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574118 tn?1305135284

herbs

I take risperidone 1mg, seroquel 150mg. Does any one know whether they interact with
1. valerian root
2. lavender
3. chamomile
4. passion flower

I decided to try the above. Natural doesn\t mean safe (i know) this is i am asking
thx
ezz
4 Responses
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Avatar universal
I have done a significant amount of research on herbal agents, so I will try to help you, although you are asking many questions, some of which are not very clear.
First, and most importantly:  if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must be under the care of a psychiatrist, someone educated in the prescription medicines that you nee to control your condition.  It is not correct that the natural herbs in your list are 'tranquilizers'.  Valerian is the strongest agent in this group, and even Valerian root (which is the form you can purchase), has only TRACE amounts of the psychoactive compounds that cause a mild sedation.  It has been known since Roman times as a sleep aid, taken at bedtime.  The rest have even weaker properties.  Xanax, valium are prescription drugs, ie, a tablet of these agents is PURE active compound.  Keep in mind that all the natural herbs that you list are RAW PLANT material:  the roots or the leaves, nothing more.  Xanax, Valium, and other anxiolytics are powerful drugs, which can only be obtained via prescription.  Please review my first response to your post:  the real issue is to ensure that ANY 'natural agents' you take, like raw herbs, DO NOT interfere with the efficacy of any prescription drugs you may be taking for your bipolar condition.
Your doctor should explain this very clearly to you.
Helpful - 0
574118 tn?1305135284
I asked a pharmacist he said all these are kind of tranquilizers. I know opium, hash, marijuana, etc... are. But is the foregoing list the same because pdocs say stay away from narcotics. Also what's the difference between valerian root and other tranquilizers like xanax, valium etc... . I know that the action of valerian root is to inhibit the reuptake of GABA which is needed also it has anticonvulsant properties. But i need someone educated in this to explain the difference. What are the dangers. Although at my age i should be knowledgeable in this stuf but because i never tried them, even i never smoked cigarettes so i can't tell the difference in action between tranquilizers. Also do BP pts need tranquilizers, for example seroquel is good for anxiety. What's the difference from xanax. OR is it ONLY because the latter is addictive. For instance is valerian root addictive too.
thanks  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am new to this forum, and very interested in herbal remedies and 'nutraceuticals' as a means of improving health and alleviating depression associated with bipolar disorder.
The general rule regarding anyone taking ANY medication for ANY medical condition, especially psychoactive drugs, is to run the list by your psychiatrist before starting any additional regimen.
Some herbal agenst are known to interfere with the action of certain drugs:  St. John's Wort is one such drug (check online).  
In other words, some of these 'natural' remedies can actually 'deactivate' whatever dose of medication you may be taking.
Valerian root is also something that you should take with caution:  it has pretty strong sedating properties, and is recommended to be taken only before sleep (as a 'sleep aid').
Helpful - 0
520191 tn?1355635402
I don't personally know but i would ask your pharmacist or your doctor just to be safe. Sorry can't help more.

Freddie
Helpful - 0
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