Valerian

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• QWhat is valerian used for?

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  A Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered

  Valerian (valeriana officinalis) has a sedative effect and may be useful in treating insomnia, particularly in helping to reduce the amount of time that it takes to fall asleep. Valerian is regarded as a mild tranquilizer and has been deemed safe by the German Commission E for treating sleep disorders brought on by nervous conditions. Unlike prescription or OTC sleep and anxiety medication, valerian is not habit-forming, nor does it produce a hang-over-like side effect.

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• QWhat should I avoid while taking valerian?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Until you know how you will react to valerian, you should not drive or operate any heavy machinery. Medications like sleeping aids or the usage of alcohol can also cause complications when taken with valerian. Before taking this or any other medication, be sure to speak with your doctor about the possibilities for interaction.
  
  
• QShould I let my doctor know I am taking valerian?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you are planning on taking valerian, you should talk to your doctor. In fact, you should always let your doctor know about any medication you are taking so that you avoid any interactions with other medications. Valerian, in particular, can react adversely with a variety of different medical conditions, medications and foods. Thus, it is important to discuss the proper dosage of valerian and all of the possible complications that may accompany it.
  
  
• QWhat is valerian?

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  A Dr. Michael Breus, PhD , Psychology, answered

  Valerian, a flowering plant that is native to both Europe and Asia and is now also grown in North America, has long been used medicinally, particularly for sleep -- the ancient Greeks wrote about its power in treating sleeplessness. It is the plant’s root that is cultivated and processed for use in supplements, which have been popular and widely available for decades.
  

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• QDoes valerian have any side effects?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Based on information from iGuard.org, a free medication monitoring service, 12% of patients experience side effects while taking Valerian. Some of the side effects reported by iGuard members include: Nausea/Vomiting, Drowsiness, Grogginess/Confusion, and Headache. Please follow up with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms that worsen or do not go away.

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• QWho should not take valerian?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Certain medical conditions and medications can increase your risk for complications associated with valerian. Medical conditions include pregnancy or breastfeeding. Medications like sleeping aids or the usage of alcohol can also cause complications when taken with valerian. Before taking this or any other medication, be sure to speak with your doctor about the possibilities for interaction.
  
  

   

• QWho should take valerian?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should think about taking valerian if you are having trouble sleeping. Though study results are mixed, valerian may be helpful for people with insomnia or anxiety. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with headaches, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, restlessness or trembling, you should take valerian.
• QWhat are the risks of taking valerian?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Valerian is generally considered to be safe. If you take valerian for longer than two to four months and suddenly stop using it, you risk suffering from valerian withdrawal. It has been reported that valerian gives a drug "hangover" effect when taking high doses. In some cases, if you take valerian for a long period of time, you increase your risk of developing insomnia.
• QCan valerian tea cause negative drug test results?

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  A Lisa Marie Rosati , Herbal Medicine, answered

  Great Question!

  Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis ) has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries. Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century famous German herbalist, valued Valerian as a sedative. Today, Valerian continues to be one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world (despite its distinct odor). The roots of a Valerian plant are used when they are decocted into a Tea. Used as a sedative, Valerian is excellent for those who suffer from stress, insomnia and nervous system disorders.

  Valerian root has been reported to cause false positives in drug tests for benzodiazepines.

  Other herbal supplements such as Kava Kava and St Johns Wort can also affect body chemistry therefore false positives may be produced.

• QWhat dosage of valerian supplement is typically used for adults?

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  A RealAge answered

  Valerian is a perennial herb native to Europe. Extracts of valerian are made from the thickened, underground rootlike stem of the plant.
  
  Use: Preparations of valerian can be used to treat the following:

  • sleeping disorders arising from nervous conditions
  • restlessness

  Dose: Valerian is available in a variety of product types.

  • The recommended dose of valerian is an amount equal to 2 to 3 grams of dried root taken once or several times daily. Various dosages may be tried to identify the one that works best.
  • No time limitation for using valerian has been established.

  Cautions: Situations in which use of valerian is not advised:

  • Do not use valerian before driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • The safety of valerian during pregnancy or lactation has not been established.

  Side Effects: Do not exceed the recommended dosage of valerian: Overdose is possible.
  
  Drug Interactions: Do not use valerian with sedative or tranquilizing drugs.

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