Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine 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 that may add to the CNS depression caused by buprenorphine. This may increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine 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, possibly via GABAergic effects of valerian.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking buprenorphine, or monitor for excess sedation. Warn them against driving or operating machinery.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine 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 that may add to the CNS depression caused by buprenorphine. This may increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine 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 valerian while taking buprenorphine, or monitor for excess sedation. Warn them against driving or operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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