Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution
Pregnenolone Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Overstimulation or insomnia (especially at higher doses)
- Acne or oily skin due to downstream androgen conversion
- Irritability or anxiety in some individuals
- Headache
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- May increase downstream hormones (DHEA, progesterone, testosterone) — caution with hormone-sensitive conditions
- May interact with GABAergic medications (benzodiazepines, barbiturates) due to neurosteroid activity
- Caution with hormonal contraceptives and HRT
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 100mg daily without medical supervision; higher doses only in clinical settings
References
- Marx CE, Keefe RS, Buchanan RW, Hamer RM, Kilts JD, Bradford DW, Strauss JL, Naylor JC, Payne VM, Lieberman JA, Savitz AJ, Leimone LA, Dunn L, Porcu P, Morrow AL, Shampine LJ (2009). Proof-of-concept trial with the neurosteroid pregnenolone targeting cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Brown ES, Park J, Marx CE, Hynan LS, Gardner C, Davila D, Nakamura A, Sunderajan P, Lo A, Holmes T (2014). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pregnenolone for bipolar depression. Neuropsychopharmacology. DOI PubMed