“Dear Pharmacist,
I take valerian for sleep and wonder if other drugs interact with it?”
–M.K., Coconut Creek, Florida
Answer: Valerian is used for insomnia, migraines, depression, panic attacks and flight anxiety. Because valerian slows things down in the body, it’s calming effect becomes more pronounced when mixed other substances with tend to cause tranquility in the body. Hops, kava, 5-HTP, melatonin, SAMe and St. John’s wort may all interact. Also, alcoholic beverages. As for prescribed medications, valerian interacts with:
–Diazepam (Valium)
–Clonazepam (Klonopin)
–Opiate pain-killers (hydrocodone, propoxyphene)
–Anti-anxiety drugs (lorazepam, alprazolam)
–Certain antidepressants
–Surgical anesthetics
If you take any of those listed above, check with your doctor to make sure that the combination is safe. For example, combining melatonin and valerian often enhances sleep patterns. But the combination of kava with valerian, or with other sedatives could be extremely dangerous.
Suzy Cohen, RPh, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years, blending conventional medicine with natural approaches to help people feel better and live healthier. She is the founder of Script Essentials, a supplement company known for targeted, custom-formulated products, some with patented innovations.
With a special focus on thyroid health, functional medicine, and drug-induced nutrient depletion (what she calls “drug muggers”), Suzy is the author of several books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, and Diabetes Without Drugs. She also writes a nationally syndicated health column and shares practical, easy-to-understand guidance with readers around the world.
