In the brain, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a cofactor for enzymes that make key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, so low B6 status can contribute to depressive symptoms, irritability, and increased stress sensitivity. Epidemiologic studies in older adults and other populations have found that low plasma pyridoxal‑5‑phosphate (the active B6 form) or lower dietary B6 intake is associated with higher depression scores and roughly doubled odds of having clinically significant depressive symptomatology. The encouraging finding from emerging trials is that, in people with low or marginal B6 status, supplementation can modestly improve measures of anxiety and depressed mood, especially when used as part of a broader treatment plan that also addresses sleep, stress, and other nutrient deficiencies. This medication is commonly used for Depression.
Lu J, Mao H, Tan Y, Luo G. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010. Brain Behav. 2024 Nov;14(11):e70128.Arévalo SP, Scott TM, Falcón LM, Tucker KL. Vitamin B-6 and depressive symptomatology, over time, in older Latino adults. Nutr Neurosci. 2019 Sep;22(9):625-636. Durrani D, Idrees R, Idrees H, Ellahi A. Vitamin B6: A new approach to lowering anxiety, and depression? Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Sep 15;82:104663. Ryan KM, Allers KA, Harkin A, McLoughlin DM. Blood plasma B vitamins in depression and the therapeutic response to electroconvulsive therapy. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2020 Mar 28;4:100063.
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.