Drug interactions
Codeine + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Codeine 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the central nervous system depression caused by codeine. This can increase drowsiness, impair psychomotor performance and, in susceptible patients, contribute to respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine 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, probably through GABAergic effects of valerian combined with opioid-mediated depression.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid driving or operating machinery and monitor for excess sedation. Consider stopping valerian if drowsiness is excessive, especially in older adults.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the central nervous system depression caused by codeine. This can increase drowsiness, impair psychomotor performance and, in susceptible patients, contribute to respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine 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 driving or operating machinery and monitor for excess sedation. Consider stopping valerian if drowsiness is excessive, especially in older adults.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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