Nugenix is one of the better-known testosterone booster brands in the United States, and I’ve personally tested it in the past.

One question I’ve received repeatedly over the years is:

What are the side effects of Nugenix?

Rather than simply repeating the warnings on the bottle, I originally went through 1,045 customer reviews and recorded every side effect or adverse reaction users said they experienced while taking Nugenix.

The most frequently reported problems included increased blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, unusual urine odor, upset stomach, heart palpitations and headaches.

There is an important catch, however: those reviews largely involved an older Nugenix formula.

Nugenix has since been reformulated, and the current Total-T and Total-T2 products contain a substantially different combination of ingredients.

So this updated review separates the original customer reports from what consumers should know about Nugenix in 2026.

Nugenix Side Effects: Quick Answer

Of the 1,045 Nugenix reviews I analyzed, 36 reviewers reported at least one side effect or adverse reaction.

The most commonly reported issues were:

• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual urine odor
• Upset stomach
• Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Diarrhea

That means approximately 3.4% of the reviews I examined specifically mentioned an adverse effect.

However, that should not be interpreted as Nugenix having a scientifically established 3.4% side-effect rate.

These were customer reviews, not participants in a controlled clinical trial.

A person developing a headache while taking Nugenix does not necessarily mean Nugenix caused the headache.

The formula has also changed substantially since most of those reviews were collected.

What Side Effects Did Nugenix Users Report?

I originally reviewed more than 1,000 individual Nugenix customer experiences.
Many weren’t especially useful.

Some people simply wrote that Nugenix worked, didn’t work, or wasn’t worth the money.

Others described specific physical symptoms.

Here is what I found:

Reported Side Effect	Number of Reports
Increased blood pressure	10
Nausea or vomiting	9
Unusual urine odor	8
Upset stomach	7
Increased heart rate or heart palpitations	4
Headache	4
Burping or bad aftertaste	3
Indigestion or heartburn	3
Diarrhea	3
Decreased blood pressure	2
Jitters	1
Flatulence	1
Itching	1
Hot flashes	1
Burning urination	1
Intestinal bleeding	1
Fatigue	1
Agitation	1
Anxiety	1
Stomach pain	1
Abdominal cramps	1
Changes in vision	1
Constipation	1
Vivid dreams	1

A total of 36 reviews contained at least one reported side effect.

Some people reported multiple symptoms, which is why the individual numbers add up to more than 36.

These reports are useful because they show what real customers experienced, but they do not establish causation.

Someone can start taking Nugenix on Monday and get a headache on Tuesday without Nugenix necessarily being responsible.

Some Reviews Described More Serious Reactions

Most complaints were relatively minor, but a few reviews caught my attention.

One reviewer reported going to the emergency room after his blood pressure allegedly reached 170/110.

Another described becoming extremely sick, shaking and sweating after taking Nugenix.

Other reviewers mentioned heart palpitations or dramatic changes in blood pressure.

Those accounts are worth documenting, but an online customer review alone cannot determine what actually caused a medical event.

Other medications, underlying health conditions, other supplements, illness, dehydration, allergic reactions and numerous other factors could have played a role.

That’s why I view these reports as signals worth knowing about, not proof that Nugenix caused the reaction.

Nugenix Has Been Reformulated

This is the biggest reason the original version of this article needed an update.

Older Nugenix products contained ingredients such as fenugreek and Tribulus terrestris.

Today’s flagship products are different.

Nugenix currently sells Total-T and the newer Total-T2, which the company describes as an upgraded version of Total-T.

Nugenix has also sold several other formulas over the years, including Nugenix Maxx, which I reviewed separately.

Current Nugenix Total-T Ingredients

Three capsules currently provide:

Ingredient	Amount
Vitamin B6	2 mg
Vitamin B12	2.4 mcg
Zinc	1 mg
L-Citrulline Malate 2:1	1,125 mg
Tesnor	400 mg
elevATP	150 mg
Tongkat Ali	100 mg
Boron	10 mg

Nugenix specifically says it changed its citrulline-malate ratio from 1:1 to 2:1 partly to reduce potential gastrointestinal effects associated with the larger amount of malate in the older formulation.

Current Nugenix Total-T2 Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Vitamin D	20 mcg
Zinc	1 mg
L-Citrulline Malate 2:1	1,125 mg
Tesnor	400 mg
elevATP	150 mg
Tongkat Ali	150 mg
S7 botanical blend	25 mg
Boron	10 mg

S7 contains extracts from green coffee, green tea, turmeric, sour cherry, blueberry, broccoli and kale.

Nugenix describes Total-T2 as stimulant-free.

That distinction matters because someone researching Nugenix side effects today may be taking a very different product from the people whose reviews I originally analyzed.

Can Nugenix Cause Nausea or Stomach Problems?

Gastrointestinal complaints were among the most common adverse experiences in my original research.

Users reported:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Abdominal cramps
• Gas

These kinds of reactions are possible with many multi-ingredient supplements.

The current formula also contains 10 mg of boron per daily serving.

For comparison, the National Institutes of Health lists the adult tolerable upper intake level for boron as 20 mg per day from all sources.¹

Symptoms associated with excessive boron intake can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches.

That does not mean the 10 mg in Nugenix is a toxic dose.

It’s half the adult upper limit.

It does mean I would check any other supplements you’re taking so that you don’t unknowingly combine several high-boron products.

The majority of the 1,045 Nugenix reviewers I analyzed did not report gastrointestinal problems.

Can Nugenix Raise Blood Pressure?

This was the most commonly reported issue in my historical analysis.

Ten reviewers reported increased blood pressure, while two reported decreased blood pressure.

That inconsistency is another reason I wouldn’t label high blood pressure a proven Nugenix side effect based solely on customer reviews.

The current products are also marketed as stimulant-free.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials also found no significant effect of L-citrulline supplementation on either brachial or aortic blood pressure.²

Tesnor, another ingredient in current Nugenix formulas, contains pomegranate and cocoa extracts.⁶

Separate meta-analyses of pomegranate and cocoa interventions have generally found reductions rather than increases in blood pressure, although those findings should not be assumed to apply directly to Tesnor or Nugenix.⁷

So while I take those historical complaints seriously, there isn’t enough evidence from them to conclude that current Nugenix Total-T or Total-T2 predictably raises blood pressure.

If you already have high blood pressure or take medication to control it, however, I would discuss the current ingredient label with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Nugenix.

Can Nugenix Cause Heart Palpitations?

Four reviewers in my original analysis reported an increased heart rate or heart palpitations.

Again, that’s enough for me to mention it, but not enough to prove Nugenix caused it.

One notable difference with current Nugenix is that Total-T and Total-T2 are not marketed as stimulant supplements.

That makes them different from high-caffeine pre-workouts and fat burners where an increased heart rate would be less surprising.

If you experience persistent palpitations, chest pain, faintness or another concerning cardiovascular symptom after starting any supplement, stop taking it and seek appropriate medical evaluation.

What About the Strange-Smelling Urine?

This was one of the more unusual findings in my original research.

Eight reviewers reported a noticeable change in the odor of their urine.

The older Nugenix formula contained fenugreek, which can produce a distinctive odor in sweat and urine in some users.

Current Total-T and Total-T2 do not list fenugreek on their Supplement Facts panels.

For that reason, I would not assume this historical complaint applies to a bottle of Nugenix purchased today.

It’s a good example of why old supplement reviews need to be periodically revisited.

The brand name may remain the same even when the actual product has changed substantially.

What About Tongkat Ali?

Both current formulas contain Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia.

Total-T provides 100 mg, while Total-T2 provides 150 mg.

Human studies of standardized Tongkat Ali extracts have reported no clinically relevant safety changes during relatively short-term use, including a 12-week randomized controlled trial in older men.³

However, that doesn’t establish long-term safety for every Tongkat Ali extract or formulation.

The European Food Safety Authority has raised genotoxicity concerns about one specific standardized Eurycoma longifolia root extract, and a 2024 case report described acute liver injury associated with Tongkat Ali supplementation.^{4 5}

Tongkat Ali is one of the more heavily marketed ingredients in modern testosterone boosters, but the long-term safety database for concentrated extracts is not as extensive as it is for established medications.

That doesn’t mean Tongkat Ali is inherently unsafe.

It means I would be cautious about claims that any product containing it is guaranteed to be completely side-effect-free.

This is particularly relevant if you take multiple herbal supplements containing overlapping ingredients.

Does Nugenix Have Drug Interactions?

The original version of this article contained an enormous list of possible medication interactions based on ingredients in older Nugenix formulas.

I don’t think it’s responsible to continue presenting that old list as though it automatically applies to Total-T or Total-T2.

The formula changed.

A better approach is to evaluate the specific product you’re currently taking.

The NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that dietary supplements can increase or decrease the effects of medications or interact with them in other potentially harmful ways.⁸

This is particularly important if you:

• Take prescription medications regularly
• Use medication for high or low blood pressure
• Take anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs
• Have cardiovascular disease
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Take several dietary supplements at the same time
• Have previously reacted badly to herbal supplements

Bring the actual Supplement Facts panel to your doctor or pharmacist so they can evaluate the current ingredients rather than relying on an old Nugenix interaction list.

Is Nugenix Safe With Blood Pressure Medication?

I would not make a blanket statement that Nugenix is safe with every blood-pressure medication.

Blood pressure drugs vary considerably, as do people’s medical histories.

The fact that increased blood pressure appeared in ten historical reviews also gives people with hypertension a legitimate reason to be more cautious, even though those reports do not prove causation.

If you’re taking prescription medication for hypertension, the simplest approach is to have your prescriber or pharmacist review the current Nugenix label before using it.

Is Nugenix Safe?

This is where my opinion has changed since I originally wrote this article.

Years ago, I described Nugenix as essentially a completely safe supplement.

I wouldn’t make that statement today.

Not because I’ve uncovered evidence that Nugenix is inherently dangerous, but because declaring any multi-ingredient supplement “completely safe” is too broad.

Here’s what we actually know from my research:

• I personally used an older version of Nugenix without experiencing noticeable side effects.
• Only 36 of the 1,045 historical reviews I analyzed specifically reported adverse effects.
• Customer reviews cannot determine causation.
• Current Nugenix uses a substantially different formula.
• The current products are marketed as stimulant-free.
• Some of the botanical ingredients have less extensive long-term safety data than established medications.

My updated conclusion is therefore:

Nugenix appears to be tolerated without obvious side effects by many users, but that doesn’t mean everyone will tolerate it or that it is appropriate for every person or medication combination.

My Personal Experience With Nugenix

I’ve personally tested Nugenix.

During my own test, I did not experience the blood-pressure problems, nausea, palpitations or other adverse reactions described in some customer reviews.

Of course, that’s just my experience.

It also involved an older formulation, so I wouldn’t use my personal results to predict exactly how someone will respond to current Total-T or Total-T2.

If you’re primarily interested in whether the product actually worked for me, my full Nugenix review covers my results and testing experience in much greater detail.

If you’re comparing Nugenix with other testosterone boosters, I’ve also put together a detailed guide to Nugenix alternatives.

Nugenix Reviews vs. Actual Safety Data

The 1,045-review analysis remains useful because it’s a large collection of real-world experiences.

But online reviews have serious limitations.

There was no:

• Placebo group
• Medical screening
• Verification of reported symptoms
• Control over other supplements
• Control over medications
• Standardization of health conditions
• Way to establish that Nugenix caused a particular event

That’s why I think the most useful way to evaluate Nugenix side effects is to combine real customer experiences with what we know about the current ingredients.

Neither source tells the whole story by itself.

When Should You Stop Taking Nugenix?

You shouldn’t assume that a new or significant symptom is something you simply need to tolerate until your body “gets used to” a supplement.

If you develop a concerning reaction after starting Nugenix, discontinue it and contact an appropriate healthcare professional.

Seek urgent medical attention for potentially serious symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or major neurological changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nugenix side effects?

In my historical analysis of 1,045 Nugenix reviews, the most commonly reported problems were increased blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, unusual urine odor, upset stomach, increased heart rate or palpitations and headaches.

Those reports largely involved an older Nugenix formula and should not be treated as proven side effects of current Total-T or Total-T2.

How many Nugenix users reported side effects?

Thirty-six of the 1,045 reviews I analyzed reported at least one adverse effect, or approximately 3.4%.

That is a statistic from the review sample, not a clinically established Nugenix side-effect rate.

Does Nugenix raise blood pressure?

Ten users in my historical review analysis reported increased blood pressure.

However, there isn’t enough evidence from customer reviews to conclude that current Nugenix reliably raises blood pressure.

People with hypertension or those taking blood-pressure medication should discuss the current formula with their healthcare provider.

Can Nugenix cause heart palpitations?

Four historical reviews mentioned increased heart rate or palpitations.
That does not prove Nugenix was responsible.

Persistent or concerning palpitations warrant medical evaluation.

Does Nugenix cause nausea?

Nausea or vomiting appeared in nine of the historical reviews I analyzed.
Current Nugenix has been reformulated, so the historical figures should not automatically be applied to Total-T or Total-T2.

Does Nugenix make your urine smell?

Eight historical reviewers reported unusual urine odor.

The older formula contained fenugreek, while current Total-T and Total-T2 do not list fenugreek.

That complaint may therefore be less relevant to current products.

Does Nugenix contain testosterone?

No.

Nugenix Total-T and Total-T2 do not contain testosterone itself.

They are dietary supplements containing combinations of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and other ingredients marketed to support testosterone production.

Is Nugenix FDA approved?

No.

Nugenix is sold as a dietary supplement rather than an FDA-approved prescription treatment for testosterone deficiency.

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the FDA does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.⁹

Can I take Nugenix if I have high blood pressure?

If you have diagnosed hypertension or use prescription blood-pressure medication, have the current Nugenix ingredient label reviewed by your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Are Nugenix Total-T and Total-T2 the same?

No.

Total-T2 increases Tongkat Ali from 100 mg to 150 mg, uses vitamin D rather than the B6/B12 combination found in Total-T, and adds the 25 mg S7 botanical blend.

Both currently contain citrulline malate, Tesnor, elevATP, zinc and boron.

Bottom Line

The most valuable piece of information from my original Nugenix side-effects investigation is still the same:

I analyzed 1,045 customer reviews, and 36 contained at least one reported adverse effect.

The most frequently mentioned complaints were increased blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, unusual urine odor, upset stomach, palpitations and headaches.

But those reports need context.

They don’t prove Nugenix caused the symptoms, and most were collected when Nugenix used a substantially different formula.

Current Total-T and Total-T2 rely on ingredients such as citrulline malate, Tesnor, elevATP, Tongkat Ali and boron, with Total-T2 adding vitamin D and the S7 botanical blend.

So I would neither call Nugenix “completely safe” nor conclude from a handful of alarming reviews that it is inherently dangerous.

The more accurate takeaway is that many users appear to tolerate Nugenix without reporting obvious side effects, but individual reactions are possible and people using prescription medications or managing medical conditions should be more cautious.

For someone primarily concerned about side effects, the most useful thing you can do is make sure you’re researching the specific Nugenix formula currently on your bottle, rather than relying on safety information from an older version of the product.

References

1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Boron: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed August 7, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Boron-HealthProfessional/
2. Mirenayat MS, Moradi S, Mohammadi H, Rouhani MH.
   
   Effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2018;20(11):98. doi:10.1007/s11906-018-0898-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30284051/
3. Chinnappan SM, George A, Pandey P, Narke G, Choudhary YK.
   
   Effect of Eurycoma longifolia standardised aqueous root extract-Physta on testosterone levels and quality of life in ageing male subjects: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study. Food Nutr Res. 2021;65:5647. doi:10.29219/fnr.v65.5647. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34262417/
4. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA).
   
   Safety of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) root extract as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J. 2021;19(12):e06937. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6937. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34987621/
5. Kaliounji A, Shadid G, Saba H, Ahlawat S.
   
   A rare case of Tongkat Ali-induced liver injury: a case report. 2024;16(3):e56639. doi:10.7759/cureus.56639. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38646387/
6. Bahari H, Omidian K, Goudarzi K, et al.
   
   The effects of pomegranate consumption on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2024;38(5):2234-2248. doi:10.1002/ptr.8170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38410857/
7. Amoah I, Lim JJ, Osei EO, et al.
   
   Effect of cocoa beverage and dark chocolate consumption on blood pressure in those with normal and elevated blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2022;11(13):1962. doi:10.3390/foods11131962. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35804776/
8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. How Medications and Supplements Can Interact. National Institutes of Health.
   
   Accessed August 7, 2026. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/know-science/how-medications-and-supplements-can-interact/introduction
9. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Accessed August 7, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/

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