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

Tension Release Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by MegaFood

Tension Release label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
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 Tension Release 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

Tension Release is a dietary supplement by MegaFood with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, physical and athletic performance, stress resistance (adaptogen).Based on those ingredients, 1,495 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract, Eleuthero root extract, Passion Flower vine extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Tension Release by MegaFood

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Tension Release by MegaFood — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tension Release by MegaFood

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Tension Release contains four active herbal ingredients. Eleuthero root extract is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used for stress and stamina.

Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract is a standardized form of ashwagandha, another adaptogen linked to relaxation and sleep support. Lemon balm leaf extract comes from a mint-family plant used for calming, and passion flower vine extract is a sedative herb traditionally used for anxiety and sleep.

The product also contains inactive ingredients (cellulose, vegetable lubricant, and silica) that serve as fillers and binders in the tablet.

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: calm and relax tension.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Adjustment disorders, Insomnia, Muscle cramps, Psychological well-being — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Passion Flower is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pre-procedural anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Passion Flower is rated "Possibly Effective" for Insomnia.
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia.

The evidence for what this product actually does is mixed and depends on which herb you're asking about. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, and stress relief.

Lemon balm is possibly effective for cold sores and stress, and may help with depression. Passion flower is possibly effective for insomnia and anxiety before a medical procedure.

Eleuthero, however, shows only possibly effective evidence for genital herpes; for other uses like fatigue, bone health, and bipolar disorder, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate it. Since this is a blend, the real-world benefit depends on your reason for taking it and how much of each herb is in each dose — neither of which is specified on the label.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Eleuthero Ashwagandha Lemon Balm Passion Flower

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Short-term use of these herbs is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data is limited for all of them. The most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, headache, and gastrointestinal upset.

Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability have been reported with eleuthero, especially at higher doses. Ashwagandha and passion flower can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Eleuthero may raise blood pressure, and ashwagandha has been linked in rare cases to serious liver problems and thyroid effects — if you take this product and develop yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or sudden thyroid symptoms, stop and contact your doctor. During pregnancy, eleuthero should be avoided due to insufficient safety data.

Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage and should also be avoided. Lemon balm and passion flower should be avoided in pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise.

None of these herbs have sufficient breastfeeding safety data — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Eleuthero Ashwagandha Lemon Balm Passion Flower

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,496 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 this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take heart medications (especially digoxin), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, sedatives or benzodiazepines, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants, or any drug that can damage the liver. These are the main drug categories where documented moderate-to-serious interactions exist.

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.

Tension Release is a four-ingredient herbal blend aimed at stress and sleep. If you take any prescription medications — especially for your heart, blood pressure, thyroid, blood sugar, or anxiety — check your specific drugs against the interaction tool below before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss this product with their doctor first. Short-term use in otherwise healthy people is generally tolerable, but talk to your pharmacist if you're considering long-term use or have liver or heart concerns.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2016.

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 Tension Release, straight from the product label.

Brand MegaFood
Barcode (UPC) 051494801048
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2016
DSLD ID 62785
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Tension Release by MegaFood, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
051494801048
IngredientAmount% DV
Eleuthero root extract200 mg--
Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract250 mg--
Lemon Balm leaf extract200 mg--
Passion Flower vine extract300 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Plant, Vegetable Lubricant, 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

F1317B Rev: 4 10/15

Brand IP Statement(s)

Fresh from farm to tablet

Sensoril is a trademark of Natreon, Inc. and is Protected under U.S. Patent 6,713,092

General Statements

Nourish - Calm - Relax

60 Servings

Please recycle

MegaFood cares about doing things the right way - we refuse to take shortcuts, and we never compromise on quality or the things that matter. Since 1973, we have been mastering the art of wholesome nourishment, focusing on authentic nutrition that your body just gets - pure and potent formulas for whole-body health.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

NSF Certified Gluten-Free

V Certified vegan vegan.org

Tested free pesticides & herbicides

Soy free

Dairy free

Non GMO

OK

Formulation

NSF Certified Gluten-Free

V Certified vegan vegan.org

Tested free pesticides & herbicides

Soy free

Dairy free

Non GMO

Formula

OK

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily. May be taken anytime throughout the day, even on an empty stomach.

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

See for yourself

Tension Release by MegaFood label

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

Tension Release 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 Tension Release by MegaFood

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.

Eleuthero root extract

Interacts with
1,140 drugs
200 mg per serving

Eleuthero is an herb traditionally used as an 'adaptogen' to fight fatigue, boost energy, and help the body handle stress. The scientific evidence beh...

Eleuthero root extract monograph & interactions

Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Withanolides

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract monograph & interactions

Lemon Balm leaf extract

Interacts with
264 drugs
200 mg per serving

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold so...

Lemon Balm leaf extract monograph & interactions

Passion Flower vine extract

Interacts with
836 drugs
300 mg per serving

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restless...

Passion Flower vine extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Plant, Vegetable Lubricant, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Tension Release by MegaFood Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tension Release?

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
1,495Drugs
1,178 Moderate 317 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract 1,372
Eleuthero root extract 1,140
Passion Flower vine extract 836
Lemon Balm leaf extract 264

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Tension Release interact with 1,495 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Tension Release interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract Eleuthero root extract Passion Flower vine extract Lemon Balm leaf extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Tension Release 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.

Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Sensoril Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root & leaf extract full monograph & interactions

Eleuthero root extract10 drug types · 1,140 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, eleuthero may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that a constituent of eleuthero, dihydroxybenzoic acid, appears to inhibit platelet aggregation. Concomitant use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, eleuthero might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that certain constituents of eleuthero have hypoglycemic activity in both healthy and diabetic animals. A small study in adults with type 2 diabetes also shows that taking eleuthero for 3 months can lower blood glucose levels. However, one very small study in healthy individuals shows that taking powdered eleuthero 3 grams, 40 minutes prior to a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, significantly increases postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with placebo. These contradictory findings might be due to patient-specific variability and variability in active ingredient ratios.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero inhibit CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2C9. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Eleuthero might increase serum digoxin levels and increase the risk of side effects.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male who was stabilized on digoxin presented with an elevated serum digoxin level after starting an eleuthero supplement, without symptoms of toxicity. After stopping the supplement, serum digoxin levels returned to normal. It is not clear whether this was due to a pharmacokinetic interaction or to interference with the digoxin assay. Although the product was found to be free of digoxin and digitoxin, it was not tested for other contaminants.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, eleuthero might interfere with immunosuppressive drugs because of its immunostimulant activity.
Animal and in vitro research shows that eleuthero extracts have immunomodulatory effects, including increasing cellular and humoral activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero can inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. However, it is too soon to tell if this is clinically important. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2D6. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP2D6 drug metabolism.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP3A4. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP3A4 drug metabolism.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, eleuthero might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by OATP.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero inhibits OATP2B1, which might reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP2B1. Due to the weak inhibitory effect identified in this study, this interaction is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Eleuthero root extract full monograph & interactions

Passion Flower vine extract3 drug types · 836 drugs

Cns Depressants

Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Research in animals and humans shows that passion flower has sedative effects which can be additive when used with sedative medications like lorazepam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that passion flower can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, passion flower might reduce the bioavailability of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the passion flower constituents apigenin and vitexin inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. This inhibition may be dose-dependent. One specific high-flavonoid passion flower extract (Valverde) seems to inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while another extract with a lower flavonoid concentration (Arkocaps) shows less potent inhibition. OATPs are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body; however, the specific activities of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 are not well characterized.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Passion Flower vine extract full monograph & interactions

Lemon Balm leaf extract2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lemon Balm leaf extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Tension Release, from the product label.

MegaFood

See all MegaFood products
Name
MegaFood
Street Address
PO Box 325
City
Derry
State
NH
ZipCode
03038
Phone Number
800-848-2542
Web Address
megafood.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tension Release by MegaFood: Common Questions

Does Tension Release by MegaFood interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tension Release has a known interaction with 1,495 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Tension Release contains 4 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.
What is Sensoril Ashwagandha, and how is it different from regular ashwagandha?
Sensoril is a branded, standardized extract of ashwagandha root and leaf. Standardized extracts are processed to contain consistent levels of the active compounds, making them more predictable than raw plant material. The specific benefits are the same — possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, and stress — but the dose and potency are more controlled.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
No — not without talking to your doctor first. Eleuthero in this product may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely. Please check with them before starting.
Will this product make me drowsy?
Possibly. Ashwagandha, lemon balm, and passion flower all have sedative effects. Drowsiness and dizziness are reported side effects, especially if you take other sedating drugs or benzodiazepines. If you need to be alert, start with a low dose and see how you respond.
Is this safe to take long-term?
The data shows these herbs are generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety information is limited for all four ingredients. If you plan to use it regularly for months, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have any liver concerns.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The safety data for breastfeeding is insufficient for all four ingredients. There isn't enough information to know if they pass into breast milk or if they're safe for the baby. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before using while nursing.
What if I'm taking diabetes medication — is this safe?
Both eleuthero and ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels, so combining them with diabetes drugs could increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you take antidiabetes medication, discuss this product with your pharmacist before starting and let them know your blood sugar readings if you do use it.

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.

Tension Release label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Tension Release’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Eleuthero

Interacts with 1,140 drugs

Eleuthero is an herb traditionally used as an 'adaptogen' to fight fatigue, boost energy, and help the body handle stress. The scientific evidence behind these uses is limited and mixed, so...

Read the full Eleuthero monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lemon Balm

Interacts with 264 drugs

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold sores. Early studies are promising but gen...

Read the full Lemon Balm monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Passion Flower

Interacts with 836 drugs

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restlessness, but the evidence is limited and mo...

Read the full Passion Flower monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Tension Release'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 87 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.

Eleuthero 24 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. CMAJ 1996;155:293-5.
  3. Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng toxicity may be case of mistaken identity (letter). CMAJ 1996;155:1237.
  4. Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
  5. Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Zhou L, et al. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on c-DNA-expressed P450 drug metabolizing enzymes. Alt Ther 2001;7:S14.
  6. Hikino H, Takahashi M, Otake K, Konno C. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: glycans of Eleutherococcus senticosus roots. J Nat Prod 1986;49:293-7. PubMed
  7. Yun-Choi HS, Kim JH, Lee JR. Potential inhibitors of platelet aggregation from plant sources, III. J Nat Prod 1987;50:1059-64. PubMed
  8. Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Chavin KD, et al. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) Effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Activity in Normal Volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:519-22.. PubMed
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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Lemon Balm 12 references
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Passion Flower 19 references
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