Meta Information
ID:valerian-root
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Valerian root promotes relaxation and may improve sleep quality by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Its effects are optimized when taken shortly before bedtime.
Actionable advice:
For sleep support, take your dose 30 to 120 minutes before your intended bedtime.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Valerian root has sedative properties that can add to the effects of other central nervous system depressants, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor skills.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining with other CNS depressants unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-acute
Target name:
Alcohol
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining valerian root with alcohol can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and significantly impair coordination and judgment due to additive sedative effects.
Actionable advice:
Do not consume alcohol while taking valerian root.
Target id:
/class/benzodiazepines
Target name:
Benzodiazepines
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both valerian root and benzodiazepines enhance GABAergic activity in the brain, leading to a potentiation of sedative effects and an increased risk of over-sedation.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking valerian root with benzodiazepines due to the risk of severe sedation.
Target id:
/class/opioid-agonists
Target name:
Opioid Medications
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The sedative effects of valerian root can add to the CNS depression caused by opioids, increasing the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, and cognitive impairment.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining valerian root with opioid medications due to the risk of dangerous side effects.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery-general
Target name:
Surgery with General Anesthesia
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Valerian may prolong the effects of anesthetic drugs used during surgery. It is recommended to discontinue use well in advance to prevent complications with anesthesia.
Actionable advice:
Stop taking valerian root at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/activity/driving-operating-machinery
Target name:
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
8
Description:
The sedative effects of valerian root can impair alertness, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. This effect can persist into the next morning.
Actionable advice:
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how valerian affects you, and for at least 8 hours after taking.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of valerian root during pregnancy has not been established, and its use is not recommended due to potential unknown risks to the developing fetus.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using valerian root completely if you are pregnant.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if components of valerian root pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use should be avoided.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using valerian root completely while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Liver Disease or Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Since valerian is metabolized by the liver and has been rarely associated with hepatotoxicity, its use in individuals with pre-existing liver disease is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid valerian root if you have any form of liver disease.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Barbiturates
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The combination of valerian and barbiturates can lead to profound CNS and respiratory depression due to synergistic effects on GABA receptors.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking valerian root with barbiturates due to the risk of severe sedation and respiratory compromise.
Target id:
/intervention/kava
Target name:
Kava
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Kava and Valerian are potent CNS depressants and are associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity; combining them significantly increases the risk of both severe sedation and liver damage.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining valerian root and kava due to significant risks of sedation and liver injury.
Target id:
/class/hepatotoxic-agents
Target name:
Other Potentially Liver-Toxic Substances
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Although rare, there are reports of liver injury with valerian use. Combining it with other substances known to be hard on the liver may theoretically increase this risk.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and under medical supervision if you are taking other potentially hepatotoxic drugs or supplements.
Target id:
/class/anticonvulsants
Target name:
Anticonvulsant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Valerian can enhance the sedative side effects of many anticonvulsant medications, leading to excessive drowsiness and dizziness.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using valerian if you take anticonvulsant medications.
Target id:
/intervention/passionflower
Target name:
Passionflower
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining valerian with other sedative herbs like passionflower can result in additive drowsiness and CNS depression.
Actionable advice:
Be cautious when combining with other sedative supplements, as the combined effect may be stronger than anticipated.
Target id:
/intervention/lemon-balm
Target name:
Lemon Balm
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining valerian with other sedative herbs like lemon balm can result in additive drowsiness and CNS depression.
Actionable advice:
Be cautious when combining with other sedative supplements, as the combined effect may be stronger than anticipated.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some in-vitro evidence suggests valerian may weakly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which could theoretically increase the concentration and side effects of drugs metabolized by this pathway.
Actionable advice:
Monitor for increased effects or side effects if taking with medications metabolized by CYP3A4.
Target id:
/intervention/chamomile-extract
Target name:
Chamomile
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining valerian with chamomile, which has mild sedative properties, may lead to increased drowsiness.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that using these supplements together may increase sleepiness.
Target id:
/condition/paradoxical-excitation-response
Target name:
Paradoxical Excitation
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In a small subset of individuals, particularly children and the elderly, valerian root can cause a paradoxical reaction of anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia instead of sedation.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue use if you experience increased anxiety or restlessness instead of the expected calming effect.