Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Brain Sharp Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Brain Sharp label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Brain Sharp against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Brain Sharp is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 581 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Phosphatidylserine, Vitamin B6, Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Folate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (667 mcg DFE) without saying how much of each component you get.

Brain Sharp contains five active ingredients. Vitamin B6 and folic acid are B vitamins that support nerve function and cell division.

Vitamin B12 (another B vitamin) is essential for nerve health and blood cell formation. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a compound that may support energy production in brain cells.

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid thought to play a role in brain cell communication. The product also contains several inactive ingredients—gelatin, bamboo extract, carnauba wax, acacia gum, and microcrystalline cellulose—which are used as capsule material and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Brain memory energy production and focus.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Attention, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Cognitive impairment — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Phosphatidylserine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease.

The evidence for this product's ingredients varies. Vitamin B6 is effective for B6 deficiency and sideroblastic anemia, likely effective for high homocysteine levels, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea.

Folic acid is effective for folate deficiency, likely effective for preventing neural tube birth defects and treating methotrexate toxicity, and possibly effective for depression and cognitive problems. Vitamin B12 is effective for B12 deficiency and certain rare conditions, and possibly effective for canker sores and nerve pain after shingles.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, alcohol use disorder, diabetic nerve damage, and depression. Phosphatidylserine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, but the evidence is insufficient for ADHD, general cognitive function, and other dementia types.

The product's overall effectiveness for brain health hasn't been established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Folic Acid Vitamin B12 Acetyl-l-carnitine Phosphatidylserine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B6 is well tolerated at doses under 100 mg daily, though high doses over time can damage nerves (sensory neuropathy). Common side effects at higher doses include headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Folic acid is generally safe at recommended doses, though doses of 15 mg daily or higher can cause confusion, sleep problems, and irritability. At normal amounts, neither vitamin B6 nor folic acid causes serious harm, but the safety notes caution against high doses without medical guidance.

Vitamin B12 is very safe and has no established upper limit since excess is eliminated in urine. Acetyl-L-carnitine is generally well tolerated short-term but long-term safety isn't fully established; common side effects include headache, insomnia, dry mouth, and agitation.

Phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated but long-term safety data are incomplete; reported side effects include insomnia, headache, nausea, and gas. No pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data are on file for vitamin B6, vitamin B12, acetyl-L-carnitine, or phosphatidylserine; folic acid is likely safe in pregnancy at standard prenatal doses and considered safe while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Folic Acid Vitamin B12 Acetyl-l-carnitine Phosphatidylserine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Acetyl-l-carnitine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Phosphatidylserine, Folic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 581 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Brain Sharp, double-check these medication types with your pharmacist: seizure medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol), antidepressants and other serotonergic drugs, cancer medications (methotrexate, capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, pyrimethamine), heart rhythm drugs (amiodarone), blood pressure medications, thyroid hormone replacement, diabetes medications (metformin), and Parkinson's drugs (levodopa). No interactions are documented for the ingredient we could not check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Brain Sharp may appeal to people looking for cognitive support, especially those with documented deficiencies in B6, B12, or folate. However, if you take seizure medications, blood thinners, methotrexate, cancer drugs, thyroid hormones, diabetes medications, or antidepressants, check with your pharmacist before starting it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist first, as safety data are incomplete for most ingredients.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Brain Sharp, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536034512
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2018
DSLD ID 183950
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Qualified Health, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
766536034512
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B625 mg1470%
Folic Acid400 mcg--
Folate667 mcg DFE170%
Vitamin B12100 mcg4170%
Acetyl-L-Carnitine500 mg--
Phosphatidylserine200 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Bamboo extract, organic Carnauba Wax, organic Acacia Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Specialty

Brain Memory Energy production Focus

Consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten free Dairy free Nut free

Does not contain: Gluten, Sugar, Salt, Preservatives, Artificial Colors or Flavors.

Formula

Contains: Soy.

Precautions

Contains: Soy.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical condition.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take three (3) capsules daily, preferable with meals.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

Item No. VS-3451 2022754 FS 37

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Brain Sharp label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
25 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Folate

667 mcg DFE per serving

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
100 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Interacts with
203 drugs
500 mg per serving

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and mem...

Acetyl-L-Carnitine monograph & interactions

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with
219 drugs
200 mg per serving

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinki...

Phosphatidylserine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Bamboo extract, Organic Carnauba Wax, Organic Acacia Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Brain Sharp?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
581Drugs
556 Moderate 25 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Phosphatidylserine 219
Vitamin B6 210
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 203
Folic Acid 40
Vitamin B12 20

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Brain Sharp interact with 581 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Brain Sharp interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Phosphatidylserine Vitamin B6 Acetyl-L-Carnitine Folic Acid Vitamin B12

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Brain Sharp with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Phosphatidylserine2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phosphatidylserine full monograph & interactions

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine4 drug types · 203 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant that is similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation when L-carnitine was taken with acenocoumarol. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product. It is unclear if such an interaction would also occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders, when taken with serotonergic drugs.
Animal research shows that acetyl-L-carnitine can increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is unclear if such an interaction would occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with acetyl-L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetyl-L-Carnitine full monograph & interactions

Folic Acid7 drug types · 40 drugs

5-Fluorouracil

Theoretically, high doses of folic acid might increase the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil.
Increases in gastrointestinal side effects of 5-fluorouracil, such as stomatitis and diarrhea, have been described in two clinical studies when leucovorin, a form of folic acid, was administered with 5-fluorouracil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Use of high-dose folic acid might contribute to capecitabine toxicity.
Clinical research suggests that higher serum folate levels are associated with an increased risk for moderate or severe toxicity during capecitabine-based treatment for colorectal cancer. Additionally, in one case report, taking folic acid 15 mg daily might have contributed to increased toxicity, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, edema, hand-foot syndrome, and eventually death, in a patient prescribed capecitabine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Folic acid might reduce the efficacy of methotrexate as a cancer treatment when given concurrently.
Methotrexate exerts its cytotoxic effects by preventing conversion of folic acid to the active form needed by cells. There is some evidence that folic acid supplements reduce the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and theoretically they could reduce its efficacy in the treatment of other cancers. Advise cancer patients to consult their oncologist before using folic acid supplements. In patients treated with long-term, low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, folic acid supplements can reduce the incidence of side effects, without reducing efficacy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on phenobarbital and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of phenobarbital and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Folic acid might reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients.
Folic acid may be a cofactor in phenytoin metabolism. Folic acid, in doses of 1 mg daily or more, can reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients. Increases in seizure frequency have been reported. If folic acid supplements are added to established phenytoin therapy, monitor serum phenytoin levels closely. If phenytoin and folic acid are started at the same time and continued together, adverse changes in phenytoin pharmacokinetics are avoided. Note that phenytoin also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Primidone (Mysoline)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on primidone and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of primidone and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity. Note that primidone also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)

Folic acid might antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine.
Folic acid can antagonize the antiparasitic effects of pyrimethamine against toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Folic acid doesn't antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine in the treatment of malaria, because malarial parasites cannot use exogenous folic acid. Use folinic acid as an alternative to folic acid when indicated.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Folic Acid full monograph & interactions

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Vitamin B12 full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Brain Sharp, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Brain Sharp by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Brain Sharp has a known interaction with 581 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Brain Sharp contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Brain Sharp if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without checking first. Acetyl-L-carnitine in this product may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin and similar drugs, which could raise bleeding risk. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting it.
Is it safe to take Brain Sharp while pregnant?
Folic acid in this product is likely safe at standard prenatal doses and is actually recommended in pregnancy to prevent birth defects. However, we don't have enough safety data on the other ingredients (vitamin B6, B12, acetyl-L-carnitine, and phosphatidylserine) in pregnancy, so discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
What are the common side effects of Brain Sharp?
The most common reported side effects from these ingredients are headache, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, and agitation at higher doses. Gastrointestinal upset like nausea, gas, and constipation can also occur. Most people tolerate the ingredients well at recommended doses.
Can I take Brain Sharp if I'm on seizure medication?
No, not without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Vitamin B6 and folic acid can both interfere with seizure medications like phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone, potentially reducing how well they work. This is a serious concern.
Does Brain Sharp actually improve memory and brain function?
The evidence is mixed. Acetyl-L-carnitine and phosphatidylserine are possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, but the evidence isn't strong. The B vitamins are effective for correcting deficiencies, which can help brain function if you're deficient, but the product's overall benefit for brain health in people without deficiencies hasn't been established.
Can I take Brain Sharp with antidepressants?
It depends on the type. Acetyl-L-carnitine may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious condition, when combined with serotonergic antidepressants. Check the specific medication with your pharmacist before starting this supplement.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Brain Sharp label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Brain Sharp’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Folic Acid

Interacts with 40 drugs

Folic acid is the man-made form of vitamin B9 and is one of the most well-studied supplements, especially for preventing serious birth defects when taken before and during early pregnancy. I...

Read the full Folic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B12

Interacts with 20 drugs

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very helpful for people who are deficient — su...

Read the full Vitamin B12 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Acetyl-l-carnitine

Interacts with 203 drugs

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and memory-related conditions, though the evide...

Read the full Acetyl-l-carnitine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with 219 drugs

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinking. Some research suggests possible bene...

Read the full Phosphatidylserine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Brain Sharp's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 149 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin B6 32 references
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  6. Baxter P, Aicardi J. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use. Lancet 1999;354:2082-3. PubMed
  7. Bendich A, Cohen M. Vitamin B6 safety issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:321-30.
  8. Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983;309:445-8. PubMed
  9. Gordon N. Pyridoxine dependency: an update. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:63-5. PubMed
  10. Lewis PJ. Pain in the hand and wrist. Pyridoxine supplements may help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 1995;310:1534. PubMed
  11. Kaufman G. Pyridoxine against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity (letter). Lancet 1984;1:51-2. PubMed
  12. Mulrow JP, Mulrow CD, McKenna WJ. Pyridoxine and amiodarone-induced photosensitivity. Ann Intern Med 1985;103:68-9. PubMed
  13. Kawada A, Kashima A, Shiraishi H, et al. Pyridoxine-induced photosensitivity and hypophosphatasia. Dermatology 2000;201:356-60.. PubMed
  14. Vasile A, Goldberg R, Kornberg B. Pyridoxine toxicity: report of a case. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1984;83:790-1. DOI
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Vitamin B12 30 references
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Acetyl-l-carnitine 22 references
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Phosphatidylserine 9 references
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  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
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See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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