Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a revered botanical in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, primarily recognized as an adaptogen. This means the herb is thought to help the body resist and recover from the damaging effects of chronic stress. Scientific inquiry often focuses on its ability to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central stress response system, resulting in a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol. For most people, taking this root extract promotes calmness and a sense of well-being. However, a small subset of individuals report a paradoxical reaction, experiencing heightened agitation instead of tranquility. Understanding why this occurs requires a deeper look into the body’s complex hormonal and neurological landscape.
The Paradoxical Effect: When Ashwagandha May Worsen Anxiety
For those who experience an adverse reaction, the symptoms reported are the direct opposite of the desired effect, mirroring a state of overstimulation. Users describe a sudden onset of jitteriness, restlessness, and an inability to settle down. This experience can include physical manifestations such as an increased heart rate or noticeable heart palpitations.
Insomnia, a condition Ashwagandha is often taken to help alleviate, can also be a paradoxical side effect. Instead of promoting sleep, the user may feel a persistent, “wired” sensation, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. In severe instances, individuals report a spike in generalized anxiety or even full-blown panic attacks after starting supplementation.
This adverse response is considered rare compared to the herb’s widespread use. However, the severity of the symptoms underscores the need to acknowledge individual biological variability. The reaction shows that while the herb aims for homeostasis, it can sometimes push a sensitive system past its equilibrium point, resulting in a temporary state of heightened arousal.
Biological Mechanisms Behind Increased Anxiety
The paradoxical stimulation is rooted in the herb’s influence on the endocrine and nervous systems. Ashwagandha regulates the HPA axis, but in some individuals, particularly those with a dysregulated system, this adaptogenic push may temporarily over-stimulate the adrenals. This results in the feeling of being “wired” rather than relaxed.
Ashwagandha’s effect on the thyroid gland is a direct cause for anxiety symptoms. The herb modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis by increasing the production of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This thyroid-boosting effect is beneficial for those with underactive thyroid function, but if a person already has normal or high thyroid levels, the increase can become excessive. Excessive levels of T3 and T4 can induce thyrotoxicosis, which clinically mimics the symptoms of severe anxiety or hyperthyroidism. These symptoms include a racing heart, tremors, irritability, and profound restlessness.
Ashwagandha interacts with neurotransmitters like Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin, which are central to mood regulation. While this modulation is usually calming, individual variations in brain chemistry mean that the change in neurotransmitter balance may trigger unexpected overstimulation or panic in certain people.
Factors Influencing Adverse Reactions
Dosage is one of the most common variables that can increase the probability of an adverse anxiety reaction. Taking excessively high doses of Ashwagandha, or rapidly escalating the amount consumed, can quickly overwhelm the body’s systems, leading directly to symptoms of overstimulation and digestive distress.
The quality and standardization of the supplement also play a role in unpredictable reactions. Products that are not third-party tested may contain inconsistent levels of active alkaloids or harmful contaminants like heavy metals. This variability means the consumer may inadvertently be taking a much stronger product than intended, leading to an unexpected anxiety response.
Pre-existing health conditions influence how an individual reacts to the supplement. People who have a history of hyperthyroidism are advised to avoid Ashwagandha because of its documented ability to increase T3 and T4 levels. Those taking prescription medications for anxiety, depression, or thyroid function should exercise caution. Combining Ashwagandha with thyroid hormone replacement drugs, for instance, can dangerously compound hormone levels, increasing the risk of thyrotoxicosis and its associated anxiety symptoms.
Safe Use and When to Seek Medical Guidance
To minimize the risk of a paradoxical anxiety reaction, a cautious and informed approach to supplementation is recommended. Individuals should begin with the lowest possible dose and monitor their body’s response closely over several weeks. Sourcing high-quality supplements that undergo third-party testing for purity and potency is advisable to ensure a consistent product.
Any person with a pre-existing medical condition, especially a thyroid disorder or a mental health condition like bipolar disorder, should consult a healthcare provider before starting Ashwagandha. This is also true for individuals taking any prescription medication, particularly those for blood pressure, diabetes, or hormones, as the potential for adverse drug interactions is real.
A user should immediately discontinue use and seek professional medical guidance if they experience severe or persistent adverse effects. These warning signs include:
- The onset of panic attacks.
- Prolonged insomnia.
- Intense physical symptoms such as severe heart palpitations.
- Signs of potential liver issues, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Persistent nausea or abdominal pain.