Can ashwagandha cause serotonin syndrome?

Understanding Ashwagandha and Serotonin Syndrome
Ashwagandha, a herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, has gained popularity for its purported stress-relieving properties and overall health benefits. However, as its use becomes more widespread, concerns about potential side effects, particularly regarding serotonin syndrome, have emerged.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from an excess of serotonin in the brain. It can occur when medications or substances that increase serotonin levels are taken together, leading to symptoms such as confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
Ashwagandha’s Impact on Serotonin Levels
Research indicates that ashwagandha may influence serotonin levels in the brain. Some studies suggest that it can enhance serotonin activity, which is beneficial for mood regulation and stress relief. However, this modulation of serotonin can introduce risks, particularly for individuals already taking medications that affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The Risk of Serotonin Syndrome
While ashwagandha is not typically classified as a direct serotonergic agent like SSRIs, its ability to increase serotonin levels raises concerns about the potential for serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Individuals with a stable serotonin baseline might experience an abrupt elevation in serotonin levels, leading to symptoms of serotonin syndrome in some cases.
Moreover, anecdotal reports and discussions in online forums suggest that some users have experienced symptoms akin to serotonin syndrome after taking ashwagandha, particularly when combined with other supplements or medications that also affect serotonin.
Conclusion
In summary, while ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people and offers various health benefits, its effects on serotonin levels warrant caution. Individuals taking SSRIs or other serotonergic medications should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating ashwagandha into their regimen. Monitoring for symptoms of serotonin syndrome is crucial, especially when combining multiple substances that influence serotonin. As always, a personalized approach to supplementation is advisable, taking into account individual health conditions and medication interactions.

Who should avoid ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Is ashwagandha safe with SSRI?

Both Ashwagandha and Zoloft can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Concurrent use may theoretically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Does ashwagandha affect serotonin levels?

Some studies suggest ashwagandha may help increase serotonin levels, thus improving symptoms of stress and anxiety. Other research suggests ashwagandha can reduce stress by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone. Ashwagandha appears to be safer than some herbs, like St. John’s wort.

What happens to your emotions when you take ashwagandha?

Participants who took ashwagandha root extract reported increased well-being, including a sense of calm; improved energy levels; heightened mental clarity; and enhanced sleep quality.

How do you flush serotonin syndrome?

Treatment may include:

1. Benzodiazepine medicines to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness.
2. Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production.
3. Intravenous (through the vein) fluids.
4. Stopping medicines that caused the syndrome.

What herbs cause serotonin syndrome?

Herbal supplements, including St. John’s wort, ginseng and nutmeg. Over-the-counter cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan (Delsym) Anti-nausea medications such as granisetron (Sancuso, Sustol), metoclopramide (Reglan), droperidol (Inapsine) and ondansetron (Zofran)

What depletes serotonin in the brain?

A number of factors can deplete serotonin levels. Low serotonin can happen because your body does not make enough or it does not use it efficiently. There are likely several factors that cause or contribute to this. These may include genetics, stress, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies.

What supplements should not be taken with SSRI?

5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome: Supplements that contain serotonin or alter serotonin metabolism—such as 5HTP (a serotonin precursor), SAMe, or St. John’s wort can cause (the potentially life-threatening) serotonin syndrome when taken with SSRIs.

Are there negative side effects to ashwagandha?

In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

Does ashwagandha deplete dopamine?

Ashwagandha may lessen the rise in blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid, and corticosterone that occurs during stress and exercise (14). It may also lessen the activation of dopamine receptors in the brain during stressful conditions (16, 23).