What is valerian?
The use of valerian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Valerian is also known as Valeriana officinalis, radix valerianae, Indian valerian, red
valerian, Belgian valerian, common valerian, fragrant valerian, garden valerian, all-heal,
amantilla, setwall, setewale, capon's tail, heliotrope, and vandal root.
Valerian has been used in the management of anxiety; restlessness; insomnia; mental
strain; lack of concentration; excitability; stress; headache; nervous stomach cramps; uterine
spasticity; menopause; and pain, discomfort, and emotional distress that may occur with
menstruation.
Valerian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of valerian may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Valerian may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valerian?
Before taking valerian, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines
or other herbal/health supplements. Valerian may not be recommended in some situations.
Before taking valerian, talk your doctor if you are taking muscle relaxants, other sleep or
anxiety medicines, pain medicines, antidepressants, or other medicines that cause drowsiness.
These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking valerian.
Do not use valerian in a bath without first talking to your doctor if you have a skin
injury, a skin illness, a fever, an infection, or heart problems. This could be dangerous and
should only occur under the supervision of a doctor.
Do not
take valerian without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether valerian will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take valerian without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether valerian will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of valerian by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take valerian?
The use of valerian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take valerian, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Valerian has been used as a tea, a juice from fresh plants, a tincture, an extract, a pill, and
as a bath additive.
Do not use valerian in a bath without first talking to your doctor if you have a skin
injury, a skin illness, a fever, an infection, or heart problems. This could be dangerous and
should occur only under the supervision of a doctor.
Do not take more of this product than is directed.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures,
and others) of valerian at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care
professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of valerian.
Store Valerian as directed on the package. In general, valerian should be protected from
light and moisture and stored in a tightly sealed container.
What happens if I miss a dose of valerian?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of valerian. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about valerian?
Your pharmacist has information about valerian written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of valerian?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to valerian have been reported. Stop taking
valerian and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have been reported occasionally with the long-term use of
valerian. Talk to your doctor if you develop:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about valerian?
Do not use valerian in a bath without first talking to your doctor if you have a skin
injury, a skin illness, a fever, an infection, or heart problems. This could be dangerous and
should occur only under the supervision of a doctor.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Valerian may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or
dizziness, avoid these activities.
Before taking valerian, talk your doctor if you are taking muscle relaxants, other sleep or
anxiety medicines, pain medicines, antidepressants, or other medicines that cause drowsiness.
These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking valerian.
Use alcohol cautiously while taking valerian. Alcohol may increase drowsiness when
used with valerian.
Valerian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of valerian may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking valerian?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Valerian may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or
dizziness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously while taking valerian. Alcohol may increase drowsiness when
used with valerian.
What other drugs will affect valerian?
Before taking valerian, talk your doctor if you are taking muscle relaxants, other sleep or
anxiety medicines, pain medicines, seizure medicines, antidepressants, or other medicines that
cause drowsiness. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
valerian.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with valerian or affect your condition.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of valerian?
