Food and medicine interaction
Valerian and sedatives and sleep medicines, such as benzodiazepines, zolpidem and sedating antihistamines
TheoreticalEvidence level: theoretical. Suggested by how the food and the drug work, or by lab data. Not shown in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
Valerian might add to the drowsiness caused by sedatives and sleep medicines. NCCIH says it should not be taken along with alcohol or sedatives.
- Why it happens
- Valerian may have a sleep-inducing effect (possible but not proven) that would add to the effect of other sedating drugs.
- At ordinary food amounts
- Valerian is taken as a supplement or tea, not a food; any use close to bedtime with a sedative counts.
What to do
Do not combine valerian with a sedative or sleep medicine unless your prescriber or pharmacist says it is safe. Do not stop a prescribed sleep or anxiety medicine on your own.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have valerian while taking sedatives?
Do not combine valerian with a sedative or sleep medicine unless your prescriber or pharmacist says it is safe. Do not stop a prescribed sleep or anxiety medicine on your own. Valerian is taken as a supplement or tea, not a food; any use close to bedtime with a sedative counts.
Sources
Related
- RemedyValerian: the full evidence pageThe best-known herbal sleep aid, with decades of mixed trials. People sometimes rate their sleep as better, but objective measures do not improve and sleep doctors advise against it for insomnia.
- Interaction · TheoreticalAshwagandha and sedatives and sleep medicines (such as benzodiazepines), and anti-seizure medicines