In the brain, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed to produce neurotransmitters and to keep homocysteine in check, so low B6 status has been linked to both depressed mood and subtle cognitive problems such as slower processing and poorer attention in some adults. Observational work in older populations suggests that lower blood levels or intakes of B6 tend to track with worse performance on memory, executive‑function, and psychomotor‑speed tests, raising concern that marginal B6 status may contribute to age‑related cognitive decline. Clinically, when B6 deficiency coexists with depression, correcting it is viewed as one modifiable factor that may help support clearer thinking and better cognitive function alongside standard psychiatric and lifestyle treatments. This medication is commonly used for Depression.
Palacios N, Scott T, Sahasrabudhe N, Gao X, Tucker KL. Lower Plasma Vitamin B-6 is Associated with 2-Year Cognitive Decline in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. J Nutr. 2019 Apr 1;149(4):635-641. Hughes CF, Ward M, Tracey F, Hoey L, Molloy AM, Pentieva K, McNulty H. B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients. 2017 Jan 10;9(1):53. Kim H, Kim G, Jang W, Kim SY, Chang N. Association between intake of B vitamins and cognitive function in elderly Koreans with cognitive impairment. Nutr J. 2014 Dec 17;13(1):118. Zhao L, Guan L, Sun J, Li X. Serum levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are associated with cognitive impairments in depression patients. Acta Neuropsychiatrica. 2024;36(1):44-50
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) can interfere with the activity of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and can cause a deficiency. Supplementing with vitamin B6 should be considered.