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The Safety of Combining L-Theanine and Adderall

In this blog, we will examine the potential effects and safety of combining L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea and mushrooms, with Adderall, a prescription medication used for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. We will also discuss the individual properties of these substances and the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before combining them.

Greta Daniskova

Author - Greta Daniskova

Greta is a BSc Biomedical Science student at the University of Westminster, London.

Greta used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.
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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].

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