Valerian Safety and interactions

Whilst labelled a supplement you should still be aware of  Valerian safety. Understanding how Valerian Root affects the brain will make it easier to be aware of potential interactions.

To keep things simple. Valerian Root affects the brain via the GABA pathway. As a result. Using any other chemicals that effects the same pathway can cause potential issues.

Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not replace the need to speak to a qualified doctor. ALWAYS talk to your doctor before starting new treatments.

Side effects of Valerian

There are reports of the following side effects when taking Valerian Root . Always consult with your doctor before starting new treatments.

  • Jitters or unnatural heart beats
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Excitability
  • Headaches
  • Morning drowsiness
  • Uneasiness

Alcohol, sedatives and Valerian

Combining other GABAergic drugs, like alcohol or sedatives in general, possess a significant risk to the user in the form of overdose. Symptoms of overdose include excessive sedation and unresponsiveness to stimuli, severe ataxia, amnesia, confusion, agitation and intoxication. Severe overdoses may present with respiratory depression (and subsequent pulmonary aspiration), coma, and death.

One study mentions (1) “The pharmacological effects of Valerian extract and valerenic acid are mediated through modulation of GABA(A) receptor function. Thus, Valerian may potentiate the sedative effects of anesthetics and other medications that act on GABA receptors, and presurgical valerian use may cause a valerian-anesthetic interaction.”

Too much Valerian causes adverse effects

An extremely high dose of Valerian (around 1800mg) was found in one study to increase anxiety. This particular study also noted a decrease in performance in mental tests. (2)

 

Valerian Overdose

Large amounts of Valerian upwards of 20 grams (40-50 capsules) have shown signs of symptoms fatigue, abdominal cramp, chest tightness, light-headedness, hand tremors and mydriasis). These symptoms disappear within 24 hours. The US Food and Drug Administration have reported similar findings in their own review.(3).

Lethal dose of Valerian

One study out of Cape Town South Africa revealed the LD50* of Valerian root extract was found to be 3808 mg/kg per oral. Meaning for every kilogram you weigh, you would need to take 3808mg. A person weighing 200kg would need to take 1523.2 – 500mg capsules to cause death.

Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not replace the need to speak to a qualified doctor. ALWAYS talk to your doctor before starting new treatments.

*The Medical Definition of LD50 is the amount of a toxic agent (as a poison, virus, or radiation) that is sufficient to kill 50 percent of a population of animals usually within a certain time. — called also median lethal dose