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Dietary supplement

Valerian 1,000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Valerian 1,000 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for insomnia and poor sleep, anxiety and stress, restlessness.Based on those ingredients, 902 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root/rhizome extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: valerian root and rhizome extract at 1,000 mg per serving. Valerian is a plant extract traditionally used to support sleep and calm.

The liquid form also includes purified water, vegetable glycerin, and 12–15% certified organic alcohol as inactive ingredients that make up the base.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Valerian's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Valerian for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Insomnia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Valerian is rated possibly effective for insomnia in the data we hold—meaning some evidence supports its use, though it's not definitive. For restless legs syndrome, pre-procedural anxiety, stress, and painful periods (dysmenorrhea), the evidence isn't reliable enough for us to rate it either way.

If you're considering valerian for any of those other uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the research shows and whether it's a fit for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Valerian

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Valerian is generally well tolerated in short-term use, but long-term safety isn't well studied. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, mental slowness, headache, stomach upset, and vivid dreams.

Some people report restlessness or excitability instead. When you stop taking valerian after extended use, withdrawal-like symptoms—such as racing heart, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia—can occur; taper your dose slowly rather than stopping all at once.

Rare but serious reports of liver injury have been linked to multi-ingredient products containing valerian; single-ingredient products like this carry less risk, but it's worth knowing. Valerian is not recommended during pregnancy—safety data advises against it.

While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best to avoid it. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Valerian

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Valerian.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 903 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on CNS depressants (sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, sedating pain relievers, antihistamines), alprazolam (Xanax), glucuronidated drugs (ask your pharmacist which category your medications fall into), or if you drink alcohol regularly. Valerian can add to sedation and may raise levels of certain drugs, so your provider may need to adjust doses or monitor you more closely.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Valerian may help if you're dealing with occasional sleep trouble, but it's not your move if you're on sedating medications, alprazolam, or drinking alcohol—the combined drowsiness and mental slowness can be significant. If you take any prescription medication, especially anything that makes you sleepy, check it against the interactions below or ask your pharmacist before you start.

And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, skip it until you've talked with your doctor.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Valerian 1,000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000005336
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 60265
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
083000005336
IngredientAmount% DV
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root/rhizome extract1000 mg--

Other ingredients: purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, 12-15% certified organic Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

Gluten Free

K Parve

Bio-Chelated Cold Extraction Process

Formula

K Parve

Valeriana officinalis

Low Alcohol

General

9298 Rev. 1115 1153

General Statements

Since 1972

Super concentrated 1,000 mg

Our facility is cGMP certified, organic and kosher certified.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Advanced Botanical Fingerprint

Discover Nature's Answer

Our organic alcohol extracts are produced using our cold Bio-Chelated proprietary extraction process, yielding a Holistically Balanced Advanced Botanical Fingerprint extract in the same synergistic ratios as in the plant.

2014 Nature's Answer

Formulation

Gluten-Free

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 mL (28 drops) 1-3 times a day in a small amount of water. Shake well.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

See for yourself

Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

1000 mg per serving

Valerian is an herb whose root is widely used as a natural sleep aid and for calming nerves. The evidence is mixed and often weak, so it may help some...

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root/rhizome extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, 12-15% certified organic Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Valerian 1,000 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
902Drugs
338 Moderate 564 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Valerian 1,000 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root/rhizome extract6 drug types · 902 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Alprazolam (Xanax)

Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used with alprazolam. Also, valerian in high doses might modestly increase alprazolam levels, though this is not likely to be clinically significant.
Valerian has sedative effects. Theoretically, valerian might cause additive sedation when combined with alprazolam. Also, a small pharmacokinetic study shows that taking valerian extract 1000 mg daily (providing 11 mg valerenic acid) might increase alprazolam levels by about 19%. This might be due to valerian's mild inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Despite being statistically significant, this increase is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cns Depressants

Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Theoretically, concomitant use of valerian and drugs with sedative and anesthetic properties may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
In vitro research shows that methanolic valerian extract and valerenic acid might competitively inhibit UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (UGT1A1) and UGT2B7.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian affects CYP2D6, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian is unlikely to affect the CYP2D6 enzyme. In one PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days did not affect the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of debrisoquine, an accepted CYP2D6 probe-substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian extract might inhibit or induce CYP3A4, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian does not have a clinically significant effect on the CYP3A4 enzyme. In one PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of midazolam, an accepted CYP3A4 probe-substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days modestly increases levels of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate, suggesting mild inhibition of CYP3A4. However, this mild inhibition is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Valerian 1,000 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788-3943
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Valerian 1,000 mg by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Valerian 1,000 mg has a known interaction with 902 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Valerian 1,000 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take valerian if I'm on a sleeping pill or anti-anxiety medication?
Not without checking first. Valerian can add to the sedative effects of those drugs, which means extra drowsiness, dizziness, and mental slowness. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's safe to combine them and whether you need a dose adjustment.
What are the most common side effects?
Dizziness, drowsiness, mental slowness, headache, stomach upset, and vivid dreams are the main ones people report. Some folks get restlessness or excitability instead. These tend to be mild, but they're good to know about.
Can I stop taking valerian anytime I want?
If you've been taking it for a while, it's better to taper off slowly rather than stop cold. Abrupt stopping can bring on withdrawal-like symptoms—anxiety, irritability, racing heart, and trouble sleeping. Ease off over a week or so to avoid that.
Is valerian safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Safety data advises against it during pregnancy, and there isn't enough information to know it's safe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other options if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
Does valerian really work for sleep?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for insomnia—meaning some studies support it, but it's not ironclad. Whether it works for you is individual, and it may take a few weeks to notice a difference. If it doesn't help after a fair trial, your doctor or pharmacist can suggest other approaches.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Valerian 1,000 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Valerian 1,000 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Valerian 1,000 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Valerian 1,000 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 37 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Valerian 37 references
  1. Willey LB, Mady SP, Cobaugh DJ, Wax PM. Valerian overdose: a case report. Vet Hum Toxicol 1995;37:364-5.
  2. Kuhlmann J, Berger W, Podzuweit H, Schmidt U. The influence of valerian treatment on "reaction time, alertness and concentration" in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry 1999;32:235-41. PubMed
  3. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38. PubMed
  4. Houghton PJ. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:505-12. PubMed
  5. Garges HP, Varia I, Doraiswamy PM. Cardiac complications and delirium associated with Valerian root withdrawal. [Letter to the Editor]. JAMA 1998;280:1566-7. PubMed
  6. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  7. MacGregor FB, Abernethy VE, Dahabra S, et al. Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. BMJ 1989;299:1156-7. PubMed
  8. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med 1985;2:144-8. PubMed
  9. Hadley S, Petry JJ. Valerian. Am Fam Physician 2003;67:1755-8..
  10. Glass JR, Sproule BA, Herrmann N, et al. Acute pharmacological effects of temazepam, diphenhydramine, and valerian in healthy elderly subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2003;23:260-8. PubMed
  11. Lefebvre T, Foster BC, Drouin CE, et al. In vitro activity of commercial valerian root extracts against human cytochrome P450 3A4. J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci 2004;7:265-73.
  12. Yuan CS, Mehendale S, Xiao Y, et al. The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity. Anesth Analg 2004;98:353-8. PubMed
  13. Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Chavin KD, et al. Multiple night-time doses of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) had minimal effects on CYP3A4 activity and no effect on CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos 2004;32:1333-6. PubMed
  14. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005;77:415-26. PubMed
  15. Gutierrez S, Ang-Lee MK, Walker DJ, Zacny JP. Assessing subjective and psychomotor effects of the herbal medication valerian in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004;78:57-64. PubMed
  16. Jacobs BP, Bent S, Tice JA, et al. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2005;84:197-207. PubMed
  17. National Toxicology Program, US Department of Health and Human Services. Chemical Information Review Document for Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) [CAS No. 8057-49-6] and Oils [CAS No. 8008-88-6]. Supporting Nomination for Toxicological Evaluation by t
  18. Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, Palacios-Soler L, et al. Effectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Sleep Med. 2010 Jun;11:505-11. PubMed
  19. Coxeter PD, Schluter PJ, Eastwood HL, et al. Valerian does not appear to reduce symptoms for patients with chronic insomnia in general practice using a series of randomised n-of-1 trials. Complement Ther Med. 2003 Dec;11:215-22. PubMed
  20. Diaper A, Hindmarch I. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleep-disturbed older adults. Phytother Res. 2004 Oct;18:831-6. PubMed
  21. Cuellar NG, Ratcliffe SJ. Does valerian improve sleepiness and symptom severity in people with restless legs syndrome? Altern Ther Health Med 2009;15:22-8.
  22. 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. PubMed
  23. 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.
  24. Carrasco MC, Vallejo JR, Pardo-de-Santayana M, et al. Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23:1795-6.
  25. Hellum BH, Nilsen OG. The in vitro inhibitory potential of trade herbal products on human CYP2D6-mediated metabolism and the influence of ethanol. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2007 Nov;101:350-8.
  26. Hellum BH, Hu Z, Nilsen OG. The induction of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 by six trade herbal products in cultured primary human hepatocytes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2007 Jan;100:23-30. PubMed
  27. Alkharfy, K. M. and Frye, R. F. Effect of valerian, valerian/hops extracts, and valerenic acid on glucuronidation in vitro. Xenobiotica 2007;37(2):113-123.
  28. Vassiliadis, T., Anagnostis, P., Patsiaoura, K., Giouleme, O., Katsinelos, P., Mpoumponaris, A., and Eugenidis, N. Valeriana hepatotoxicity. Sleep Med 2009;10(8):935. PubMed
  29. Muller, Z., Sarkany, A., Altorjay, A., Szilagyi, A., Tura, T., and Ozsvar, Z. [Liver failure a la Eastern Europe]. Orv.Hetil. 3-22-2009;150(12):555-557. PubMed
  30. National Toxicology Program, US Department of Health and Human Services. Chemical Information Review Document for Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) [CAS No. 8057-49-6] and Oils [CAS No. 8008-88-6]. 2009;
  31. Wells SR. International intravenous administration of a crude valerian root extract. NACCT 1995;33:542.
  32. Aydinoglu U, Özcan H, Yücel A, Yücel N, Mutlu M. Valerian induced hypomania: a case report. Bull Clin Psychopharma 2012;22(Suppl. 1):S63.
  33. Mirabi P, Mojab F. The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iran J Pharm Res 2013;12(1):217-22.
  34. Thomas K, Canedo J, Perry PJ, et al. Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance. Accid Anal Prev. 2016 Jul;92:240-4. PubMed
  35. Kia YH, Alexander S, Dowling D, Standish R. A case of steroid-responsive valerian-associated hepatitis. Intern Med J. 2016 Jan;46(1):118-9. PubMed
  36. Burke H, Jiang S, Chatham P, Stern TA. Delirium After Withdrawal From Valerian Root: A Case Report. Psychosomatics. 2020;61(6):787-790. PubMed
  37. Hajizadeh I, Jamshidi M, Kazemi M, Kargar H, Sadeghi T. Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial. Ther Apher Dial 2023.

See these in context on the Valerian monograph →

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

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