Aa
Slep with withdrawals
I am day 3 no hydro's (7-8 10's daily 18mos.) Horrid withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia, aching body, RLS, fever, sweats, headache, frequent bathroom eulogies. Wondering why no one ever talks about this? I got seven hours of sleep last night and you a ll know that is an eternity!!
Pharmacology
The chemical composition of valerian includes sesquiterpenes of the volatile oil (including valeric acid), iridoids (valepotriates), alkaloids, furanofuran lignans, and free amino acids such as g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine, arginine, and glutamine. Although the sesquiterpene components of the volatile oil are believed to be responsible for most of valerian's biologic effects, it is likely that all of the active constituents of valerian act in a synergistic manner to produce a clinical response.1 Research into physiologic activity of individual components has demonstrated direct sedative effects (valepotriates, valeric acid) and interaction with neurotransmitters such as GABA (valeric acid and unknown fractions).2,3
Uses and Efficacy
SEDATIVE/HYPNOTIC
Several clinical studies have shown that valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia, most often by reducing sleep latency. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial4 compared a 400-mg aqueous extract of valerian and a commercial valerian/hops preparation with placebo of encapsulated brown sugar. A total of 128 volunteers completed a subjective study4 evaluating the effects of single doses of each test compound taken in random order on sleep latency, sleep quality, sleepiness on awakening, night awakenings, and dream recall. Valerian extract demonstrated statistically significant improvement over placebo in sleep latency and sleep quality. There was no difference between valerian extract and placebo in the other two parameters. The commercial valerian/hops preparation resulted in no changes in sleep latency, sleep quality, or night awakenings, and an increase in sleepiness on awakening. No information on the preparation of the commercial product was available, so the reasons for the lack of effect are unknown.
In a double-blind study,5 eight subjects who described themselves as having lengthy sleep latency wore a wrist activity meter and provided subjective sleep ratings in a study of the effects of valerian. Participants received either a 450- or 900-mg dose of an aqueous extract of valerian root or placebo. Single-dose (450 and 900 mg) valerian extract resulted in significant decreases in measured and subjective sleep latency and more stable sleep during the first quarter of the night, with no effect on total sleep time. The 900-mg dose produced increased sleepiness on awakening compared with placebo.
Several studies have shown valerian's efficacy in patients who do not have sleep disturbances. A small study7 of 10 patients at home and eight patients at a sleep laboratory who received two different dosages (450 and 900 mg) of an aqueous extract of valerian root demonstrated that both groups experienced a greater than 50 percent improvement in sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset. The efficacy results were based on questionnaires, self-rating scales, and nighttime motor activity. Electroencephalographic recordings in the laboratory section of the study showed no differences in efficacy between valerian and placebo, and data indicated a dose-dependent mild hypnotic effect of the valerian extract.7
A recent multicenter14 (RCT) compared a 600-mg dose of the valerian extract Sedonium with 10 mg of oxazepam over a six-week period in 202 patients who were diagnosed with non-organic insomnia. The two agents were equally effective in increasing sleep quality as measured by the Sleep Questionnaire B (SF-B), and these results were confirmed by subscales of the SF-B, the Clinical Global Impression Scale, and the Global Assessment of Efficacy. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 28.4 percent of patients receiving the valerian extract and 36.0 percent of patients taking oxazepam.
Anxiolytic
Traditional herbalists have used valerian as an anxiolytic, frequently in combination with other herbal preparations such as passion flower and St. John's wort. There is a minimal amount of scientific data confirming this indication for valerian. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial15 compared valerian (100 mg) with propranolol (20 mg), a valerian-propranolol combination, and placebo in an experimental stress situation in 48 healthy subjects. Unlike propranolol, valerian had no effect on physiologic arousal but significantly decreased subjective feelings of somatic arousal.
In a recent preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,16 36 patients with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder were treated with placebo, diazepam in a dosage of 2.5 mg three times daily, or valerian extract in a dosage of 50 mg three times daily (80 percent dihydrovaltrate, 15 percent valtrate, and 5 percent acevaltrate; BYK-Gulden, Lomberg, Germany) for four weeks. Dosage was regulated at one week if an interviewing psychiatrist deemed an increase or decrease necessary. Although the study was limited by a small number of patients in each group, relatively low dosages of the active agents, and a short duration of treatment, the authors found a significant reduction in the psychic factor of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with diazepam and valerian.
Another RCT17 compared 120 mg of kava (LI 150), 600 mg of valerian (LI 156), and placebo taken daily for seven days in relieving physiologic measures of stress induced under laboratory conditions in 54 healthy volunteers. Valerian and kava, but not placebo, significantly decreased systolic blood pressure responsivity, heart rate reaction, and self-reported stress. (note: "LI 156" is an identification number referring to the specific herb and the manufacturer; in this case, Lichtwer Pharma UK, Ltd.)
Contraindications, Adverse Effects, Interactions
Valerian is listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food supplement and is, therefore, not subject to regulatory control beyond labeling requirements. According to Commission E monographs,18 there are no contraindications to valerian. Reported adverse effects of valerian are rare. In a 14-day, multiple-dose study6 of 16 patients, there were only two adverse events (migraine and gastrointestinal effects) in patients receiving valerian compared with 18 events in patients receiving placebo. A randomized, controlled, double-blind study19 of 102 subjects evaluated reaction time, alertness, and concentration the morning after using valerian root extract (600 mg, LI 156) and found no negative effect in single- or repeated-dose administrations of valerian. Only one adverse effect (dizziness) was attributed to the valerian extract
Pharmacology
The chemical composition of valerian includes sesquiterpenes of the volatile oil (including valeric acid), iridoids (valepotriates), alkaloids, furanofuran lignans, and free amino acids such as g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine, arginine, and glutamine. Although the sesquiterpene components of the volatile oil are believed to be responsible for most of valerian's biologic effects, it is likely that all of the active constituents of valerian act in a synergistic manner to produce a clinical response.1 Research into physiologic activity of individual components has demonstrated direct sedative effects (valepotriates, valeric acid) and interaction with neurotransmitters such as GABA (valeric acid and unknown fractions).2,3
Uses and Efficacy
SEDATIVE/HYPNOTIC
Several clinical studies have shown that valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia, most often by reducing sleep latency. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial4 compared a 400-mg aqueous extract of valerian and a commercial valerian/hops preparation with placebo of encapsulated brown sugar. A total of 128 volunteers completed a subjective study4 evaluating the effects of single doses of each test compound taken in random order on sleep latency, sleep quality, sleepiness on awakening, night awakenings, and dream recall. Valerian extract demonstrated statistically significant improvement over placebo in sleep latency and sleep quality. There was no difference between valerian extract and placebo in the other two parameters. The commercial valerian/hops preparation resulted in no changes in sleep latency, sleep quality, or night awakenings, and an increase in sleepiness on awakening. No information on the preparation of the commercial product was available, so the reasons for the lack of effect are unknown.
In a double-blind study,5 eight subjects who described themselves as having lengthy sleep latency wore a wrist activity meter and provided subjective sleep ratings in a study of the effects of valerian. Participants received either a 450- or 900-mg dose of an aqueous extract of valerian root or placebo. Single-dose (450 and 900 mg) valerian extract resulted in significant decreases in measured and subjective sleep latency and more stable sleep during the first quarter of the night, with no effect on total sleep time. The 900-mg dose produced increased sleepiness on awakening compared with placebo.
Several studies have shown valerian's efficacy in patients who do not have sleep disturbances. A small study7 of 10 patients at home and eight patients at a sleep laboratory who received two different dosages (450 and 900 mg) of an aqueous extract of valerian root demonstrated that both groups experienced a greater than 50 percent improvement in sleep latency and wake time after sleep onset. The efficacy results were based on questionnaires, self-rating scales, and nighttime motor activity. Electroencephalographic recordings in the laboratory section of the study showed no differences in efficacy between valerian and placebo, and data indicated a dose-dependent mild hypnotic effect of the valerian extract.7
A recent multicenter14 (RCT) compared a 600-mg dose of the valerian extract Sedonium with 10 mg of oxazepam over a six-week period in 202 patients who were diagnosed with non-organic insomnia. The two agents were equally effective in increasing sleep quality as measured by the Sleep Questionnaire B (SF-B), and these results were confirmed by subscales of the SF-B, the Clinical Global Impression Scale, and the Global Assessment of Efficacy. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 28.4 percent of patients receiving the valerian extract and 36.0 percent of patients taking oxazepam.
Anxiolytic
Traditional herbalists have used valerian as an anxiolytic, frequently in combination with other herbal preparations such as passion flower and St. John's wort. There is a minimal amount of scientific data confirming this indication for valerian. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial15 compared valerian (100 mg) with propranolol (20 mg), a valerian-propranolol combination, and placebo in an experimental stress situation in 48 healthy subjects. Unlike propranolol, valerian had no effect on physiologic arousal but significantly decreased subjective feelings of somatic arousal.
In a recent preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,16 36 patients with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder were treated with placebo, diazepam in a dosage of 2.5 mg three times daily, or valerian extract in a dosage of 50 mg three times daily (80 percent dihydrovaltrate, 15 percent valtrate, and 5 percent acevaltrate; BYK-Gulden, Lomberg, Germany) for four weeks. Dosage was regulated at one week if an interviewing psychiatrist deemed an increase or decrease necessary. Although the study was limited by a small number of patients in each group, relatively low dosages of the active agents, and a short duration of treatment, the authors found a significant reduction in the psychic factor of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with diazepam and valerian.
Another RCT17 compared 120 mg of kava (LI 150), 600 mg of valerian (LI 156), and placebo taken daily for seven days in relieving physiologic measures of stress induced under laboratory conditions in 54 healthy volunteers. Valerian and kava, but not placebo, significantly decreased systolic blood pressure responsivity, heart rate reaction, and self-reported stress. (note: "LI 156" is an identification number referring to the specific herb and the manufacturer; in this case, Lichtwer Pharma UK, Ltd.)
Contraindications, Adverse Effects, Interactions
Valerian is listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food supplement and is, therefore, not subject to regulatory control beyond labeling requirements. According to Commission E monographs,18 there are no contraindications to valerian. Reported adverse effects of valerian are rare. In a 14-day, multiple-dose study6 of 16 patients, there were only two adverse events (migraine and gastrointestinal effects) in patients receiving valerian compared with 18 events in patients receiving placebo. A randomized, controlled, double-blind study19 of 102 subjects evaluated reaction time, alertness, and concentration the morning after using valerian root extract (600 mg, LI 156) and found no negative effect in single- or repeated-dose administrations of valerian. Only one adverse effect (dizziness) was attributed to the valerian extract
Way to go on 3 days!!!!!!! Keep up the good work.
GO GO GO
(damm, I'm doing my cheerleader thing again)
GO GO GO
(damm, I'm doing my cheerleader thing again)
The Valarian Root does help, if you can get past the smell... Oh my God!
Immodium works too, but I'm one of those that beleives you should let the toxins out. A real pain in the a s s, literally.
Immodium works too, but I'm one of those that beleives you should let the toxins out. A real pain in the a s s, literally.
HA HA HA HA I know I was just thining the same thing about the bathroom breaks. I am so distraught during them I dont feel like remembering them I guess. Oh man... I can wait till it's OVER.
Day 2 and feeling alive. You know how you know your alive? Cause you can feel pain !!!
Day 2 and feeling alive. You know how you know your alive? Cause you can feel pain !!!
Wow... that was a lot to type. Wait a minute..... you didn't type that did you.... You cut and pasted didn't you..... Cheater! Hope everything goes ok for you. I've never heard the squirts referred to as a "eulogy". I'll remember that one.
Trout
Trout
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