Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is an herb recognized in traditional Ayurvedic practice as an adaptogen, a substance thought to help the body manage stress. Its reputation is built on perceived calming effects, leading many people to use it for stress reduction and anxiety relief. Despite its widespread use for promoting tranquility, a small number of users report the opposite effect, experiencing increased anxiety, agitation, or even panic attacks. This paradox raises a safety concern for individuals seeking natural support, questioning whether this adaptogen can actually trigger a severe anxiety response.
Ashwagandha’s Role in Modulating the Stress Response
The herb’s mechanism for promoting calm centers on its influence over the body’s stress management system, known as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This axis regulates the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Multiple human clinical trials consistently indicate that Ashwagandha supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in elevated morning cortisol levels, helping to normalize adrenal activity under chronic stress.
This modulating effect helps prevent the HPA axis from becoming overactive, a common feature in generalized anxiety. Furthermore, Ashwagandha’s bioactive compounds, particularly the withanolides, are suggested to interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down central nervous system activity, contributing to relaxation and sedation. This dual action establishes the biological basis for why Ashwagandha is considered a calming agent.
Evaluating the Scientific Evidence for Panic Induction
Clinical data and large-scale studies do not support the idea that Ashwagandha, taken at standard doses, directly causes the onset of panic attacks or panic disorder. The vast majority of research, including systematic reviews of trials involving hundreds of participants, reports that the herb is well-tolerated and effective at reducing anxiety and stress symptoms. The most frequently noted side effects are mild, involving gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
While robust clinical evidence of direct causality is lacking, anecdotal reports and a few case studies suggest that increased anxiety or agitation can occur. These instances are rare and often associated with underlying sensitivities or extremely high dosages. For example, one case report noted a patient experienced worsened anxiety after taking an unusually high dose of 1,950 milligrams daily for over two months. This suggests that severe adverse psychological effects are not a predictable consequence of typical use, but rather an outlier reaction.
Explaining Paradoxical Reactions and Interactions
The experience of panic-like symptoms while taking Ashwagandha may stem from a paradoxical reaction where the intended effect is reversed. A small percentage of individuals may have a unique neurochemical response to the herb’s compounds, leading to agitation or restlessness instead of the expected calmness. This hyper-responsiveness can be pronounced when starting at high dosages, as the body struggles to adjust to the sudden modulation of stress hormones and neurotransmitters.
Quality Control and Contamination
Quality control of the supplement itself is a factor, as the industry is not strictly regulated. Testing has shown that some products contain undisclosed ingredients, heavy metals like lead or arsenic, or other active compounds that can independently cause symptoms of panic or toxicity. A user might mistakenly attribute their severe reaction to the Ashwagandha when they have ingested a contaminant or an undisclosed stimulant.
Drug Interactions
Combining Ashwagandha with other substances can create negative synergy that triggers adverse effects. Because Ashwagandha has sedative properties and influences GABA receptors, combining it with prescription sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, can dangerously increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and respiratory issues. Caution is also necessary when combining it with medications like SSRIs, as Ashwagandha’s ability to affect serotonin pathways could potentially raise the risk of serotonin levels becoming too high.
When to Stop Taking Ashwagandha and Consult a Doctor
If a person experiences severe psychological symptoms, such as an acute increase in anxiety, intense agitation, or a panic attack after starting Ashwagandha, they should immediately discontinue use. These reactions signal that the supplement is not being tolerated and require medical attention.
Consult a healthcare provider before stopping or starting any supplement if you are taking prescription medication for anxiety, depression, or a thyroid condition. Ashwagandha can interact with thyroid hormone medications, potentially leading to overstimulation, and can also potentiate the effects of blood pressure or blood sugar-lowering drugs. A physician can safely evaluate the symptoms, rule out dangerous interactions, and determine if the reaction is related to the supplement or an underlying health issue. All changes to an established treatment plan must be guided by a doctor; never abruptly stop a prescribed medication in favor of a supplement.