Valerian

Valerian is a flowering plant, and its root is dried and used as an herbal remedy.

Valerian has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid for sleep problems (insomnia).

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating anxiety, stress, depression, attention deficit disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, tremors, epilepsy, menopause symptoms, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether valerian is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Valerian should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Valerian is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Valerian may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use valerian, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a valerian capsule. Swallow it whole.

If you are going to have surgery, stop taking valerian at least 2 weeks beforehand.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with valerian does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

You should not use valerian if you are allergic to it.

Before using valerian, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use valerian if you have certain medical conditions.

It is not known whether valerian will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether valerian passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, valerian is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time (4 to 8 weeks).

Valerian may cause serious side effects. Stop using valerian and call your doctor at once if you have:

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of valerian may include:

• headache;
• upset stomach;
• thinking problems;
• dry mouth;
• feeling excited or uneasy;
• strange dreams; or
• daytime drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since valerian is taken as needed, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Valerian may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Do not use valerian with other herbal or health supplements that can cause drowsiness. This includes 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), California poppy, catnip, chamomile, gotu kola, Jamaican dogwood, kava, melatonin, St. John's wort, skullcap (or scullcap), yerba mansa, and others.

Do not drink alcohol. It can make the drowsiness caused by valerian worse.

Taking valerian with other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect. Talk to your doctor before using valerian with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain reliever, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Do not take valerian without consulting your doctor if you are using medication to treat any of the following conditions:

• any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
• anxiety or depression;
• asthma or allergies;
• cancer;
• erectile dysfunction;
• heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
• migraine headaches;
• psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
• a psychiatric disorder; or
• seizures.

This list is not complete. Other medications may interact with valerian, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.