Drug interactions
Lithium + Valerian
Severity: Minor
Lithium 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 lithium can also cause drowsiness and cognitive slowing. Using them together may increase sedation and impair alertness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium 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 central nervous system depression, probably via GABAergic effects of valerian.
What to do
Advise the patient about possible drowsiness and caution with driving or operating machinery. Reduce or stop valerian if excessive sedation occurs.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lithium 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 lithium can also cause drowsiness and cognitive slowing. Using them together may increase sedation and impair alertness.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium 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 the patient about possible drowsiness and caution with driving or operating machinery. Reduce or stop valerian if excessive sedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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