Supplements for stress

Compared by effect and evidence certainty. Cost is not currently assessed, and nothing here is sold to you.

Melatoningrade Bmoderate certainty— Cochrane review of 27 RCTs (2319 participants): melatonin reduced preoperative anxiety versus placebo, with effects broadly comparable to benzodiazepines such as midazolam in the trials that compared them. Evidence for postoperative anxiety was less certain. This is an acute, perioperative-anxiety context, not general everyday stress.

Safety: uncertain — Melatonin with an SSRI: possible additive sedation; evidence is thin.. Cost: not assessed. Evidence gaps: no major structured gap flagged; review the claim limitations.

L-Theaninegrade Clow certainty— small calming effect; often paired with caffeine to smooth its edge

Safety: minor — Commonly paired; L-theanine is said to smooth caffeine’s jitter. Low-stakes.. Cost: not assessed. Evidence gaps: population bounds not reported; certainty or evidence strength remains limited.

Ashwagandhagrade Clow certainty— small reduction in perceived stress in short trials

Safety: moderate — Ashwagandha with an SSRI may carry additive sedative/serotonergic risk; evidence is limited.. Cost: not assessed. Evidence gaps: studied dose not reported; population bounds not reported; certainty or evidence strength remains limited.

Magnesiumgrade Clow certainty— may modestly reduce subjective anxiety/stress, esp. in deficiency

Safety: minor — Generally fine with an SSRI; space about 2 hours apart.. Cost: not assessed. Evidence gaps: certainty or evidence strength remains limited.

Rhodiolagrade Clow certainty— preliminary stress/burnout benefit; low-quality evidence

Safety: uncertain — Rhodiola may have mild serotonergic activity; evidence with SSRIs is thin — treat as cautionary.. Cost: not assessed. Evidence gaps: studied dose not reported; population bounds not reported; certainty or evidence strength remains limited.