Valerian Root Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Swanson
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Valerian Root Extract 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 Extract is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for insomnia and poor sleep, anxiety and stress, restlessness.Based on those ingredients, 904 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Valerian. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Valerian Root Extract by Swanson
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
The active ingredient in this product is valerian root extract, listed twice in our data across two active ingredient entries. Valerian is the herb the product is built around, and the label's active ingredient entries are the source of the interaction and effectiveness information on this page.
The inactive ingredients are gelatin, maltodextrin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. These are fillers, binders, and capsule materials that help the product hold together and be taken as a capsule.
They do not add to the valerian's effects.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The strongest rating we hold is for insomnia, where valerian is rated Possibly Effective. That means some evidence supports its use for trouble sleeping, but it is not a proven treatment.
For restless legs syndrome, pre-procedural anxiety, stress, and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), our data rates the evidence as Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate. In other words, the evidence for those uses is not established in the data we hold.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Valerian is generally well tolerated over the short term, but long-term safety has not been well studied. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowness, as well as headache, stomach upset, excitability, and vivid dreams.
After long-term use, stopping suddenly can bring on withdrawal symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, so the data advises tapering slowly. Rare serious effects have been reported in case reports, mostly at high doses.
Our safety notes advise avoiding valerian during pregnancy because its safety has not been established, and advise avoiding it while breastfeeding because there is not enough safety information. Our pregnancy and lactation entry contains no further detail.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Double-check any CNS depressants (sedating medications), alprazolam (Xanax), and alcohol before taking this product, since all three are rated Moderate for added sedation. Glucuronidated drugs are also rated Moderate, and CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrates are rated Minor.
Your own doctor or pharmacist can confirm whether any of your medications are affected.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Valerian may be worth considering for people looking for help with occasional sleep trouble, since insomnia is its best-supported use. People who take sedatives, alprazolam, or other drugs that cause drowsiness, drink alcohol regularly, or are pregnant or breastfeeding should be especially careful.
Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining it with any medication.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.
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 Extract, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 087614140698 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 20, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 308801 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating) |
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 Extract by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Valerian | 700 mg | -- |
| Valerian Root Extract | 400 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Calcium Silicate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate
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.
Formulation
Total wellness for mind, body & home Unsurpassed purity & potency 100% money back guaranteed
Sleep support Standardized
General Statements
Science-backed quality since 1969
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules 30 minutes before bedtime with water.
Precautions
Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.
May cause drowsiness. Do not use while driving or operating heavy equipment.
Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking prescription medications, especially sedatives or tranquilizers.
Do not use if 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
Herbal Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Valerian Root Extract by Swanson 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 Extract by Swanson
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Valerian
Interacts with904 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 monograph & interactionsValerian Root Extract
Interacts with904 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: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Calcium Silicate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Valerian Root Extract by Swanson Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Swanson's Valerian Root Extract capsules can interact with medications, mainly through the valerian root in both of the product's listed active ingredient entries.
The most serious documented interaction is with CNS depressants (drugs that slow the brain, such as sedatives), rated Moderate. Valerian can add to their sedative effects, so the combined drowsiness can be stronger than either one alone.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Other drug types are also documented. Alprazolam (Xanax) is rated Moderate: valerian can add to its sedation, and high doses might modestly raise alprazolam levels, though that is not likely to be clinically significant.
Alcohol is rated Moderate because the combination can add to sedation. Glucuronidated drugs, which are cleared through the UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 enzymes, are rated Moderate as well, since valerian might weakly raise their levels.
Two enzyme groups carry Minor ratings: CYP2D6 substrates and CYP3A4 substrates. Clinical studies suggest valerian does not have a clinically relevant effect on drugs these enzymes process, even though some lab evidence points the other way.
Altogether, these interactions span 905 individual medications. Check your exact medications with the search tool on this page.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Valerian Root Extract interact with 904 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 2 ingredients in Valerian Root Extract interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Valerian
DoxepinDoxepin, Sinequan, Zonalon
How Doxepin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Doxepin interactionDoxorubicinAdriamycin, Caelyx, Doxil, Myocet, Rubex
How Doxorubicin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractGlucuronidated Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Doxorubicin interactionDyphylline, Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, PhenobarbitalLufyllin-EPG
How Dyphylline, Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Dyphylline, Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital interactionEnasidenibIdhifa
How Enasidenib interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
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 + Enasidenib interactionEntacaponeComtan
How Entacapone interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractGlucuronidated Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Entacapone interactionEphedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineMudrane GG
How Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interactionEphedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, TheophyllineMudrane, Quadrinal
How Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline interactionEphedrine, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineTedral
How Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline interactionErgotamine, Belladonna, PhenobarbitalBellamine, Bellaspas, Eperbel-S
How Ergotamine, Belladonna, Phenobarbital interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
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 + Ergotamine, Belladonna, Phenobarbital interactionEstazolamProsom
How Estazolam interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Estazolam interactionEsterified EstrogensEstratab, Menest
How Esterified Estrogens interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractGlucuronidated Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Esterified Estrogens interactionEsterified Estrogens, MethyltestosteroneEstratest
How Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Glucuronidated Drugs Moderate
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 + Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone interactionEszopicloneLunesta
How Eszopiclone interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
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 + Eszopiclone interactionEthanolEthanol
How Ethanol interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractAlcohol (ethanol) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with alcohol.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ethanol interactionEthosuximideZarontin
How Ethosuximide interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
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 + Ethosuximide interactionEthotoinPaganone
How Ethotoin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ethotoin interactionEzetimibe, AtorvastatinLiptruzet
How Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Glucuronidated Drugs Moderate
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 + Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin interactionEzogabinePotiga
How Ezogabine interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractGlucuronidated Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Ezogabine interactionFelbamateFelbatol
How Felbamate interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Felbamate interactionFenfluamineFintepla
How Fenfluamine interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Fenfluamine interactionFentanylAbstral, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Sublimaze, Subsys
How Fentanyl interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Fentanyl interactionFentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl CitrateActiq
How Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate interactionFentanyl CitrateInnovar
How Fentanyl Citrate interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
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 + Fentanyl Citrate interactionFesoterodine FumarateToviaz
How Fesoterodine Fumarate interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
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 + Fesoterodine Fumarate interactionFlibanserinAddyi
How Flibanserin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Flibanserin interactionFlupenthixolFluanxol
How Flupenthixol interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Flupenthixol interactionFlurazepamApo-Flurazepam, Bio-Flurazepam, Dalmane, Novo-Flurazepam, PMS-Flurazepam, Som Pam +1 more
How Flurazepam interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Flurazepam interactionFosphenytoinCerebyx
How Fosphenytoin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Fosphenytoin interactionFosphenytoin SodiumSesquient
How Fosphenytoin Sodium interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Fosphenytoin Sodium interactionGabapentinGralise, Neurontin
How Gabapentin interacts with Valerian Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Valerian Root ExtractCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Read the full Valerian Root Extract + Gabapentin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Valerian Root Extract 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
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 Extract, from the product label.
Swanson
See all Swanson products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- swanson.com
Valerian Root Extract by Swanson: Common Questions
Does Valerian Root Extract by Swanson interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is valerian root extract safe to take during pregnancy?
What are the side effects of valerian?
Does valerian work for insomnia?
What is valerian used for?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Valerian Root Extract 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 Extract’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 Extract'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 38 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 38 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.
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