Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Valerian
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the drowsiness caused by nortriptyline. Clinically significant effects are likely to be modest but could affect alertness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline 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, with valerian thought to act through GABAergic mechanisms.
What to do
Advise patients about possible additive drowsiness and caution with driving. 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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the drowsiness caused by nortriptyline. Clinically significant effects are likely to be modest but could affect alertness.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline 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 about possible additive drowsiness and caution with driving. Stop valerian if excessive sedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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