Herb & supplement monograph

Nadh Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Nadh

0 medications have a known interaction with Nadh, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Nadh. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Nadh combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Nadh: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

NADH is the active, electron-carrying form of niacin (vitamin B3) that your body uses to make energy in cells. Some people take it as a supplement for fatigue, mental sharpness, and athletic performance, but solid human evidence is limited and mostly preliminary. It appears generally well tolerated in the short term, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Part used
Not applicable (a coenzyme form of vitamin B3/niacin)
Common forms
Tablets, capsules, sublingual lozenges, sometimes intravenous (clinical settings)
People commonly use it for
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Low energy and tiredness
  • Athletic performance
  • Mental clarity and focus
  • Parkinson's disease (investigational)
  • Jet lag

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety and quality data are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

NADH stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plus hydrogen. It is the "reduced" or active form of NAD, a coenzyme your body makes from niacin (vitamin B3). NADH is found naturally in every living cell, plant and animal, and plays a central role in turning food into energy.

As a supplement, NADH is sold as tablets, capsules, and lozenges that dissolve under the tongue. People take it hoping to boost energy, fight tiredness, and sharpen thinking. Because NADH is involved in basic energy production, marketers often promote it for fatigue and brain function, but real-world proof in humans is still limited.

How it works

NADH is a key coenzyme in the process cells use to produce ATP, the body's main energy currency. It carries electrons in the "energy factories" of cells (the mitochondria), helping convert nutrients into usable energy.

Because of this role, scientists have proposed that adding extra NADH might support cells that are low on energy, possibly helping with fatigue or brain function. NADH may also act as an antioxidant and play a part in making certain brain chemicals. Keep in mind these ideas come largely from laboratory and animal research, and it is not fully clear how much oral NADH actually reaches and helps cells in people.

Effectiveness

Does Nadh work?

Evidence overview · 10 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 9 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Several small clinical studies suggest that oral NADH, taken alone or in combination with coenzyme Q10, modestly improves symptoms of CFS.

Also studied for 9 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Aging
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alcohol-related liver disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for alcohol-related liver disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for improving athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive function
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for improving various measures of cognitive function, including memory and mental alertness, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dementia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral NADH is beneficial in patients with dementia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral and parenteral NADH for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Jet lag
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral NADH for jet lag, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of NADH for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Parkinson disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small, low-quality studies have yielded conflicting findings regarding the effects of oral or parenteral NADH in patients with Parkinson disease.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

NADH appears to be generally well tolerated when taken by mouth for short periods. However, high-quality, long-term safety studies are lacking, and supplement quality can vary between brands.

People with ongoing health conditions, or those taking prescription medicines, should check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Because there is not enough safety information, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid NADH. Out of caution, it is also reasonable to stop NADH before scheduled surgery and to talk with your healthcare team.

Side effects

Reported side effects are usually mild and may include nervousness, jitteriness, or trouble sleeping, especially at higher doses or when taken later in the day. Some people notice mild stomach upset.

Serious side effects have not been clearly documented, but because long-term and large studies are limited, the full safety picture is not known. Stop taking NADH and seek medical advice if you have any unusual or concerning symptoms.

Dosing

There is no official, standardized dose of NADH. Doses used in studies have varied, and product strengths differ from brand to brand. Sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms are marketed as being better absorbed, though strong proof for this is limited.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Taking it earlier in the day may help avoid sleep problems. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting NADH, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Nadh & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Nadh & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 sources that drive our Nadh monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Niacin - Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Source
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Nadh

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Nadh.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Nadh: Common Questions

What is Nadh used for, and does it work?
People use Nadh for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Nadh for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Nadh interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Nadh. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Nadh interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Nadh with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Nadh interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Nadh used for?
People most often take Nadh for fatigue, low energy, mental focus, and sometimes athletic performance or jet lag. Human evidence for these uses is limited and not conclusive.
Is Nadh the same as niacin or vitamin B3?
Nadh is the active coenzyme form your body makes from niacin (vitamin B3). It is related to B3 but is sold as a separate supplement.
Is Nadh safe to take?
It appears generally well tolerated in the short term for healthy adults, but long-term safety data are limited. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition.
Can I take Nadh while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Nadh during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Products that contain Nadh

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