Quick answerMost people tolerate these ingredients well in the short term; the usual complaints are an upset stomach, headache or trouble sleeping. The bigger issues are rarer: ashwagandha has been linked to liver injury, and several ingredients can interact with diabetes, blood pressure, blood-thinning and thyroid medications. Men with prostate cancer or on hormone therapy should not take it without their doctor.
Possible side effects, ingredient by ingredient
| Ingredient | What has been reported |
|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | Upset stomach, loose stools, nausea, drowsiness. Rare liver injury, usually 2 to 12 weeks after starting. May affect thyroid function. |
| Fenugreek | Diarrhea, gas, a maple-syrup smell in sweat or urine. Can lower blood sugar. Possible allergy in people allergic to peanuts or chickpeas. |
| Tongkat ali | Restlessness and trouble sleeping in some users. |
| Panax ginseng | Headache, trouble sleeping, digestive upset. Can affect blood sugar. |
| Nettle root | Mild stomach upset or sweating. |
| Maca, artichoke, cordyceps | Generally mild digestive complaints. Artichoke can trigger allergy in people sensitive to ragweed, daisies or marigolds. |
| Vitamin D3, zinc, B6, boron | Within safe limits at these doses on their own. Add them to any other supplements you take. |
The liver warning
The NIH's LiverTox database rates ashwagandha as a likely, though uncommon, cause of liver injury. Most cases were mild and cleared up within a few months of stopping, but rare severe cases have occurred, mostly in people with existing liver disease.
Stop taking ProstaVive and see a doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching or unusual tiredness.
Medications to watch
- Diabetes medications: fenugreek, ginseng and ashwagandha can lower blood sugar, adding to the effect of your medication.
- Blood pressure medications and diuretics: ashwagandha and nettle root may add to their effect.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin: ginseng and fenugreek may change how they work.
- Thyroid medication: ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels.
- Sedatives and sleep aids: ashwagandha can add to drowsiness.
- Immune-suppressing drugs: ashwagandha and cordyceps may interfere.
- Prostate medications (tamsulosin, finasteride, dutasteride): no studies with ProstaVive. Ask your doctor.
Who should not take it without medical advice
- Men with prostate cancer, or on hormone therapy for it.
- Anyone with liver disease, or who has had liver problems from a supplement.
- People with a thyroid condition.
- People taking any of the medications listed above.
- Anyone scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks.
- Anyone under 18. ProstaVive is not meant for women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not use it to self-treat urinary symptoms
A weak stream, frequent or urgent urination, blood in the urine or pain are reasons to see a doctor, not to start a supplement. An enlarged prostate is common, but the same symptoms can come from infection, bladder problems or prostate cancer, which a supplement cannot rule out.
Back to the ProstaVive review, or see every ingredient and dose.
Frequently asked questions
Is ProstaVive safe?
Its ingredients are common in supplements and are usually well tolerated in short studies. But ProstaVive itself has no published safety data, ashwagandha has been linked to rare cases of liver injury, and several ingredients can interact with common medications. Check with your doctor first if you take any prescription drug.
Can I take ProstaVive with tamsulosin or finasteride?
There are no studies of ProstaVive with prostate medications. Ask the doctor who prescribed them before adding it, and do not stop a prescribed medication to try a supplement.
Can ProstaVive cause insomnia?
It can for some people. Tongkat ali and Panax ginseng are linked to restlessness and trouble sleeping. Taking the scoop earlier in the day may help.
Should men with prostate cancer take ProstaVive?
Not without their oncologist. Several ingredients are sold to raise testosterone, and the NIH notes that ashwagandha may not be safe for people with prostate cancer.