Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Alprazolam and Valerian: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Valerian has sedative properties and may add to the sedation and psychomotor impairment caused by alprazolam. The clinical effect is generally modest but may affect driving and daily activities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Valerian can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, likely through valerian effects on GABAergic transmission; the exact mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid taking valerian with alprazolam where possible and to avoid driving or hazardous tasks if combined. Reduce or stop the herbal product if excess drowsiness occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Alprazolam and Valerian can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Valerian has sedative properties and may add to the sedation and psychomotor impairment caused by alprazolam. The clinical effect is generally modest but may affect driving and daily activities.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Valerian?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid taking valerian with alprazolam where possible and to avoid driving or hazardous tasks if combined. Reduce or stop the herbal product if excess drowsiness occurs.
What other medicines interact with Alprazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Alprazolam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole. The full list is on the Alprazolam page.
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