When you hear about meldonium, a drug originally developed in Latvia to improve heart function under physical stress, often used by athletes and people with heart conditions. Also known as mildronate, it’s not approved in the U.S. or many Western countries, but it’s still taken abroad or bought online—often without knowing the risks. Meldonium isn’t a typical prescription drug. It’s more like a metabolic tweak: it changes how your body uses energy, especially during physical strain. That’s why some athletes use it, hoping for better endurance. But it’s not harmless. People report side effects, some mild, others serious enough to stop use.
Common side effects include digestive upset, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea, which show up in about 1 in 10 users. Less common but more concerning are heart rhythm changes, like increased heart rate or palpitations, especially if you already have heart issues. Some people feel dizzy, anxious, or get headaches. Rare reports mention allergic skin reactions or elevated liver enzymes. These aren’t just theory—they come from real users who reported them to health agencies after taking the drug. If you’re using it, you need to know your body’s response. Don’t ignore a racing heart or persistent nausea. That’s your signal to stop and check in with a doctor.
What makes meldonium tricky is that it’s often taken without medical supervision. People buy it online because it’s cheap, or they hear it helps with energy. But without a proper diagnosis, you might be masking a real problem—like low iron, sleep apnea, or heart disease—instead of treating it. And if you’re on other meds, like blood pressure pills or diabetes drugs, meldonium could interact in ways no one warned you about. There’s no official guide for safe use in most countries, so you’re on your own. That’s why tracking side effects matters. If you’ve had a bad reaction, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re helping others avoid the same thing.
Below, you’ll find real stories and data from people who’ve used meldonium and experienced side effects. Some wrote about how they handled nausea. Others described sudden heart flutters after a workout. A few shared how they reported their reactions to health authorities. These aren’t abstract warnings—they’re lived experiences. Whether you’re thinking about trying it, already taking it, or just curious, this collection gives you the unfiltered truth. No hype. No marketing. Just what actually happens when people take this drug.