interaction between prozac and valerian?

[cleva90]

still can't find the answer...anybody have an answer? I love prozac and I love valerian for sleep, but have heard contradictory reports about taking the two of them together.

[cleva90]

Nana, it doesn't appear that my response to your last message has been posted...strange. Anyway, many thanks for your concern! I have given your comments a lot of thought - and not to worry. I've checked the exp date on my Klonopin and it's still good. As for the Valerian, I don't think they make a prescription form, but I've decided to use it only sparingly. I've also decided to keep my Prozac to a minimum, which, for me, is 40 ml; any more than that and it seems to have a reverse, depressing affect on me!
You're a real dear, for caring, Nananeedsthis. God bless. I hope to see more of your comments on MedHelp.
Elaine

[cleva90]

My favorite comment is the one Dr. Rajput wrote. I don't know what button to click on to show this, so I'm writing to MedHelp.
Thanks!
cleva90

[nananeedsthis]

  Sorry to interrupt here, but I must put my two cents in this time...first off, Dr. Rajput suggested you see your doctor to get a prescription for Valerian, not take the street kind...and there is a reason why the nurse practioner had a "fit" about you combining the two...it hasn't been studied or proven it's safety yet. As far as you finding some old Klonopin, please don't take that, it has probably expired and needs to be disposed of. Both myself and Dr Rajput have advised you to ask your prescribing physician about the valarian. I know that is all we can do, and that you love it, but I wish you wouldn't mix herbals either together or alternating. I don't know about Valarian, but the prescription will stay in your system for quite a while. It's still the same thing. Again, I'm sorry if I'm out of line, but I really do care, and don't want anything to happen to you.

[cleva90]

Thanks so much for you input! Yes, over the years I haven't seen a lot of conclusive ideas on this particular combo. It was only when I went to a clinic specializing in "women's" issues (especially the "bioidentical hormone treatment") that the nurse practicioner there was quite adamant about me not taking valerian while on prozac. It was pretty upsetting, as valerian had been the only nonprescrip drug that had ever helped me sleep so well. Anyway, I didn't return to that clinic, mainly because they were so pricey. About six months ago, my psychiatric nurse pract. put me on Lunesta...which helped, but not as much as the valerian (my old best, albeit stinky friend).
  When my new "regular" doc said lunesta interacts with thyroid meds, I just stopped it and went back on valerian...until i found some old Klonopin. It doe help but makes me sleepier than valerian, plus I don't like the side-effects I've read about...especially its possible effect on the mammary glands, etc. I don't know. Maybe I'll alternate between the valerian and the Klonopin, and only on as as needed basis. I am trying to keep my prozac at 40 ml, as more than that does keep me awake at night.
I've nearly reached menopause, so maybe my good sleep of the long-ago past will some day return!
Sorry this is so lengthy, Dr. Rajput!
Blessings,
Elaine

[nananeedsthis]

I hope, not with the Prozac!

[cleva90]

thanks for your advice! I have a call in to my doc right now about it, meanwhile just took two "stinky pills" (Valerian) so I can at least have half a chance of getting some sleep tonight!

[nananeedsthis]

This is only my opinion, so take as you may. I don't advocate for taking herbals along with prescription medications without first consulting your prescribing doctor. This could be very dangerous.