Valerian - Ethanol Interaction
Herbal: Valerian
Also Known As: Valeriana officinalis, All-Heal, Amantilla, Baldrian, Baldrianwurzel, Belgium Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Garden Valerian, Tagar, Tagara, Valeriana, Valeriana Pseudofficinalis, Valériane Mexicaine
Drug: Ethanol
Brand names:
Ethanol
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
Ethanol is classified as belonging to the following category: Alcohol (Ethanol)
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with alcohol.
Valerian has sedative effects. Theoretically, valerian might have an additive sedative effect when combined with alcohol. Excessive sedation has been reported in an alcohol-abusing individual who took valerian and Gingko biloba. However, the potential interaction between valerian and alcohol has been disputed in other research. Limited evidence suggests that a combination of valerian 160 mg and lemon balm 80 mg (Euvegal) does not cause further deterioration in reaction ability and reaction rate when taken with alcohol as compared to the effects of alcohol alone.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Hadley S, Petry JJ. Valerian. Am Fam Physician 2003;67:1755-8..
- Chen D, Klesmer J, Giovanniello A, et al. Mental status changes in an alcohol abuser taking valerian and gingko biloba. Am J Addict. 2002 Winter;11:75-7.
- Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, Schmidt U, et al. Psychopharmaka und Verkehrssicherheit. Der Einfluß von Euvegal® - Dragees forte auf die Fahrtüchtigkeit und Kombinationswirkungen mit Alkohol Z Allg Med 1995;71:1215-25.
Valerian Overview
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its strong, distinctive odor and its purported medicinal effects.
Valerian contains a number of active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to have a sedative effect on the body and are may to be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian is also believed to have mild tranquilizing and muscle-relaxing properties and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders.
The root of the valerian plant is most commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized for valerenic acid content.
Valerian - More Interactions
Valerian interacts with 878 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
Ask A Pharmacist