4 Rhodiola Rosea Side Effects to Watch Out For (Explained)

Yes, Rhodiola Rosea may have side effects, including drowsiness and low blood pressure. These are primarily due to interactions with medications.

These effects mostly happen due to medical drug interactions. This plant extract is also sometimes listed as golden root, rose root, or arctic root.

You’ll find it in different supplements for exercise performance and nootropics for cognitive function and even mild to moderate depression.

What Does Rhodiola Do to the Body?

Rhodiola Rosea can have physical and mental performance effects on the body, and you’ll find it in workout supplements and nootropics [1].

According to the National Library of Medicine, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but modern scientific studies have also shown some interesting effects on the brain [2]. It's been revered in traditional medicine systems across Europe, Asia, and Russia, used for enhancing stamina and reducing stress.

The possible plant adaptogen can have an effect on monoamines and opioid peptides.

And these can have a positive effect on mood, stress, and physical and mental fatigue. However, what’s important to understand is that it can interact with medication for mental health.

“Rhodiola Rosea has been classified by some researchers as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants that help make the body less prone to physical and emotional stress.”
- Elena Klimenko, MD at VeryWellMind.com

My nutritionist highlighted that on its own, Rhodiola is generally classed as safe to take with limited to no negative effects [3].

Individuals on medication for anxiety or depression should note possible side effects.

And it’s vital to talk to your doctor before being exposed to the bioactive compounds of Rhodiola.

1. Drowsiness

The National Library of Medicine explains that people who take benzodiazepine for major depressive disorder could experience drowsiness as an interaction with Rhodiola [4].

And that can significantly counteract the benefits of health-related use.

CalmClinic provided evidence that shows that it can impact your heart rate [5].

While maintaining a lower heart rate during and after exercise can be a positive sign, even moderate doses could cause an interaction with other cardiac-related medication.

3. Low Blood Pressure

A systematic review of studies on Rhodiola also highlighted that it could lower blood pressure.

The Library also mentions that for people with high BP, that can be one of the important benefits of Rhodiola, but if you have low BP, then be careful with this ingredient [6].

4. Dry Mouth

This seems to be a less common effect you might experience with a Rhodiola supplement, and I couldn’t find clear scientific study results on this.

However, my nutritionist highlighted that she had encountered a few people who said they seemed to have less saliva production.

This could also interact with similar supplements, as Rhodiola is often combined in a larger formula of herbs, vitamins, and amino acids.

Rhodiola Rosea has a safe dosage range of 50 mg to 600 mg per day [7]. This is based on studies that have involved Rhodiola extracts, with an acute dose being used for up to 12 weeks.

As with all herbal supplements, there is no official requirement to prove efficacy over a specific minimum and maximum time period. But if you stick with that range, you shouldn’t have any major issues.

There's a lack of clinical trials guiding Rhodiola dosage with mental health medications. This is one area where more research is needed.

Who Should Not Take Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract?

You shouldn't take Rhodiola Rosea if you're taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, heart medications, or have significant immune system problems.

It doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be suitable, but you need to make sure that you won’t have adverse reactions.

And your doctor also needs to know that you’re taking all-natural nootropics or medicines in the form of a standardized extract that might make them adjust your drug dosage.