What is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is the primary amino acid unique to green tea and a few types of mushrooms. Unlike most amino acids, it is not a proteinogenic amino acid, which means it is not utilised to synthesise proteins in your body. L-theanine was historically reported as a relaxing phytochemical, which prompted scientific studies on its pharmacology [1].
L-theanine exhibits strong antioxidant-like properties and contributes to a favourable umami taste sensation.
There are several studies suggesting that taking this amino acid affects many others in our wellbeing, such as:
- Improvements in the brain
- Gastrointestinal function
- Cancer drug therapeutic efficacies
- Antihypertensive effects
- Improved immune function [2].
L-theanine is also available in pill or tablet form, and its proponents say it can help ease anxiety, stress and insomnia [3]. or in forms such as L-Theanine Gummies.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a brand-name medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive sleepiness during the day. The active ingredients in Adderall are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are combined with other inactive ingredients to create the white, oval-shaped tablets. Prescription stimulant medications like Adderall signal the brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine – two neurotransmitters that promote focus, attention and alertness.
There are two different forms of Adderall available for your usage: the immediate-release tablet and the extended-release capsule known as Adderall XR. The immediate-release form delivers the drug into your system right away. In contrast, the extended-release form discharges the drug steadily into your body little by little over a prolonged period. Adderall XR can only be presently used to treat ADHD and not narcolepsy in adults [4, 5, 6].
Adderall is thus a controlled substance because of the high risk of addiction and misuse, meaning it can be taken only by prescription, under an instructor's supervision and within the recommended dosage [7].
The Safety of Combining L-Theanine and Adderall
L-Theanine is an amino acid prevalent in tea and is used for its putative mood and relaxation-enhancing properties [4, 6]. Adderall, meanwhile, is a stimulant typically used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [5].
The safety of combining L-Theanine and Adderall is not explicitly addressed in available scientific studies. However, it's important to note that both substances have different effects on the brain. L-Theanine has been shown to improve cognitive performance and reduce anxiety [7, 6], while Adderall is a stimulant that can increase focus and decrease feelings of fatigue [5].
The lack of proof that any two substances go well together means that anyone thinking of doing any combinations must be highly cautious – definitely talking to a health professional in their case (and also because Adderall is a prescription controlled substance) [8].
Conclusion
Although the effects of L-Theanine and Adderall on cognitive performance or mood have been characterised individually, no published studies directly address the safety of stacking the two. As such, anyone considering adding these nootropics to their daily routine should first speak with a healthcare provider, especially if one of these substances is a prescription-controlled medication, like Adderall.