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 Bee (USA) on 10/05/2009
I tried Rhodiola for the first time, and really hoped it would lighten my mood. I am also currently tapering off Paxil, down to 10 mg from 20 mg. The withdrawal is physically and mentally a struggle, and unfortunately the Rhodiola seemed to greatly worsen my anxiety. I felt like I could not sit still and was overly sensitive, emotional and distressed. My abdominal muscles were so tight I felt I could not take deep breaths. I can only attribute this change to Rhodiola, as I have been at this half dose for about a month and things were getting better. I am trying magnesium and tyrosine now. Also, before tapering I started on 5-htp 100mg and that was helping. I still hope to find some combo that allows me to get rid of the constant and emotionally draining anxiety, as well as the persistent down mood as it's taking over my life. But I don't want to be stuck forever on prescription medicines, as I worry about long-term effects.
Side Effects
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 10/02/2009
yes, same for me... I also experimented with the New Chapter brand at 300mg and found it was too strong. I was able to take half a capsule. There are other brands that are less potent. You may also want to cycle it at three days on, 2 days off and taking a week off every couple weeks. Taking time off is a good idea for many supplements.
Side Effects
Posted by Sisterlouise (Portland, Oregon) on 10/01/2009
I did have trouble with anxiety when taking rhodiola. I only tried it a few days. The energy level was great, felt very positive throughout the day (took in a.m. as recommended by New Chapter, but in the evening, I was miserable, anxious, even my bp went up a bit. Had to drop it. It is GREAT for my husband, but, alas, not for me.
Side Effects
Posted by Ruser (New York, NY) on 07/09/2009
manic episode on rhodiola... Hi, i am a psychologist reporting that a client of mine who worked her way up to 600 mg of Rhodiola wound up feeling agitated, "out of her mine" chopping at ther hair, and ultimately got arrested in a department store for shoplifing. she describes confusion at the time and persevaritive thoughts. I have consulted with some psychiatrist friends of mine who indicate the drug might potentiate a manic or hypomanic episode. does anyyone else have any info to report on this matter? Thanks.
Side Effects
Posted by Diana (Arlington, VA) on 04/17/2009
I have been taking Nutrilite's Rhodiola 110 for about a month now (take twice a day) and I found that after two weeks of taking it, my period stopped. I thought I might have been pregnant after being 2 weeks late and took 5 pregnancy tests - all negative. So, I am now almost 6 weeks late on my period and not pregnant, so I would have to say after reading others' feedback, that my missed periods and subtle cramping is due to taking this pill.
Although it gave me great energy, it has altered my cycle and put me through some stressful weeks.
Side Effects
Posted by Marina (NY, NY) on 03/05/2009
You did not specify the amount of each capsule. i just started taking 500mgs, 3%r osavins and 1% salidrosides, and i am feeling a bit jittery. this is only day 2 for me on this.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (London, UK) on 11/14/2008
I took Rhodiola Rosea- Each one-a-day capsule contained 250mg standardised Rhodiola Rosea root extract (1% each rosavins, salidrozid and polyphenols) and also 130mg Raw Rhodolia Root powder.
I bought these after internet research from a reputable vitamin company, mainly for an energy lift and adrenal support following a period of chronic stress. I didn't expect to experience any results for a week at least but have stopped taking this after only 3 days because of a marked change in mood - feeling depressed, irritable and very tired. Foggy, negative thinking. Eye irriation and head ache. I was not previously depressed. I am a skeptical person and wary of attributing these effects to R.Rosea after such a very short period of time, but I have no other explanation than to consider this a negative reaction to the herb. Disappointed and concerned, this was not at all what I expected.
Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Toronto, Ontario) on 11/12/2008
I took Rhodiola for two days and the pain in my joints was terrible. I stopped taking it. I started again 3 weeks later and had the same effect. It also worsens my fibromyalgia. I have taken Rhodiola on 5 occasions. I like how it helps increase my clarity of thought and focus, nevertheless I must always discontinue use because of the pain.
Side Effects
Posted by Nas (Silver Spring, MD) on 11/10/2008
I have to agree with this, I felt like stuff was pouring out of my body. I think women should be careful with this stuff. I had only been taking it for like two weeks when my cycle started. I was taking Gaia Herbs Rhodiola. Gave a presentation at work and literally had to rush to the bathroom afterward.
Side Effects
Posted by Louise (NSW, Australia) on 10/04/2008
I started using Rhodila Rosea 500mg after reading how it increases energy. I started taking 1 capsule 1/2 hr before breakfast and it made me VERY tired. I then tried 250mg (1/2 capsule)...same effects...so I diluted 1 500mg capsule in 250 ml water and took 50ml equalling
100mg and I still get tired (not as much) but very moody. My sister gets the same effects as I do.
Side Effects
Posted by David (Portland, Oregon) on 07/14/2008
For about six months I've been taking Rhodiola (Rosavin Plus standarized 3% Siberian Rhodiola rosea, RosaFactor 300 mg.) for depression and fatigue. For some weeks now I have been suffering headaches, eye irritation, and general tiredness. I have also had some heart arrhythmia. My doctor can find no other cause of these symptoms and recommends that I stop taking this herb and see if there is improvement. I will report what happens and would like to hear from others who may have had negative side-effects to Rhodiola. DJW
Side Effects
Posted by Sally (Birmingham, England) on 05/25/2008
i've been using the Rhodiola
for a few days, but only one a day. I read the post about someone taking two close together and feeling restless and jittery, and i've been feeling a bit like that. Does that mean i shouldn't take it at all?
Also, my husband has tendonitis in shoulder, any natural remedies. He is taking a capsule of msm; hydrocloride glucosamide; and bought a some turmeric but only used that once or twice. Someone mentioned Black strap molasses for arthritis, would that work? i have some in cupboard.
Side Effects
Posted by Rae (Hackensack, NJ) on 01/31/2008
I have been taking about 50mg 5 htp with 900mg St. Johns Wort daily to treat my depression with good results. Then I read about Rhodiola and I started taking a 500mg capsule daily. But after 1-2 day I noticed an itchy rash on my face and legs. I'm not sure if it's the Rhodiola or a combination of all or two of the herbs. I have stopped the Rhodiola for now but will begin again at a lower dose once the rash has cleared. I haven't found much about side effects with the Rhodiola but wondered if anyone had a similar experience.
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (bayonne, nj) on 10/23/2007
I tried rhodiola after reading about all the benefits. What I experiences was a menstrual cycle that was near hemorraging. I immediately quit using it and my cycle returned to normal. There is very little, if any, hard science out there on this product and a whole lot of buzz. I would be careful.
Side Effects
Posted by Clara (New York City, USA) on 04/05/2007
I recently started taking rhodiola and vitamin E in the mornings and afternoons, and I've noticed a huge difference in my energy levels. My skin is more radiant, and I have a lot more energy than I used to. However, a word of caution -- two rhodiola capsules per day might be too much for some people. I noticed that after the afternoon dose I was feeling a little nervous, jittery, and restless, so now I take only one rhodiola capsule in the morning, and I take the vitamin E in the morning and afternoon, and it seems to work better for me. I'd highly recommend this remedy, but be careful with rhodiola if you're at all prone to nervousness and/or panic attacks.
