Valerian va-LAY-ree-an

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana wallichiu, Valeriana saambucifola, Radix valerianae, valerian, baldrian, all-heal, amantilla, Indian valerian, red valerian, Mexican valerian, Pacific valerian, phew plant, valeriana, garden heliotrope

What is valerian?

Valerian is a wispy plant that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has umbrella-like heads on top of stiff stems. Its dark green leaves are pointed at the tip and hairy underneath. Small, white, light purple, or pink flowers bloom in June. The roots are used to make medicines.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

Valerian has been used to treat:

• asthma
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• anxiety or nervousness
• chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• depression
• headache
• hysteria
• menstrual cramps
• muscle and joint pain
• seizures
• stomach upset
• stress
• symptoms of menopause
• trouble sleeping

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Valerian comes in the form of an oil, liquid extract, tincture, plant juice, tablets, capsules, and tea. It is also used in bath products. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

It is best not to use valerian for longer than 1 month without your healthcare provider's approval.

If you have taken this remedy for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.

Valerian may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Many people find the smell of valerian root unpleasant, which is why it is also known as phew.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Side effects include:

• morning drowsiness and feeling unsteady when you walk
• shakiness
• vivid dreams or trouble sleeping
• stomach or intestinal problems
• headache
• dry mouth

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• alcohol
• anesthesia used during surgery
• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tabs, E.E.S.), and norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil)
• anti-HIV medicines such as delavirdine (Rescriptor), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Invirase)
• barbiturates such as pentobarbital (Nembutal) and phenobarbital
• benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), oxazepam, temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion)
• diphenhydramine (found in many cold medicines and sleeping products)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• heart medicines such as amiodarone (Cordarone; Pacerone), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiamate, Tiazac), quinidine, and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin)
• natural remedies such as California poppy, catnip, capsicum, celery, Siberian ginseng, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava, L-tryptophan, lemon balm, melatonin, sage, SAMe, St. John's wort, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, wild carrot, and wild lettuce
• ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
• lovastatin (Mevacor)
• medicines used to treat cancer such as etoposide (VePesid), paclitaxel, vinblastine, and vincristine
• sleeping pills such as zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.