Valerian Drug Interactions (Cont.)

Valerian Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when valerian is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Alcohol
Combining alcohol with valerian can increase your risk of valerian side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or difficulty breathing. Serious side effects may also occur. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking valerian.
 
Antidepressant Medications
Combining an antidepressant with valerian can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or difficulty breathing. Serious side effects may also occur. In addition, some antidepressants can increase the level of valerian in your blood, which increases the risk of side effects even more. Valerian can also make depression symptoms worse in some people. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking valerian with an antidepressant, as you may need to be monitored more closely.
 
Antipsychotic Medications
Taking an antipsychotic medication with valerian can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or difficulty breathing. Serious side effects may also occur. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking valerian with an antipsychotic medication. If you are taking an antipsychotic medication, do not treat yourself for insomnia or any other sleep disorder without first talking to your healthcare provider.
 
Barbiturates
Combining a barbiturate with valerian can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or difficulty breathing. Serious side effects may also occur. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking valerian with a barbiturate.
(Valerian Drug Interactions Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;