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Pregnenolone Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Preliminary
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

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

Full Pregnenolone Guide

References

  1. RCTMarx 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
  2. RCTBrown 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
  3. Meta-analysisLi H, Shen H, Duan X, Guo M, et al. (2026). Efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory drug-assisted treatment of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.. BMC psychiatry. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTStomati M, Monteleone P, Casarosa E, Quirici B, et al. (2000). Six-month oral dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in early and late postmenopause.. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. DOI PubMed