Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Stress Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Prescribed Choice

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Stress Defense is a dietary supplement by Prescribed Choice with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle recovery and sports performance, gut health and 'leaky gut', recovery from severe illness or injury.Based on those ingredients, 1,072 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Niacin, GABA, Motherwort. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice

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

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 9 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Stress Defense contains nine active ingredients. L-glutamine supports immune and gut function; GABA is a calming neurotransmitter; L-tyrosine helps make mood chemicals and thyroid hormones; inositol supports hormonal and metabolic health; L-glycine acts as a neurotransmitter; niacin (vitamin B3) supports energy and cardiovascular health; DMAE may support brain function; motherwort has traditionally been used for relaxation and women's health; and wintergreen has been used for pain relief, though it carries salicylate content.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including microcrystalline cellulose, rice flour, ascorbyl palmitate, and silica, which serve as binding and flowing agents in the capsule.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: stress management and relaxation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, Fatigue, Panic disorder, Sleep quality — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Inositol is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Inositol is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Depression.
  • Also on file: Motherwort is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Insomnia.

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. L-glutamine is effective for sickle cell disease and possibly effective for HIV-related wasting and recovery after surgery or critical illness.

L-tyrosine is effective for phenylketonuria (PKU) and possibly effective for cognitive function and memory, though it appears ineffective for athletic performance. Inositol is possibly effective for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, and preterm labor, but appears ineffective for anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, and depression.

Niacin is likely effective for pellagra and possibly effective for HIV-related cholesterol problems and metabolic syndrome. L-glycine is possibly effective for schizophrenia.

For the remaining ingredients—GABA, DMAE, motherwort, and wintergreen—we hold insufficient evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're used for, or the evidence suggests they're ineffective or likely ineffective.

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 9 of the 9 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 9 of 9.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 9 of 9.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-glutamine is likely safe in pregnancy and generally well tolerated, though people with kidney or liver disease should only use it under medical supervision. Adverse effects include belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, gas, headache, nausea, and vomiting; rare reports of dizziness and mood changes exist.

GABA is often well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety is unclear, and you should avoid it while breastfeeding. Common side effects are drowsiness, stomach upset, muscle weakness, and nausea.

L-tyrosine is generally well tolerated with no serious effects documented, though common side effects include fatigue, headache, heartburn, and nausea; safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Inositol is generally well tolerated with mostly mild digestive effects like diarrhea, gas, and nausea; it is possibly safe in pregnancy but use only under medical supervision.

L-glycine is generally well tolerated at typical doses; rare side effects include mild sedation, soft stools, nausea, vomiting, and upper GI discomfort. Niacin at normal dietary amounts is safe, but supplemental doses can cause flushing, liver problems, stomach upset, and in rare cases liver toxicity and muscle breakdown; it is likely safe in pregnancy at typical amounts but high-dose niacin should be avoided.

DMAE has limited safety evidence and may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting; it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Motherwort may cause diarrhea and stomach irritation and should be avoided in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus; safety during breastfeeding is unknown.

Wintergreen oil is extremely toxic if swallowed and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding; topical use may be acceptable for adults but carries salicylate exposure risk.

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 9 of the 9 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Motherwort, Inositol, Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba), Deanol, Wintergreen, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,073 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 Stress Defense, double-check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, antihypertensive drugs (for high blood pressure), diabetes medications, anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, statins or other cholesterol drugs, gout medications like allopurinol or probenecid, seizure medications, levodopa, thyroid hormone, bile acid sequestrants, clozapine, or other central nervous system depressants. Wintergreen carries the most serious risk with warfarin; niacin has the broadest range of interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Stress Defense is aimed at people looking for support with stress and relaxation. If you take warfarin, any antihypertensive, diabetes, seizure, Parkinson's, thyroid, or gout medication, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product.

Check your exact medications on this page before you buy.

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

Assessment coverage: 9 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 25, 2013.

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 Stress Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand Prescribed Choice
Barcode (UPC) 710013806048
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status Off market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2013
DSLD ID 27988
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice, 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
710013806048
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamine120 mg--
GABA450 mg--
L-Tyrosine150 mg--
Inositol450 mg--
L-Glycine140 mg--
Niacin450 mg1500%
DMAE60 mg--
Motherwort60 mg--
Wintergreen90 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Flour, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica

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

With Amino Acid Complex

Professional Nutraceutical Formulations

01 2014 1033

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

STORE IN COOL, DRY PLACE.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, take three (3) capsules daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

See for yourself

Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice

These are the 9 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.

L-Glutamine

Interacts with
50 drugs
120 mg per serving

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle c...

L-Glutamine monograph & interactions

GABA

Interacts with
419 drugs
450 mg per serving

GABA is a calming chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that your body makes on its own, and it is sold as a supplement for stress, anxiety, and sleep...

GABA monograph & interactions

L-Tyrosine

Interacts with
21 drugs
150 mg per serving

L-tyrosine is an amino acid your body uses to make brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Some studies suggest it may help mental performan...

L-Tyrosine monograph & interactions

Inositol

Interacts with
86 drugs
450 mg per serving

Inositol is a sugar alcohol made naturally in the body and found in many foods, and it is sold as a supplement (often myo-inositol) mainly for PCOS, m...

Inositol monograph & interactions

L-Glycine

Interacts with
1 drug
140 mg per serving

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep q...

L-Glycine monograph & interactions

Niacin

Interacts with
727 drugs
450 mg per serving Form: Niacinamide

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescr...

Niacin monograph & interactions

DMAE

Interacts with
219 drugs
60 mg per serving Form: 2-Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate

Deanol (DMAE) is a compound related to choline that is marketed for memory, focus, and mood, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limite...

DMAE monograph & interactions

Motherwort

Interacts with
248 drugs
60 mg per serving

Motherwort is a traditional herb in the mint family long used for anxiety, heart palpitations, and women's reproductive complaints, but solid human ev...

Motherwort monograph & interactions

Wintergreen

Interacts with
37 drugs
90 mg per serving

Wintergreen is a low-growing North American plant whose oil is rich in methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like compound used in topical pain rubs. While it...

Wintergreen monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Flour, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice Drug Interactions

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Go to the checker
1,072Drugs
2 Major 921 Moderate 149 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Niacin 727
GABA 419
DMAE 219

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Stress Defense 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.

Niacin15 drug types · 727 drugs

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin. Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine. Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Several cases of clotting factor synthesis deficiency and coagulopathy have been reported in patients taking sustained-release niacin. Also, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients treated with niacin or niacin plus lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension. Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
A case of myopathy from concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil has been reported. Niacin alone has also been associated with cases of myopathy. Using gemfibrozil with niacin might further increase the risk of developing myopathy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Niacin has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, especially when used in pharmacologic doses. Sustained-release niacin preparations appear to be associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than immediate-release niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins. However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Probenecid (Benemid)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Niacin and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that niacin may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.9 after taking niacin for two weeks. The patient's INR was previously stable, ranging between 2 and 3 in recent months, and no other medication changes were identified. The elevated INR returned to therapeutic range within 4 days following the discontinuation of niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing. Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal. Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45%. This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B

GABA2 drug types · 419 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking GABA with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical research shows that GABA can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, GABA might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Endogenous GABA has well-established relaxant effects and GABA(A) receptors have an established physiological role in sleep. However, the effects of GABA supplements are unclear, as it is unknown whether exogenous GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier. Although there have been limited reports of drowsiness or tiredness with GABA supplements, these effects have not been widely reported in clinical studies. Additionally, intravenous GABA 0.1-1 mg/kg has been shown to induce anxiety in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Motherwort1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking motherwort concomitantly with other CNS depressants may increase the risk of sedation.
Motherwort has been reported to cause CNS depression and sedation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

DMAE2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might decrease the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might increase the effects and adverse effects of cholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Inositol1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking inositol with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that inositol lowers blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

L-Glutamine1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Wintergreen2 drug types · 37 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Using wintergreen oil topically might increase the effects and adverse effects of warfarin.
Several case reports show that concomitant use of topical wintergreen oil-containing products and warfarin can increase INR and bleeding risk due to systemic absorption of the methyl salicylate contained in wintergreen oil. Topical analgesic gels, lotions, creams, ointments, liniments, and sprays can contain up to 55% methyl salicylate.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Aspirin

Using wintergreen oil topically in large amounts, with occlusive dressings, or for prolonged periods of time might increase the risk of additive salicylate toxicity when used with aspirin.
Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate. Topical analgesic gels, lotions, creams, ointments, liniments, and sprays can contain up to 55% methyl salicylate.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

L-Tyrosine2 drug types · 21 drugs

Levodopa

Theoretically, tyrosine might decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.
Tyrosine and levodopa compete for absorption in the proximal duodenum by the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transport system. Advise patients to separate doses of tyrosine and levodopa by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, tyrosine might have additive effects with thyroid hormone medications.
Tyrosine is a precursor to thyroxine and might increase levels of thyroid hormones.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

L-Glycine1 drug type · 1 drug

Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.
One small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that adding glycine to clozapine therapy worsens symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with clozapine alone. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Stress Defense, from the product label.

Prescribed Choice

See all Prescribed Choice products
Name
OLYMPIAN LABS INCORPORATED
Street Address
P.O. Box 12461
City
Scottsdale
State
AZ
ZipCode
85267
Phone Number
1-800-473-5883
Web Address
www.olympianlabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice: Common Questions

Does Stress Defense by Prescribed Choice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Stress Defense has a known interaction with 1,072 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Stress Defense contains 9 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 Stress Defense if I'm pregnant?
Some ingredients have data suggesting they're likely or possibly safe in pregnancy—L-glutamine is likely safe and inositol is possibly safe—but others either lack safety data or should be avoided. Motherwort may stimulate the uterus and should not be taken, and wintergreen should be avoided. High-dose niacin should also be avoided. Because this is an individual decision and the product has multiple ingredients with different safety profiles, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it during pregnancy.
Is Stress Defense safe to take while breastfeeding?
Several ingredients lack sufficient safety data for breastfeeding (L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, L-glycine, and DMAE), and some should be avoided entirely—GABA, motherwort, and wintergreen. Because of these gaps and concerns, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product while breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects come from L-glutamine and niacin and include gastrointestinal symptoms like belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Niacin can also cause flushing of the face and skin, headache, and heartburn. GABA may cause drowsiness and muscle weakness.
Does Stress Defense actually help with stress and anxiety?
The evidence is limited. GABA and motherwort are both used traditionally for anxiety and relaxation, but the data show insufficient evidence to reliably rate them for anxiety. L-glycine is possibly effective for schizophrenia. So while the product contains ingredients used for stress, we don't have strong clinical evidence that this particular combination works for stress in healthy people.
What is wintergreen in this product for?
Wintergreen is included for its traditional use in pain and muscle soreness relief. However, it contains methyl salicylate (an aspirin-like compound) that absorbs through the skin, especially under occlusive dressings, which creates serious interaction risks with blood thinners and aspirin. This ingredient requires careful consideration before use.
Can I take Stress Defense if I have liver or kidney problems?
L-glutamine should only be used under medical supervision if you have kidney or liver disease. Niacin at supplemental doses may increase liver stress. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product if you have either condition.

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.

Stress Defense label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Stress Defense’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Glutamine

Interacts with 50 drugs

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle cell disease complications, but for most...

Read the full Glutamine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba)

Interacts with 419 drugs

GABA is a calming chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that your body makes on its own, and it is sold as a supplement for stress, anxiety, and sleep. The science behind oral GABA supplemen...

Read the full Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Tyrosine

Interacts with 21 drugs

L-tyrosine is an amino acid your body uses to make brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Some studies suggest it may help mental performance during short-term stress, sleep loss,...

Read the full Tyrosine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Inositol

Interacts with 86 drugs

Inositol is a sugar alcohol made naturally in the body and found in many foods, and it is sold as a supplement (often myo-inositol) mainly for PCOS, mood, and metabolic concerns. The stronge...

Read the full Inositol monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Glycine

Interacts with 1 drug

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep quality, where early research is promisin...

Read the full Glycine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Niacin

Interacts with 727 drugs

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescription-strength niacin has been used to...

Read the full Niacin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Deanol

Interacts with 219 drugs

Deanol (DMAE) is a compound related to choline that is marketed for memory, focus, and mood, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited or mixed. It can cause side effects in...

Read the full Deanol monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Motherwort

Interacts with 248 drugs

Motherwort is a traditional herb in the mint family long used for anxiety, heart palpitations, and women's reproductive complaints, but solid human evidence is very limited. It should be avo...

Read the full Motherwort monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Wintergreen

Interacts with 37 drugs

Wintergreen is a low-growing North American plant whose oil is rich in methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like compound used in topical pain rubs. While it may help ease minor muscle and joint pa...

Read the full Wintergreen monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Stress Defense'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 140 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.

Glutamine 11 references
  1. Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
  2. Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
  3. Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
  4. Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
  5. Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
  6. Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
  7. Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
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Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (gaba) 12 references
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Tyrosine 4 references
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Inositol 14 references
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Glycine 5 references
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Niacin 66 references
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Deanol 15 references
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Motherwort 6 references
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Wintergreen 7 references
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