theanine at least 30 minutes before or 90 minutes after a high-protein meal.
Target id:
/condition/hypotension
Target name:
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
L-Theanine may lower blood pressure, which could cause symptoms like dizziness or fainting in individuals who already have hypotension.
Actionable advice:
If you have low blood pressure, consult a doctor before using and monitor for symptoms.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is a lack of sufficient safety data regarding the use of L-Theanine supplements during pregnancy.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using L-Theanine supplements during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if L-Theanine passes into breast milk or what its effects on a nursing infant might be.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using L-Theanine supplements while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Chemotherapy Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some preclinical evidence suggests L-Theanine may enhance the anti-tumor effects of certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., doxorubicin) while potentially reducing their side effects.
Actionable advice:
Do not use with chemotherapy without explicit approval and supervision from an oncologist.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Because L-Theanine can affect blood pressure, there is a theoretical concern it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue L-Theanine at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Calming Herbs (e.g., Ashwagandha, Valerian, Lemon Balm)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining L-Theanine with other supplements known for their calming or anxiolytic properties may result in an enhanced, additive relaxation effect.
Actionable advice:
Start with lower doses of each supplement when combining to assess tolerance for drowsiness.