Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Hydromorphone 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 depression caused by opioids such as hydromorphone. Increased drowsiness and impaired psychomotor performance are possible, and respiratory depression is theoretically possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone 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 via GABAergic effects of valerian combined with opioid agonism.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking hydromorphone, or monitor for excess sedation and counsel 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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydromorphone 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 depression caused by opioids such as hydromorphone. Increased drowsiness and impaired psychomotor performance are possible, and respiratory depression is theoretically possible.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone 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 hydromorphone, or monitor for excess sedation and counsel against driving or operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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