Valerian Root 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Nutricost
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Valerian Root 1000 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Valerian Root 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by Nutricost 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 root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: valerian root extract at 1000 mg per capsule. Valerian is a plant whose root has been used traditionally to support relaxation and sleep.
The capsules also contain vegetable capsule material, rice flour, and olive oil as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Valerian is possibly effective for insomnia — the evidence suggests it may help, though it's not definitive. For restless legs syndrome, pre-procedural anxiety, stress, and painful periods (dysmenorrhea), the evidence we have is insufficient to rate whether it works.
If sleep support is your goal, valerian may be worth trying, but results vary person to person.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Valerian is generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, mental slowness, headache, upset stomach, excitability, and vivid dreams.
If you take it regularly for a while and then stop abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like faster heart rate, anxiety, irritability, or insomnia — so taper your dose slowly after extended use. Rare cases of liver damage have been reported with multi-ingredient products containing valerian, and there have been isolated reports of agitation, restlessness, and in one case, hypomania with high doses or chronic use.
Valerian is not recommended in pregnancy — safety has not been established. It should be avoided while breastfeeding as well, since there isn't enough safety information.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sleep aids, opioids), alprazolam specifically, glucuronidated drugs, or any medications your liver processes. Also avoid alcohol while using valerian.
Moderate interactions exist with all of these; if you use any, your healthcare provider needs to weigh the risks and benefits for you.
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 with insomnia, though evidence is modest. The main caution is its sedative effect — it shouldn't be combined with CNS depressants, alprazolam, or alcohol without checking with your doctor first.
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take any regular medications (especially sleep aids or liver-metabolized drugs), talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
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, 2020.
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
General information
Key facts about Valerian Root 1000 mg, straight from the product 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 Root 1000 mg by Nutricost, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Valerian root extract | 1000 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Vegetable Capsules, Rice Flour, Olive Oil
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules with 8-12 oz of water, or as directed by your physician.
Precautions
Warning: This product is only intended to be consumed by healthy individuals 18 years of age or older.
Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Do not exceed recommended use. Improper use will not improve results and is not advised.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if safety seal is broken.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Nutricost Quality Guaranteed Made in the USA
Formulation
Non GMO Gluten free product
Formula
Valerian root 1000 mg per serving
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Valerian root extract
Interacts with902 drugs
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 root extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Capsules, Rice Flour, Olive Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Nutricost Valerian Root 1000 mg interacts with several medication types, most seriously through its potential to add to the sedative effects of CNS depressants (drugs that slow the brain and nervous system) like benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and opioids.
The concern is that combining valerian with these medications could cause excessive drowsiness, impaired thinking, or reduced alertness — effects that compound on each other.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Valerian also interacts moderately with glucuronidated drugs (a large group metabolized by the liver through a specific pathway), and specifically with alprazolam (Xanax) and alcohol. With alprazolam, you get the additive sedation risk plus a theoretical modest increase in alprazolam levels, though this is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Alcohol poses the same additive sedation hazard. The interaction data also flags CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 substrates, but clinical studies show valerian has only minor — not clinically meaningful — effects on these drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Altogether, these interactions span 903 individual medications. Before you start valerian, run your current medications through the checker on this page, especially if you take sedatives, sleep aids, tranquilizers, opioids, or any liver-metabolized drug.
If you take alprazolam or drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Valerian Root 1000 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Valerian Root 1000 mg interact with 902 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Valerian Root 1000 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Valerian root extract
Pioglitazone, MetforminActoPlus Met
How Pioglitazone, Metformin interacts with Valerian Root 1000 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Pioglitazone, Metformin interactionTipranavirAptivus
How Tipranavir interacts with Valerian Root 1000 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Tipranavir interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Valerian Root 1000 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 root extract
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Valerian Root 1000 mg, from the product label.
Nutricost
See all Nutricost products- Name
- Nutricost
- Street Address
- 351 E 1750 N
- City
- Vineyard
- State
- UT
- ZipCode
- 84059
- Phone Number
- (866) 438-3694
- Web Address
- www.nutricost.com
Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost: Common Questions
Does Valerian Root 1000 mg by Nutricost interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take valerian if I take a prescription sleep aid?
What are the most common side effects?
Is valerian safe to take long-term?
Can I take valerian while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Does valerian actually work for sleep?
Can I take valerian with alcohol?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Valerian Root 1000 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Valerian Root 1000 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Valerian Root 1000 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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Willey LB, Mady SP, Cobaugh DJ, Wax PM. Valerian overdose: a case report. Vet Hum Toxicol 1995;37:364-5.
- 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
- Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38. PubMed
- Houghton PJ. The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:505-12. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- MacGregor FB, Abernethy VE, Dahabra S, et al. Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. BMJ 1989;299:1156-7. PubMed
- Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med 1985;2:144-8. PubMed
- Hadley S, Petry JJ. Valerian. Am Fam Physician 2003;67:1755-8..
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Vassiliadis, T., Anagnostis, P., Patsiaoura, K., Giouleme, O., Katsinelos, P., Mpoumponaris, A., and Eugenidis, N. Valeriana hepatotoxicity. Sleep Med 2009;10(8):935. PubMed
- 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
- 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;
- Wells SR. International intravenous administration of a crude valerian root extract. NACCT 1995;33:542.
- Aydinoglu U, Özcan H, Yücel A, Yücel N, Mutlu M. Valerian induced hypomania: a case report. Bull Clin Psychopharma 2012;22(Suppl. 1):S63.
- Mirabi P, Mojab F. The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iran J Pharm Res 2013;12(1):217-22.
- 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
- 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
- Burke H, Jiang S, Chatham P, Stern TA. Delirium After Withdrawal From Valerian Root: A Case Report. Psychosomatics. 2020;61(6):787-790. PubMed
- 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.
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