Found this in my library. I don't even remember doing the research. lol
· Arctic Root -
Rhodiola is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term (for up to 6-10 weeks). The safety of long-term use is not known. The potential side effects of rhodiola are not known.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of taking Rhodiola if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Dangers of Rhodiola Rosea, also called Arctic Root, Golden Root
Folks are commonly encouraged to increase their dose of rhodiola until they achieve the desired effect. Many sources claim it is a safe herb with very little side effects. Most common side effects are difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, gastrointestinal distress, headache, and dizziness. Increasing the dose of anything until you achieve the desired effect is a dangerous practice for any botanical and should be avoided.
Reported Side Effects on Patients Taking Rhodiola
These side effects usually occur when you are on a higher dosage and when you take it with caffeine. So let’s say you are a coffee drinker. You are at increased risk. If you are a Coca Cola or Pepsi lover, symptoms may worsen. Any stimulant product or new weight loss products that contain caffeine will worsen the symptoms of the following:
⦁ Anxiety and agitation
⦁ Nauseous
⦁ Restlessness
⦁ Insomnia
⦁ Hypersalivation
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough research to prove that rhodiola is safe for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Diabetes
Rhodiola may lower blood sugar levels. If patients are taking a medication to lower blood glucose it could make their levels go dangerously low. And if their levels go too low and blood sugars bottom out, they can pass out. The consequences of low blood glucose can be just as dangerous as high blood sugar.
Blood Pressure
Rhodiola may alter blood pressure and is not recommended for patients taking ACE inhibitors. Rhodiola can also increase the risk of bleeding when it’s taken with aspirin or prescription anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin. It is not proven safe with anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®). Rholiola should not be taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Autoimmune Disorders
Rhodiola can increase the symptoms of autoimmune disorders because it stimulates the immune system. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohn’s disease/ ulcerative colitis), neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, as well as autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s and thyroiditis can all be exacerbated by the use of rhodiola.
Thyroid
Rhodiola is not proven safe for folks on thyroid medicine. It may change (lower?) thyroid levels. If you take thyroid medicine you should not take rhodiola. If your thyroid testing is irregular, please consult your physician.
Anxiety
A 2008 study at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program suggests rhodiola can aid patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Rhodiola, however, may have stimulant-like effects and without knowing a patient’s biochemical status, rhodiola can worsen their symptoms of anxiety. Patients suffering from anxiety who also exhibit the ‘shakes’ from caffeine and ephedrine should not take rhodiola.
Bipolar Disorder
Rhodiola rosea should not be prescribed to patients with manic behavior disorders. If you have bipolar disorder, for example, rhodiola can be dangerous because it can cause mania.
Depression
Rhodiola should not be prescribed to patients with antidepressant sensitivity, either. Rhodiola rosea can cause drowsiness for patients on benzodiazepines, SSRI and SNRI antidepressants. It is not recommended for patients on SSRI medications or MAOI medication because it can cause serotonin syndrome.
Birth Control Pills
It can make your birth control pills less effective.