Introduction
Does Lion’s Mane make you feel weird, foggy, overstimulated — or just not like yourself?
You’re not imagining it. Many people with ADHD or sensitive nervous systems report strange sensations shortly after starting Lion’s Mane.
In this post, we’ll explain why Lion’s Mane makes you feel weird, what’s actually happening in your brain, and how to fix it (without quitting completely).
Why Lion’s Mane Makes You Feel “Weird” at First
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) — a protein that helps grow and repair neurons.
But this sudden neural activity can cause:
- Light-headedness or brain “tingles”
- Strange mood shifts (up or down)
- Feeling overstimulated or “floaty”
- Nighttime vivid dreams or waking at odd hours
📌 This is most common during the first 3–10 days of starting Lion’s Mane, especially with higher doses.
Real Reason 1: Overactive Nerve Growth
Lion’s Mane stimulates NGF — that’s what makes it powerful.
But overproduction can cause sensitivity or neuroinflammation in already fragile ADHD brains.
If your brain is already “on fire,” adding growth factors without calming herbs may make things worse.
Reason 2: You Took Too Much
Most side effects come from high doses — more than 1000mg per day.
Some supplements use:
- Mycelium (less effective but causes bloating)
- Unstandardised powder with unpredictable strength
Start slow:
- 250–500 mg daily
- Use fruiting body only
- Take it with breakfast to reduce mental fog or anxiety
Reason 3: You’re Detoxing or Shifting Brain Chemistry
Some people experience a “nootropic detox”, where your body and brain are rewiring.
This might include:
- Brief emotional swings
- Headaches or muscle fatigue
- Feeling “off” as your brain adapts
It usually settles in 1–2 weeks.
How to Fix the Weirdness (Without Quitting)
✅ 1. Reduce Your Dose by Half
If you’re taking 2 capsules, try 1.
If it’s powder, cut back to 250–500 mg max per day.
✅ 2. Switch to Fruiting Body Dual Extract
Skip cheap powders or blends. Choose:
- Fruiting body only (no grain or mycelium)
- Dual extract (water + alcohol)
- 3rd-party tested brands like Real Mushrooms, FreshCap, or Host Defense
✅ 3. Stack with Calming Herbs (Optional)
Lion’s Mane can be stimulating, so balance it with:
- Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress)
- L-Theanine (for smooth calm + focus)
- Magnesium glycinate (for sleep)
✅ 4. Take Breaks or Cycle
If it still feels too much:
- Try 5 days on, 2 days off
- Or use only on work/study days
You’ll still get benefits without constant stimulation.
When to Stop Lion’s Mane Completely
You should stop Lion’s Mane immediately if you experience:
- Panic attacks or heart palpitations
- Depersonalisation or visual hallucinations
- Long-lasting brain fog or insomnia
- Any feeling of being “disconnected” from your body
These are rare but real for some neurodivergent brains.
Final Answer: Why Does Lion’s Mane Make You Feel Weird?
It’s not just in your head.
Lion’s Mane is a powerful brain compound that stimulates neural growth, but in ADHD or sensitive individuals, it can feel like overload at first.
✅ Reduce your dose
✅ Choose the right extract
✅ Give it 10–14 days
✅ Or stop completely if symptoms worsen
3 thoughts on “Lion’s Mane Makes Me Feel Weird? Here’s Why and How to Fix It”