Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Valerian Root Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Headache (uncommon)
- Gastrointestinal upset (uncommon)
- Vivid dreams (occasionally reported)
- Morning drowsiness at high doses (uncommon)
- Distinct strong odor of capsules and tinctures (due to isovaleric acid)
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Sedative medications (benzodiazepines, zolpidem) — potential additive sedation
- Alcohol — additive CNS depressant effects
- Anesthesia — discontinue 2 weeks before surgery (may prolong sedation)
- CYP3A4 substrates — valerian may mildly inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism
- Other sedating herbs (kava, hops) — additive effects, often combined intentionally but monitor for excess sedation
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 900mg/day (no additional benefit demonstrated above 600mg)
References
- Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W (2006). Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Fernández-San-Martín MI, Masa-Font R, Palacios-Soler L, et al. (2010). Effectiveness of Valerian on insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Sleep Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Benke D, Barberis A, Kopp S, et al. (2009). GABA A receptors as in vivo substrate for the anxiolytic action of valerenic acid, a major constituent of valerian root extracts. Neuropharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R (1982). Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. DOI PubMed