From the Research
Recommended Dosage of Creatine for Treating Depression
The recommended dosage of creatine (creatine monohydrate) for treating depression is not universally established, but several studies provide insight into the dosages used in clinical trials:
- A 2007 study published in Bipolar disorders used a dosage of 3-5 g/day of creatine monohydrate in an open add-on design for four weeks 1.
- A 2013 study published in International clinical psychopharmacology used dosages of 5 or 10 g daily of creatine monohydrate for four weeks 2.
- A 2021 study published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition mentions that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day) 3.
- A 2025 study published in European neuropsychopharmacology used creatine monohydrate in addition to cognitive-behavioural therapy, but does not specify the exact dosage used 4.
Key Findings
Key findings from these studies include:
- Creatine monohydrate may have a beneficial effect in unipolar depression, but may precipitate a manic switch in bipolar depression 1.
- Creatine administration may increase the expression of neuroprotective proteins in the hippocampus of mice, suggesting a potential antidepressant-like effect 5.
- Creatine supplementation may be a useful and safe supplement to cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression, with a significant reduction in depression scores 4.
- Creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day) 3.