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.
Depression
Posted by Ella (Flint, Flintshire) on 01/10/2012
★★★★★
I was first introduced to Rhodiola in 2005 for depression, with excellent results the first time in my life I felt alive. The store closed and I haven't been able to find any other rhodiola that works for me they either send my anxiety levels way too high or I suffer from deliberating headaches. I am not sure if the fillers cause problems or the rhodiola is not good quality, I would love to feel alive again please can anyone help.
Is there a difference between rhodiola rosea and rhodiola rosea root extract? I have bought both in the past but nothing worked like the stores own brand I tried in 2005.
Energy
Posted by Melody (Pine Valley, Ca) on 12/29/2011
★★★★★
Rhodiola was prescribed for me by a naturopathic doctor in a la di dah clinic in La Jolla, CA, for helping my adrenals. It is an adaptogen that lowers or raises your cortisol levels depending upon what's needed. I noticed an increase in energy as soon as I started taking it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mom2 (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/02/2011
Jennifer, what brand and dose of ionic magnesium citrate do you take for your anxiety? Is it generalized anxiety disorder?
Medication Interaction
Posted by Mom2 (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/02/2011
Yvonne, what brand and dose do you take?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Fl, Usa) on 11/23/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Rhodiola is one of the best supplements in my product arsenal!! It has helped me tremendously with my depression, physical stamina, fatigue, anxiety, and with my skin.
I suffer from Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have very low energy reserves. One of the biggest problems that I had was that I could barely get through the day without taking a nap. In addition, although I exercise every day, I had to exercise at night because after 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, I would be completely wiped out (if I could get through 30 minutes at all).
After taking rhodiola (and oil pulling) every day, I noticed that I no longer needed to take a nap during the day anymore. Since taking rhodiola and oil pulling, I feel alert, energized, and refreshed all day - After 6 years of suffering with low thyroid, I finally feel like a "normal" person again. The difference in my physical stamina is just incredible. I feel like I can accomplish almost anything physically - now I can run for 30 minutes with extra energy to spare!
Another wonderful benefit is that rhodiola is great for your skin. I take it with vitamin E and now my acne-prone skin is much clearer, even-toned, and has a wonderful "glow".
The only side effect/drawback of rhodiola that I experiencd was with my anxiety. At first, rhodiola really helped me with my mild anxiety, but after a few weeks, my anxiety became very severe to the point where I was starting to get panic attacks and a constant feeling of dread, so I discontinued use. (I had the same anxiety "rebound" problem with 5-HTP and Acetyl L-Carnitine when I was taking those too). Now, I take a teaspoon of ionic magnesium citrate every day, which has cured my anxiety. With the magnesium, I can finally take the rhodiola again without any anxiety problems.
Brand Recommendations
Posted by Karen (Temple, Tx, Usa) on 11/17/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Rhodiola from GNC
Hi my name is Karen, I have purchased the Rhodiola from GNC and I felt like I wasted $30.00 it did not work. With intensive research on the internet I found 1000mg at vitacost. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to just lose it because I worry and think about things that aren't true but my mind makes them true I just about make myself go major nuts sometimes. If I didn't have these pills I don't know what I would do. The ones from vitacost are from Siberia and 3% which is what you want.
Energy
Posted by Allie (Fullerton, Ca) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★
Which Rhodiola brands do you prefer? I have used only the Thorne and love it. Im only taking 100 mg per morning, but now I feel alive again!
Depression
Posted by Allie (Fullerton, Ca) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★
Rhodiola is my new miracle cure. I have suffered severe chronic depression and fatigue for decades. I began this supplement about three weeks ago, and I feel like a new person. Better than any of the multitude of anti-depressants I have ever tried--and no side effects.
Energy
Posted by Kenny G (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 11/04/2011
★★★★★
Yes I have taken Rhodiola 110 manufactured by nutrilite for good number of years now. I have found it's the most effective energy boost I can take without coffee or Redbull or Monster energy drinks. I have more stamina and mental clarity when I need it without the crash.
Energy
Posted by Marilyn (Belleville Ont, Canada) on 10/27/2011
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I like AOR rhodiola and it does give me a lot of energy and stamina in my exercise classes. But I do always have a low grade headache that makes me feel out of sorts. I also am annoyed with companies that claim Asian Rhodiola is the same as Siberian as there is a massive difference. I have absolutely no effect from Asian Rhodiola. Over all a very good herb but you should cycle this from time to time. Take a few days off a week for instance.
Energy
Posted by Anne (Moncton, New Brunswick) on 10/25/2011
★★★★★
I've heard Rhodiola mentioned by Dr. Oz on his show & the great things associated with it. I have just started taking the capsule a few days ago & WOW! I have increased energy & stamina, my mental alertness has increased and I feel great. I have been working shift work for almost 20 years now and feel the effects of it on my body. Taking Rhodiola has given me a little boost just where I need it! I think it's great!
Medication Interaction
Posted by Niecy (Detroit, Michigan) on 10/08/2011
I am on wellbutrin, BP meds and cholesterol meds. Will this supplement interact with these?
Side Effects
Posted by Mark (Nottingham, Uk) on 10/05/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I was taking Rhodiola Rosea 250mg standardised to contain 1% salidrosides. One in morning, one at lunch.
I hadn't heard about the stimulating effects of this and took it for 3 months and had awful anxiety attacks. It wasn't until I found this site that I stopped taking it and my anxiety attacks stopped.
It doesn't say the origin of the root extract on the label.
In short be very careful with this herb, introduce it gradually and monitor the effects.
Perhaps I needed a higher dose but the label said max 2 capsules. If I ever considered this herb again I would purchase a higher quality one. Begs the question 'How do we really know what's in it?'
General Feedback
Posted by Barb J (Boston, Mass, Usa) on 10/03/2011
Oh, if it's the Amway version, it DOES contain caffeine...
Medication Interaction
Posted by Yvonne (Houston, Tx Usa) on 09/27/2011
I have been taking rhodiola since August 17, 2011. Today is 9/27/11. I have lost 21 lbs.
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Evan (Boulder, Colorado) on 08/15/2011
The dose is everything with Rhodiola. Low doses are stimulatory, raising dopamine/norepi levels. High doses are (paradoxically) sedating, raising serotonin levels. To make things more complex, each brand has a different potency and source, so the amount in milligrams is not the only indicator of strength. If you want to get serious about trying Rhodiola, you need to try different brands. I have tried three (Planetary Herbals, Thorne, and NSI), all have different effects.
I also want to add that Rhodiola should be seen as something you take in times of stress, not something you should plan to take every day for months at a time. I can personally only take it every other day, even during stressful times.
The medical literature includes one case study of a woman who had a complete recovery from depression with daily dosage of Rhodiola over many years, but everyone has different genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. You have to experiment to know what works for you, and since it's something you should only take when you're stressed, you might provoke a negative reaction. So be careful, Rhodiola is powerful and can have negative effects, but it can also be a lifesaver in times of persistent stress and anxiety.
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?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Becky (Fort Wayne, In) on 07/19/2011
Please tell me the brand you are using as I need something for menopause symptoms. Thanks
Where to Buy
Posted by Jj22vv (Mobile, Alabama) on 06/19/2011
I am trying to find where I can buy the RHODIOLA ROSEA in the correct form & place of origin. I really need something for energy. I'm anemic & have no energy. HELP PLEASE. ~tanx, jj22vv
Rhodiola Elixir Recipe
Posted by Ramona (New York) on 06/16/2011
Brand Recommendations
Posted by Marykaye (Chippewa, Pa.) on 06/14/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Rhodiola from GNC
I have been taking Rhodiola for years and think it is awesome. I just got some Rhodiola from GNC, 340 mg, and it does not seem to have the same effect as the other manufacturers I have used. This has 3% rosavins and say rhodiola rosea root extract. Has anyone tried the GNC Rhodiola?
Stress, Fatigue, Depression
Posted by Pc (La Costa, Ca) on 06/04/2011
★★★★★
5htp has been very helpful to me. I just take 50 mg a day so far.
General Feedback
Posted by Chris (Shelby, Nc) on 05/20/2011
I would to ask you a question about rhodiloa rosea extract.. I want to know if (energy 28 or Morenaturalenergy pills) have caffeine in it? as brand they said they don't have caffeine in it.. They brand " no caffeine" I have an irregular heart.. but I read somewhere they warn that they could have some caffeine in it.. Because of Rhodiloa rosea extract.. They have some caffeine it.. But they label " no caffeine" on any bottles.. Please tell me the truth.
Thank you, Chris
Medication Interaction
Posted by Ronni (Wilton, Ct) on 04/22/2011
A friend of mine gave me a bottle of rhodiola and after reading about how wonderful it is, I am a little nervous about taking it because I am on effexor and ritalin not to mention blood pressure meds and cholesterol meds. Has anyone tried it while still on these kind of meds?
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.
