Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Valerian
Severity: Minor
Escitalopram and Valerian: minor 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 drowsiness and psychomotor impairment sometimes seen with escitalopram. Clinical evidence is limited and the effect is usually mild.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Valerian have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, probably via GABAergic effects of valerian.
What to do
Advise patients to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until the response is known. Stop valerian if drowsiness is troublesome.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Escitalopram and Valerian have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Valerian has sedative properties and may add to the drowsiness and psychomotor impairment sometimes seen with escitalopram. Clinical evidence is limited and the effect is usually mild.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Valerian?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until the response is known. Stop valerian if drowsiness is troublesome.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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