Skip to main content

sedatives and valerian

Valerian adds to sedative medication effects

What's happening

Valerian has GABAergic activity similar to benzodiazepines. Can potentiate effects of sedatives, sleep medications, and antihistamines.

Recommendation

Use caution combining valerian with any sedative. Lower doses of both.

Timing

Be aware of enhanced sedation

Sources

  • — Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
  • — PMID: 11397570

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take sedatives and valerian together?

Valerian adds to sedative medication effects. Use caution combining valerian with any sedative. Lower doses of both.

How should I time sedatives and valerian?

Be aware of enhanced sedation

Is this interaction dangerous?

This interaction is rated “Warning” by Formulate. Valerian has GABAergic activity similar to benzodiazepines. Can potentiate effects of sedatives, sleep medications, and antihistamines.

Want to check your whole stack?

The free checker lets you add any combination of supplements and medications at once. Formulate's desktop app goes further — every stack change surfaces interaction alerts automatically.

Open the checkerGet the desktop app

Medical disclaimer. This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.