In preclinical studies, ashwagandha can also influence GABAergic and serotonin activity,[8,43] which have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
Ashwagandha has not been compared to prescription medications for depression or anxiety. But available data suggest that in patients who have generalized anxiety disorder, it works well when combined with one type of these medications, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Ashwagandha has also been found to increase the production of luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone is made in the pituitary gland, and it supports the reproductive system. In men, luteinizing hormone is essentially what triggers the production of testosterone.
Ashwagandha helps to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It is a wonderful herb to take both on its own and in combination with other herbs to get a “multiplier effect”.
The soothing effects of Ashwagandha suppress stress-induced increases in dopamine receptors in the brain as well as plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen, and blood lactic acid.
If anxiety is your issue, ashwagandha might make you feel more grounded, stable, and warm. But if your mind tends to feel heavy or cloudy, if you tend toward mind stagnation, especially accompanied by a feeling of suppressed anger, ashwagandha is likely going to make it worse.
Ashwagandha can also cause blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. Low blood sugar results in physical weakness, mental dullness, and confusion, which are all symptoms known to increase the likelihood of depression.
Despite TikTok users claiming to feel a lack of emotion while taking ashwagandha, California pharmacist Ariana Medizade, who is a medical advisory liaison for a company that sells supplements, told Buzzfeed News it is uncommon for people to feel emotionally blunted while taking proper doses of ashwagandha.
With regard to its antidepressant effects, the same study demonstrated that Ashwagandha can have antidepressant effects similar to those shown by imipramine.
In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is most commonly known for its mood-lifting effects. Scientific research supports its potential to treat clinical depressive disorders. Studies show that its effects are comparable to common prescription antidepressants.
What are the possible side effects of ashwagandha? Taking ashwagandha by mouth for up to 3 months seems to be safe. Large doses can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, liver problems. Ashwagandha is probably unsafe for pregnant women because it might increase the risk of miscarriage.
You May Experience Digestive Issues
Nausea, stomach irritation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues are possible when taking ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha can increase immune response, so it's recommended that individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or other conditions) avoid taking ashwagandha [1].
Certain herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort and Garcinia cambogia (HCA), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome associated with SSRIs. Other supplements, like 5-HTP, and SAMe, may also increase this risk.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between ashwaganda and Zoloft.
Ashwagandha has been touted as a possible treatment for depression, but many people wonder if it works well enough to replace antidepressant medications. While ashwagandha may not be as effective as antidepressants, it does show some promise in several key areas.
You could end up doing more harm than good. Ashwagandha, for example, may increase thyroid hormone levels, which could cause fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath and other problems.
Ashwagandha belongs to a class of medicinal herbs known as adaptogens, which essentially “adapt” to your body's needs. These herbs help boost your body's natural ability to handle mental, emotional, and physical stress. Many people with bipolar disorder experience cognitive symptoms both during and after mood episodes.
Ashwagandha can have a mild calming and emotion-regulating effect for some people. However, it does not typically eliminate emotions completely or make people feel entirely detached. Some key points about ashwagandha and emotions: Ashwagandha contains compounds like withanolides that haveadaptogenic properties.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb clinically shown to help reduce stress and regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, and reduce irritability and stress-related cravings.
Ashwagandha can take anywhere from 2-3 days to several weeks to work. Current research suggests it may take ten or more weeks to achieve maximum benefits related to stress and anxiety reduction [5].
It is perfectly safe to take ashwagandha daily, for up to eight weeks. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate the long-term safety of ashwagandha. You should be mindful not to take more than the recommended dose, and you should also try to avoid taking it on an empty stomach.