Valerian Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Valerian (or valerian root) is an over-the-counter supplement. It is not a drug, but rather an herbal remedy prepared from the root of the Valeriana officinalis, a flowering perennial.^{[1] [2]}

Valerian is often used as a sleep aid, and may be taken to ease the symptoms of anxiety and stress, including headaches, migraine, and stomach upset. It has been used in individuals with gastrointestinal distress, epileptic seizures, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), menstrual pain, and symptoms of menopause. However, it is only known to be likely effective as a sleep aid, as little research has been performed on other uses. Valerian for insomnia is typically taken 30 minutes to two hours before bed.^[2]

Valerian is generally recognized as safe, but it has not been evaluated by the FDA.^[3] Common valerian side effects may include headaches, insomnia, dizziness or upset stomach. Some people feel tired or groggy the morning after use.^{[2] [4]}

Contents 1 Common Valerian Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Valerian Allergic Reactions 4 Valerian Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Valerian Side Effects

Valerian is considered to be safe, and experts believe it is okay for children over three to use the herb.^[1] In some cases, valerian supplements can cause restlessness (the opposite of its intended use), as well as headaches and nausea. Some users may feel groggy the morning after taking valerian.

In rare instances, dangerous adverse reactions have been known to occur. Serious side effects which may require medical attention include:^[5]

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing eyes or skin)
• Dark urine
• Exhaustion

About Drug Side Effects

Valerian Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions to valerian are uncommon. However, there are some possible allergic reactions which may require medical attention, as they pose is a risk of fatality. These include:

• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Severe dizziness
• Swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat
• Tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing^[5]

Valerian Precautions and Warnings

• Valerian should not be taken with alcohol, as this enhances the drowsiness effect.^[2]
• Valerian should not be taken in combination with sedatives. This includes benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), alprazolam (Xanax) and others. Some other sedatives that should not be taken with valerian include phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), thiopental (Pentothal), fentanyl (Duragesic), morphine, propofol (Diprivan), and others. For this reason, valerian should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery.^[2]
• Valerian can increase the sedating effects of other drugs, such as
  • Anticonvulsants, like phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote).
  • Sleep aids, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem). This also includes diphenhydramine and other over-the-counter sleep aids.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline (Elavil).^{[3] [5]}
• Pregnant women should not take take valerian without doctors' orders because the risks to the fetus have not been studied. Risks are also unknown for breastfeeding mothers and children under the age of three.^[1]
• Patients with diabetes or liver disease may not be able to take valerian. Patients who take drugs which are metabolized by the liver, such as statins like simvastatin (Zocor) or lovastatin (Mevacor), may be unable to take valerian.^[5]

Also See: OTC Drugs, Drug Coupons, Drug Side Effects, Creatine Side Effects, Black Cohosh Side Effects, Diet Pills, Glucosamine Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/valerian
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/870.html
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/valerian-000279.htm
4. ↑ http://nccam.nih.gov/health/valerian/
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3} http://www.medicinenet.com/valerian_valeriana_officinalis-oral/article.htm