Valerian Drug Interactions

There are several medications that may interact negatively with valerian. Drug interactions may occur if valerian is taken with antidepressants, alcohol, antipsychotic medications, narcotics, and other sleep medications, to name a few. Some of these drug interactions with valerian can increase the risk of developing serious side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, and difficulty breathing.

 

An Introduction to Valerian Drug Interactions

Even though valerian is a natural product, it can potentially interact with several medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to valerian drug interactions include:
 
 
 
  • Barbiturates, such as:
 
    • Amobarbital (Amytal®)
    • Butalbital (Fioricet®, Fiorinal®)
    • Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)
    • Phenobarbital (Luminal®)
    • Secobarbital (Seconal®)
 
  • Benzodiazepines, such as:
 
 
  • Narcotics or opiates, such as:
 
    • Morphine (MSIR®)
    • Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
    • Hydrocodone (Lortab®, Vicodin®)
 
  • Other sleep medications.
 
(Valerian Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;