Valerian Root

[marymc26]

I have genralized anxiety disorder and my doctor has upped my prozac from 20 mg daily to 30 mg daily and I also take
xanax, now my doctors feels that I should not have to take the xanax any longer, ( I don't take it every day at bottle of 30 pills lastes me close to 3 months if not longer).  Is valerian root safe to take with the prozac?

[RubyWitch]

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is usually prescribed for depression, not anxiety. I would question my doctor about his choice of meds. That is simply my opinion. That he had you Xanax, which IS an antianxiety med makes sense, although I wish he would have made a different choice there as well. Another strong opinion. It's good that he is suggesting you now get off it. Do so ASAP. It should be easy for you to stop since you are taking it prn (as needed) and state that 30 pills last you 3 months. If you later find that you need an antianxiety med, talk to your doctor about diazepam or one of the other long term meds. Valerian root is safe to take with Prozac. The herbs you must avoid with this med are St.John's wort, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, and SAM-e. To avoid an anticholinergic effect, do not use corkwood or jimsonweed. To avoid an increase in CNS effects, avoid hops, kava and lavender.
Peace
Greenlydia