If you've been taking ashwagandha for a while and are thinking about stopping, you're not alone in wondering what comes next.
Ashwagandha has quickly become one of the most popular herbal supplements on the market, with customers praising its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy.
But what actually happens to your body when you stop taking it?
The good news is that stopping ashwagandha is generally safe and not associated with the severe withdrawal symptoms seen with prescription medications.
That said, some people do notice changes after discontinuing, and knowing what to expect can make the process a lot smoother.
What Is Ashwagandha, and Why Do People Take It?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient medicinal herb with roots in Ayurvedic tradition that has been used for thousands of years in India and Southeast Asia.
It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body better manage physical and psychological stress.
People commonly take ashwagandha to reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, boost energy and mental focus, support hormonal balance, and enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Its active compounds, called withanolides, are believed to interact with several key neurotransmitter systems in the brain, which is also why stopping the supplement can sometimes produce noticeable effects.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ashwagandha?
When you stop taking ashwagandha, your body gradually returns to its baseline state.
For most people, this transition is smooth and uneventful.
However, some individuals—particularly those who have taken high doses for an extended period—may experience a mild discontinuation syndrome as the brain readjusts to the absence of the herb.
This doesn't mean ashwagandha is addictive. It simply reflects how the body adapts to consistent supplementation over time.
The most important thing to understand is that any effects are typically mild, temporary, and manageable.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Ashwagandha
While not everyone will experience symptoms, some people report the following after stopping ashwagandha:
Increased Anxiety or Irritability: Since ashwagandha is often used to reduce anxiety, stopping it can sometimes lead to a rebound effect.
This is sometimes called rebound anxiety, and it tends to be most noticeable in people who were using it specifically to manage stress.
Sleep Disturbances: Ashwagandha supports better sleep by calming the nervous system. When it's removed from your routine, insomnia or disrupted sleep may temporarily occur.
Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating: Some users report a temporary drop in mental clarity, often described as brain fog, in the days following cessation.
Headaches: Mild headaches are occasionally reported, though these are usually short-lived and self-resolving.
Fatigue or Low Energy: If you were relying on ashwagandha for energy support, you might feel more tired than usual for a brief period after stopping.
It is important to note that these symptoms are typically mild, and many people experience no symptoms at all.
Why Does Stopping Ashwagandha Cause These Effects?
The reason some people experience changes after stopping ashwagandha comes down to its interaction with brain chemistry.
Ashwagandha is known to modulate GABA receptors, which are responsible for producing calming and relaxing effects in the brain (1).
It also influences serotonin pathways, which play a role in mood regulation and sleep (2).
With long-term use, the brain can become accustomed to these changes.
When the supplement is suddenly removed, the brain needs time to rebalance its neurotransmitter activity, and that adjustment period is what can cause temporary symptoms.
This mechanism is similar to discontinuation syndrome seen with other GABA-modulating substances, though far less intense.
How to Safely Stop Taking Ashwagandha
The most effective way to minimize any discomfort when stopping ashwagandha is to taper off gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
Instead of taking your usual dose every day, try reducing to every other day for one to two weeks before stopping completely.
You can also cut your dose in half for a week or two before eliminating it entirely.
Staying hydrated, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and managing stress through exercise or meditation can all help with the transition (3).
If you are taking ashwagandha to treat a specific medical condition or in conjunction with prescription medications, you should always consult your doctor before making any changes.
Who Should Be Extra Careful When Stopping?
While most people can stop taking ashwagandha without issue, certain groups should exercise additional caution.
People with thyroid conditions should be aware that ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels, so stopping suddenly could shift those levels.
Individuals who take medications that affect the central nervous system, blood sugar, or blood pressure should consult their doctor because ashwagandha may interact with these medications.
Those who have been taking high doses—typically above 600 mg per day—or who have been on it for more than three months may be at slightly higher risk for mild withdrawal effects.
Anyone scheduled for surgery should stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks in advance, as it may enhance the sedative effects of anesthesia.
To Finish
Stopping ashwagandha is generally safe and not associated with severe withdrawal.
Some people may experience mild symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, or headaches as the body readjusts.
These effects are caused by changes in GABA and serotonin activity in the brain.
Tapering off gradually is the best approach to minimize any discomfort.
Always consult a healthcare provider if you are on medications or have underlying health conditions.
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FAQs on What Happens If you Stop Taking Ashwagandha Suddenly
Can I stop taking ashwagandha abruptly?
For the majority of people, stopping abruptly is safe, but tapering off gradually is recommended to reduce the risk of mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or insomnia.
How long do the ashwagandha withdrawal symptoms last?
Symptoms are usually mild and last a few days to two weeks. If your symptoms persist, you should see a doctor.
If I stop taking ashwagandha, will I lose its benefits?
The benefits of ashwagandha may gradually fade after discontinuation because the supplement is no longer actively supporting your body's stress response and hormonal balance.
Is ashwagandha addictive?
No. Ashwagandha is not considered addictive. Any discontinuation effects are mild and far less significant than those seen with habit-forming medications.
How long is it safe to take ashwagandha?
Research suggests ashwagandha is safe for up to three months of continuous use. Taking periodic breaks is generally recommended.
Research Study
1. Title: Direct Evidence for GABAergic Activity of Withania somnifera on Mammalian Ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ Receptors
This study provides direct laboratory evidence that key compounds in ashwagandha activate GABA receptors in the mammalian brain, helping explain its calming and anti-anxiety effects.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.04.014
2. Title: A Standardized Withania somnifera (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
This 90-day RCT of 70 participants found that ashwagandha root extract significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms while measurably increasing urinary serotonin levels compared to placebo.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0316
3. Title: Ashwagandha: Is It Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep? — Health Professional Fact Sheet
This NIH fact sheet consolidates findings from multiple clinical trials confirming that ashwagandha is well-tolerated for up to approximately three months of use, with only mild and transient side effects reported.
DOI: N/A — Official NIH .gov resource
