Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl 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 CNS depressant effects of fentanyl. Evidence is limited, but excess drowsiness and impaired alertness are plausible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl 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
Probable additive sedation through GABAergic activity of valerian constituents; not well characterized.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking fentanyl, or monitor for sedation and respiratory depression if used. Counsel against driving.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl 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 CNS depressant effects of fentanyl. Evidence is limited, but excess drowsiness and impaired alertness are plausible.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl 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 fentanyl, or monitor for sedation and respiratory depression if used. Counsel against driving.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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