The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Side Effects
Posted by Jean (Smelterville, Idaho) on 08/22/2015
I am 65, woman with Mitral valve and an adrenalin problem. I was told by an herbologist that rhodiola mixed with a couple other herbs would improve my libido. I have been taking a combo with about 9 different herbs with rhodiola of each 75%...and on the end of the first week...I woke up with rapid heartbeat, had to take athenolol to stop it...
I am wondering what I should supplement with rhodiola to prevent this in the future...how much each day? Thank you. Jean
Side Effects
Posted by Beeonthyme (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) on 11/27/2014
I was a very strong advocate for Rhodiola. I loved how it helped me with mental clarity. It helped me to focus on tasks that needed attention. It kept my mind from obsessing over a bad divorce. I loved how it helped me cope in high stress situations. I took a Swedish brand called Adapt 232. It had Eleutherococcus senticocus and Schisandra chiensis in the formula. It gave me energy, mentally, more so than physically.
I loved it.
I had run out as iherb.com had run out. I bought the Now brand of rhodiola...just straight rhodiola. It wasn't as good as the proprietary brand, adapt 232.
So...when the supplier got their shipment of adapt 232 in, they sent me an email alert to let me know they had replenished their stock. I was in fear of them and me running out again so I ordered three boxes.
When it arrived I took two immediately.
BIG MISTAKE...REALLY BIG MISTAKE.
I went to the emergency room that night. I woke up from a dead sleep at 4 a.m. my heart pounding and racing wildly. I felt as though my internal organs were separating...I felt a deep deep sense of DOOM. I was certain I was having a heart attack or something but it hurt like hell and I was having trouble breathing.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder...I think I was injected with tranquilizers... because I calmed down. I asked if they gave me something... two separate personnel said no...but I felt a change. I was relaxed. After many tests and drawn blood they shoved me out the door at 6 a.m. and sent me home with a script for lorazepan... which I filled for just in case. I've never taken one.
I researched side effects for rhodiola.. and panic attacks was one of them. I quit rhodiola...much asI loved it. And have not had any heart fluttering since. Im having difficulty with this mobile site continuing with my testimony/ review.
EC: Sorry about that. We'll have our programmer look into our mobile site asap.
Side Effects
Posted by Jo-ann (Ca) on 05/01/2014
I started taking Rhodiola Rosea off & on a few months ago. (Gaia Herbs brand) with one capsule before food (120 mg). When trying it at the recommended higher dose (240 mg), I became incredibly tired, as if I took a sleeping pill. I do have insomnia so I'm guessing that had something to do with it.
Have read to take this herb "one week on & one week off". Please advise. Thank you.
Side Effects
Posted by Jessiejess (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/25/2013
Rhodiola Herbal supplement: This supplement - I purchased for my daughter I thought was supposed to help her focus- I started to take it. This supplement made me feel SUPER anxious, extrememly irritated, jittery and just did not do what I was told it would do. I would not recommend this to anybody. I purchased mine from GNC for $29.00 and I regret it. I wish I did my research first on this. I took it for a week before I realized that it was this herb that was making me feel out of sorts.
Side Effects
Posted by Abisha5192 (Staten Island, New York) on 01/21/2013
Thanks for posting this. I'm a healthy 56 yo, with a heart of a 26 yo, no history of heart disease in my family, non smoker and non drinker, I am in ICU right now with arrhythmic palpitations that almost killed me. I will see my cardiologist tomorrow and tell him that there is no doubt in my mind it is the 275 mg Rhodiola Rosea I take daily.
Side Effects
Posted by Debra (Providence, Ri) on 08/14/2012
I have been taking 500 mg of Rhodiola by NOW and have begun to suffer from severe anxiety. The anxiety is so severe it borders on anxiety attacks. I exercise daily and eat well, but taking Rhodiola has sent me to counseling. At first I didn't know why I was feeling so out-of-control until it dawned on me...... it was the Rhodiola.
Side Effects
Posted by Anonymous (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/28/2012
I had a similar experience. I took Rhodiola _____ brand for about 1 week (2 per day) followed by ____ brand (2 per day most days, 1 per day occassionally) for about 2. 5 weeks and my period was late. The day after my period was due, I stopped taking Rhodiola after reading other comments on this website. My period is now 1 week late. Rhodiola was very effective for treating anxiety, however I am quite concerned about this side effect and what it may mean for my reproductive cycle. In case it is relevant, I have had mild cramping. Also, I am definitely not pregnant as confirmed by 2 pregnancy tests.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary R. (St. Paul, Minnesota) on 08/20/2011
I just came across this forum when I did a search for rhodiola side effects, not really expecting to find anything. I've been taking rhodiola for a few months at a low dose (100 mg/day), which didn't have much effect. I increased it about a month ago to 500 mg a day and loved the boost to my mood and energy.
But a few days ago I started having fierce hot flashes (I'm 55 and seldom get them any more). I also started getting dizzy when I was doing yard work--that was pretty scary. I reduced the dose to 250 today with no change in the side effects, which also seem to include panic attacks (they go with hot flashes) and twitchiness. I wish I'd just stopped taking it. I do take Wellbutrin (bupropion) for SAD and at first blamed a bad batch of that for my odd symptoms. But after reading other people's feedback here, I think the rhodiola is probably interfering with the antidepressant. I suspect my blood sugar has also gotten high the last few days. I'm a big fan of supplements and I tend to forget they can be as potent and potentially harmful as prescription drugs. Next time I'll do my homework.
Side Effects
Posted by Diane (Vernon, B.c., Canada) on 07/19/2011
Rhodiola: Was prescribed by naturopath. Fine for a couple of weeks. Noticed now have symptoms similar to too much caffeine. She prescribed it for stress, thinks it's my adrenals. Should I discontinue?
Side Effects
Posted by Smulf (Lexington, Ky) on 03/30/2011
I was told by my doctor to take Rhodeola once in the morning (3% rosavins at 350mg). The first couple of days I felt like a new person. Now it has the complete opposite effect. I am so tired and have a massive headache from it. Instead of feeling better when I workout I feel weaker and my endurance is worse. What could be the problem?
Side Effects
Posted by Kathy (Dallas, Tx) on 03/26/2011
I started taking 100 mg. of Rhodiola 30 minutes before breakfast yesterday. So far it is making me feel more tired and sleepy. Does anyone know if these side effects will wear off eventually or no? I would really like to take it long term because of the many benefits.
Side Effects
Posted by Larry (Bloomington, In) on 03/10/2011
I experienced malignant hypertension with a small dose over a one month period.
Side Effects
Posted by Karen (Wayne, Patr) on 10/23/2010
I took 100 mg Rhodiola (containing 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides) by Pure Encapsulations and it made me wired. I read on your post that you can take 1500 mg for a calmer effect. Are there any studies to show if that is safe or do you know any information about that? I would like to try.
Side Effects
Posted by Louise (Orlando, Fl) on 04/14/2010
I am having this same reaction and am so disappointed because I feel like other than that it might really help me. Wondering if this side effect will subside? I started with Nature's Way 250mg capsules 1%salidroside and 3%rosavins for a few days and then switched to New Chapter 100mg capsules 1% and 6%.
Can anyone help with this? Am I just using too high a dosage or the wrong brand? Any advice appreciated.
Side Effects
Posted by Char (Fayetteville, Nc) on 12/05/2009
I have been taking New Chapter Rhodiola for about a month now at 300mg in the am per day. I also alternated with Now 500 mg per day.
New Chapter seemed to work instantly, I felt less stressed and just happier in general, however I missed my period in October entirely and like Diana I thought I was pregnant. I had strange cramping and have been to the two different doctors trying to find answers to by abnormal symptoms, now (thanks to this site and the people who write on it) I can almost guarantee its from supplementing rhodiola. I stopped dosing yesterday and will not be taking it anymore.
In closing I would like to comment that Rholdiola did make me happier, less stressed and excited for my day, however it put my body out of its natural cycle with unusual cramping and bloating. Due to this I will not take Rhodiola.
