Why Methylene Blue Use Is Rising — And Why Doctors Are Worried

Methylene blue, a dye first developed in the 1800s, has traditionally been used in medicine to treat conditions like methemoglobinemia, a rare disorder affecting the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. In hospital settings, it also plays a role in guiding surgeries and is sometimes used in the treatment of certain poisonings. But recently, the compound has gained a different kind of popularity—this time on social media.

Health influencers and wellness enthusiasts have started promoting methylene blue as a cognitive enhancer and mood booster. Some claim it can improve focus, reduce brain fog, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, interest in the substance has surged, despite little scientific evidence supporting such off-label uses in healthy individuals.

Physicians and toxicologists are sounding the alarm about the potential dangers of self-administering methylene blue. When used without medical supervision, it can lead to serious side effects, especially if the product is not pharmaceutical grade. One major concern is serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if methylene blue is combined with antidepressants or other medications that affect serotonin levels in the brain.

In hospitals, methylene blue is administered in carefully controlled doses, and patients are monitored for adverse reactions. In contrast, over-the-counter or online formulations vary widely in strength and purity. Some products are intended for use in fish tanks, not humans—yet they're still being consumed by people seeking health benefits.

Medical professionals emphasize that there are significant risks in taking a compound like this without proper guidance. The compound can affect different body systems, especially the brain and cardiovascular system, depending on the dose and interaction with other substances.

Despite its resurgence as a wellness trend, experts warn that methylene blue is not a harmless nootropic. They urge caution, particularly given the lack of robust clinical evidence for its use outside of specific medical contexts. With its growing popularity online, health authorities may soon need to step in with clearer regulations and public guidance.