Theacrine Review in 2025: Main Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

Theacrine is a natural alkaloid found in certain types of tea, known and used for boosting energy and focus. This theacrine review sheds light on the benefits, including its potential to enhance cognitive function, mood, and energy levels. It also discusses its dosage, side effects, and how it stacks up against other popular nootropics like caffeine and modafinil.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of this supplement and whether it is safe and worth trying.

What Is Theacrine?

Theacrine is a natural compound found in certain plants, including a rare type of tea called Camellia assamica var. kucha. It’s often classified as a nootropic, meaning it may enhance cognitive functions like focus, energy, and mental clarity. Structurally, it’s similar to caffeine but works differently in the body, which is why many people compare theacrine vs. caffeine.

Scientists first discovered theacrine in 1937, and since then, research has shown that it may help improve mood, energy, and mental clarity without causing the jitters or crashes often linked to caffeine [1][2]. It is known to work by influencing the central nervous system (CNS), particularly adenosine receptors, which play a huge role in regulating energy. Theacrine is available in various forms, including powder and pills, making it easy for users to add it to their daily routine.

One of the key features of this supplement is its half-life, which is longer than that of caffeine. This means its effects can last longer, providing sustained energy and focus throughout the day. Some individuals use theacrine to boost their memory, eliminate fatigue, and improve muscle strength. However, what is worth noting is that there is no concrete scientific evidence that proves it is effective for these uses.

Is This Supplement Safe?

Theacrine is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when taken within recommended dosage ranges. Unlike some stimulants, it doesn’t seem to cause significant side effects or withdrawal symptoms, particularly when used short-term. For example, TeaCrine, one product that delivers 300 mg of theacrine, has been used for up to 8 weeks without causing any severe adverse effects.

However, like any supplement, theacrine isn’t completely without risks. Some users have reported mild side effects, especially when taking higher doses for a long period. It’s also worth noting that the supplement hasn’t been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consequently, it’s advisable for those who fall into these categories to avoid it [3].

Another factor to consider is tolerance. One of the advantages of theacrine is that it doesn’t seem to build up tolerance as quickly as caffeine. This means users can take it regularly without needing to increase the dose to feel the same effects. Still, it’s always a good idea to start with a lower dose and see how the body reacts.

If you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions, it’s wise to consult a doctor before adding theacrine to your routine. In a nutshell, while theacrine is considered safe for most people, it’s important to use it responsibly and pay attention to how the body responds to its use.

What to Know About Dosage?

Finding the right dosage of this supplement is the key to getting the most out of it while avoiding potential side effects. Most studies and user reviews suggest that a typical dose ranges between 50 and 300 mg per day; however, it may vary depending on the purpose for use [4].

Lower doses, such as 50–100 mg, may be sufficient for mild energy boosts or improved focus, while higher doses, closer to 200–300 mg, may be ideal for increased motivation, physical performance, or cognitive enhancement. For beginners new to the supplement, it’s best to start with a lower dose, only gradually increasing it as necessary. Theacrine has a relatively long half-life, lasting 4–8 hours in the body, which means its effects are sustained over time. This makes it suitable for users seeking prolonged energy and focus without frequent re-dosing.

If you’re using theacrine powder, you can mix it with water, juice, or a smoothie. If you prefer pills, follow the instructions on the label carefully. Taking theacrine in the morning or early afternoon is ideal, as its effects will last throughout the day without disrupting nighttime sleep. If you’re using the supplement for specific purposes, like weight loss or managing ADHD, you might need to adjust the dose. However, it’s important not to exceed 300 mg per day unless advised by a healthcare professional, as taking too much can increase the risk of side effects.

It’s worth noting dosage requirements may vary from individual to individual. Always refer to product labels or consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosage advice before starting this supplement.

Key Benefits of Theacrine

Theacrine is gaining popularity as a nootropic supplement because of its wide range of potential benefits. Some of the top reasons people are using it include [5][6]:

Boosts Energy Without Jitters

Theacrine provides a clean, steady energy boost without the jitters or crashes often associated with caffeine. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to stimulants but still need a reliable source of energy. Theacrine works by interacting with adenosine and dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps increase alertness and energy levels. Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t overstimulate the nervous system, allowing users to stay productive without feeling anxious or restless.

Enhances Focus and Mental Clarity

Theacrine is widely praised for its ability to improve focus and mental clarity. Many users report feeling more alert and able to concentrate for longer periods when taking this supplement. This is especially beneficial for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to stay sharp and productive throughout the day. Theacrine’s cognitive-enhancing effects are thought to come from its ability to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which play a key role in focus and motivation. What’s more, it may help reduce brain fog, making it easier to think clearly and make decisions.

Improves Mood

Another important benefit of theacrine is its mood-enhancing properties. Some users report feeling happier, more relaxed, and less stressed after taking this supplement. This is likely due to its ability to influence dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which are neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation. By promoting a sense of well-being, theacrine may help users feel more positive and motivated throughout the day. It’s also been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, making it a great option for those dealing with high-pressure situations.

Supports Weight Loss

Theacrine may also be a helpful tool for those looking to lose weight. Some studies suggest that it can boost metabolism and increase energy levels and, as a result, energy expenditure, which can support fat-burning and physical performance. By providing a steady source of energy, theacrine may help users stay active and motivated to exercise, even on busy or tiring days [7]. Additionally, its mood-enhancing effects may reduce emotional eating, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet. While theacrine isn’t a magic solution for weight loss, it can be a valuable addition to a balanced fitness routine. Combined with proper nutrition and regular exercise, this supplement may help users reach their weight loss goals more effectively.

Reduces Fatigue

For those who often feel tired or sluggish, theacrine may be able to help boost their energy levels. The supplement is known for its ability to reduce fatigue and increase stamina, making it easier to power through long days or intense workouts. Unlike caffeine, which can lead to energy crashes, theacrine provides a more sustained release of energy, thanks to its longer half-life. This means users can stay active and alert for hours without feeling drained afterward. Theacrine’s ability to combat tiredness makes it a popular choice for athletes, busy professionals, and anyone looking to improve their energy levels.

Promotes Better Sleep Quality

One of the surprising benefits of theacrine is its potential to improve sleep quality. While it provides energy and focus during the day, it doesn’t interfere with the natural sleep cycle of its users like caffeine often does. This is because theacrine has a longer half-life, which means its effects are more gradual and don’t disrupt the body’s internal clock. Many users report falling asleep more easily and experiencing deeper, more restful sleep when taking this supplement. This makes it a great option for people who want to stay energized during the day without sacrificing their nighttime rest.

No Tolerance Build-Up

One of the standout features of theacrine is that it doesn’t seem to build tolerance quickly. This means users can take it regularly without needing to increase the dose to achieve the same effects. Unlike caffeine, which often requires higher doses over time to maintain its benefits, this supplement tends to remain effective even with consistent use. This makes it a more sustainable option for long-term supplementation. Its lack of tolerance build-up is one of the reasons why many people prefer it over several other stimulants.

May Help With ADHD Symptoms

While more research is needed, some users with ADHD report that theacrine helps manage their symptoms. Its ability to enhance focus and reduce hyperactivity makes it a potential aid for those struggling with attention disorders. Because theacrine works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, it plays a key role in attention and impulse control.

For individuals with ADHD, this can translate to improved concentration and reduced distractibility. However, it’s important to note that theacrine is not a replacement for prescribed medications. If you’re considering using theacrine for ADHD, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s a safe and effective option for your specific needs.

Side Effects & Dangers

Theacrine tends to be safe for many who use it, especially when taken in recommended doses. However, like any supplement, it remains important to be aware and cautious of potential side effects and dangers as it may cause them in some individuals. The most common adverse effects include [3]:

• insomnia (when taken at high doses);
• sleepiness (when taken at low doses).

While users rarely report side effects, theacrine’s toxicity is thought to be similar to caffeine’s. As a result, experts believe that taking high theacrine doses might cause restlessness, nervousness, tremors, etc. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm these effects and determine safe dosage levels in humans [8].

Potential Dangers

Although rare, there are a few potential dangers to be aware of when using this supplement. They include:

• overdose risk: As with all medications, taking too much theacrine (above 300 mg per day) could increase the risk of adverse effects like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or anxiety. Always stick to the recommended dosage;
• interactions with medications: As a rule of thumb, when taking prescription medications, especially for ADHD, heart conditions, anxiety, or mental function, it’s always helpful to be mindful of interactions. Taking theacrine and certain medications together could increase the risk of adverse effects, worsen them, or render theacrine or the other product it’s combined with ineffective;
• lack of long-term research: While short-term studies suggest this supplement is safe, there’s limited research and information regarding its effects when used long-term. If you plan to use it regularly, monitor your health and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual symptoms.

What’s more, as with certain medications, particularly stimulants, theacrine may not be safe for certain groups of people. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, people sensitive to stimulants, and those with heart conditions. There’s currently little or no research on theacrine’s safety for these groups, so it’s best to avoid it. While this supplement is generally safe, it’s important for anyone taking it to use it responsibly and listen to their bodies. If any severe or persistent negative effect arises, discontinue the treatment and consult a healthcare professional.

Theacrine vs. Caffeine

When it comes to energy-boosting supplements, caffeine is the most well-known option. However, Theacrine is quickly gaining popularity as a potential alternative. So, how do these two compare? Let’s break it down.

Both substances are natural stimulants that boost energy and improve focus, but theacrine is known for its longer half-life and more gradual onset. Caffeine works quickly, often within 15-30 minutes, delivering an immediate energy boost. However, it can also lead to jitters, rapid heart rate, and an energy crash once its effects wear off. Theacrine, on the other hand, provides a smoother and more sustained energy boost without causing the same withdrawal symptoms or tolerance build-up that caffeine users often face [2].

Another key difference is how they work. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which helps users feel more awake and alert. However, this can also lead to jitters, anxiety, and energy crashes once the effects wear off. On the other hand, theacrine not only interacts with adenosine receptors but also increases dopamine levels. This dual action enables it to provide a smoother, more balanced energy boost without causing the harsh side effects often associated with caffeine. Additionally, Theacrine has a longer half-life of ~16 to 26 hours compared to caffeine’s 4-5 hours [9].

Tolerance is another area where both substances differ. One of the biggest drawbacks of caffeine is that it can build tolerance quickly. This means that users may need to consume more over time to feel the same effects. Caffeine can also lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, or fatigue if its use is suddenly halted. On the other hand, Theacrine doesn’t seem to build tolerance as quickly. This means that users can take it without needing to increase the dose. What’s more, users rarely report withdrawal symptoms, which makes it preferable for longer-term use.

Theacrine vs. Modafinil

It’s important to understand that theacrine and modafinil serve similar purposes but have distinct differences. Both are used to boost focus, energy, and mental performance, but they come from different backgrounds and have unique mechanisms of action.

Modafinil is a prescription medication primarily used for treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and narcolepsy. However, it’s also widely used off-label by healthy individuals as a cognitive enhancer or “smart drug” due to its ability to improve focus, alertness, and mental clarity. Unlike theacrine, which is a natural compound found in tea, modafinil is a synthetic drug with stronger effects [10].

While theacrine works by primarily influencing adenosine and dopamine receptors, modafinil goes a step further. Beyond dopamine, it regulates the levels of several neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine. Modafinil’s unique mechanism of action results in a powerful wakefulness-promoting effect that can last for 12-15 hours [11].

In terms of energy and focus, both substances do an excellent job. While theacrine provides a gentle, sustained boost that’s ideal for everyday use, modafinil delivers a much stronger effect. It’s often described as a “limitless” drug because of its ability to keep users awake and focused for extended periods, and it’s also relatively gentle-acting. This makes it a better choice for situations that require intense mental performance, such as studying for exams or working on complex projects.

Like theacrine, modafinil is also generally considered safe for a vast majority of people — when used correctly. In fact, it has such a low potential for addiction and relatively few side effects that researchers from Oxford and Harvard Universities deemed it the first safe nootropic in the world. A vast majority of people who use it experience little to no negative effects. However, it’s worth noting that as a prescription-type option, modafinil poses a higher risk of side effects such as headaches, anxiety, and insomnia compared to theacrine.

The Verdict: Theacrine Supplement Review

Theacrine is an effective nootropic supplement that can help increase focus and energy levels. Its ability to provide a smooth, sustained energy boost without the jitters or sudden crashes caffeine causes makes it a standout option for anyone looking to enhance their focus. However, when it comes to boosting mental function and improving mood and productivity, modafinil remains the gold standard.

Unlike theacrine and several other “smart drugs,” modafinil has been around for decades, during which it has been extensively studied and found to be safe and well-tolerated by most users. Its long history of use by millions of people around the world speaks volumes of its reliability and effectiveness. While it may pose a slightly higher potential for side effects like headache and runny nose, these potential adverse effects rarely arise when it’s used correctly.

What’s more, it is significantly more potent, making it the ideal choice for individuals looking to achieve heightened focus, improved alertness, better memory, and extended productivity for longer hours. A vast majority of people who use modafinil report getting outstanding results, often without experiencing any side effects at all. This is not to mention the fact that it is more widely available. Modafinil can be purchased in both brick-and-mortar pharmacies and through reputable online stores.

However, even with this availability, it remains important to buy it only from trusted vendors like ModafinilXL.com, ModafinilUSA.com, or BuyModafinilOnline.com. This is because the market is flooded with counterfeit products that can be harmful to health. Trusted vendors ensure buyers receive genuine products that are both safe and effective. Always remember to consult a professional healthcare provider before taking any medication.

References

1. Theacrine. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Wikipedia.org.
2. Safety of Short-Term Supplementation with Methylliberine (Dynamine®) Alone and in Combination with TeaCrine® in Young Adults. By Trisha A VanDusseldorp, Matthew T Stratton, et al. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
3. Theacrine – Uses, Side Effects, and More. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Webmd.com.
4. Cognitive Performance and Mood Following Ingestion of a Theacrine-Containing Dietary Supplement, Caffeine, or Placebo by Young Men and Women. By Daniel J Kuhman, Keanan J Joyner, and Richard J Bloomer. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
5. Is Theacrine the New Caffeine? By Mary Shomon. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Palomahealth.com.
6. What Is TeaCrine: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects. By Walter Hinchman. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Swolverine.com.
7. Can Theacrine Help with Weight Loss? | Evidence & Studies. By Sam Phoenix. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Greatgreenhealth.com.
8. Theacrine. Mode of action, dosage, and side effects. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Gigasnutrition.
9. Effects of caffeine, methylliberine, and theacrine on vigilance, marksmanship, and hemodynamic responses in tactical personnel: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. By Harry P Cintineo, Marissa L Bello, Alexa J Chandler, et al. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
10. Modafinil. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Wikipedia.org.
11. Practical Use and Risk of Modafinil, a Novel Waking Drug. By Dongsoo Kim. Retrieved: February 6, 2025. Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.