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in humans. In particular, as addressed under adjunctive use, the addition of rhodiola to
antidepressants other than MAOIs is a promising practice.
- SIDE EFFECTS
According to Iovieno et al., Rhodiola appears to have an excellent safety profile. Side
effects are uncommon and mild, and can include allergy, irritability, insomnia, fatigue
(not seen by Brown and Gerbarg), and unpleasant sensations, especially at high doses.
An increase in irritability and insomnia within several days has been reported in some
individuals at doses of 1500 – 2000 mg per day of rhodiola extract, which would be an
excessive dose.
According to Brown et al, the most frequent side effects of rhodiola are activation,
agitation, insomnia, anxiety, and headache. Bruising, increased blood pressure, heart
palpitations and chest pain are cited by Brown et al. as uncommon.
Rhodiola is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals,
and should be taken early in the day and around noon to avoid interference with sleep.
If adverse effects on sleep occur, a smaller dose with very gradual increases can be
suggested.
According to Brown et al., rhodiola (by itself) does not cause addiction, habituation or
withdrawal symptoms.
Although it has not been clinically linked with cancer risk, in light of its estrogen-like
effects, Brown et al. advise that women with a personal or family history of breast
cancer should be informed that the possibility of increased risk for estrogen-sensitive
breast cancer has not yet been adequately investigated. Brown and Gerbarg add that
rhodiola shows anti-cancer effects in clinical practice, in studies of human cancers
transplanted into animals and in a few small human pilot studies.
The Natural Standard warns that rhodiola may lower blood sugar levels and may cause
increased heart rate, irregular heart beats, salivation, and hormonal (estrogen-like) side
effects. Brown and Gerbarg have not observed drops in blood sugar, irregular
heartbeats or increased salivation in their clinical practice. Although orally ingested
