Drug interactions
Tramadol + Valerian
Severity: Moderate
Tramadol 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the CNS depression caused by tramadol. This can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance, but evidence of serious harm is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tramadol 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, probably via GABAergic effects of valerian.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid valerian while taking tramadol, or monitor for excessive sedation and avoid driving until the response is known.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tramadol with Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Tramadol 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 mild sedative properties and may add to the CNS depression caused by tramadol. This can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance, but evidence of serious harm is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Tramadol 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 tramadol, or monitor for excessive sedation and avoid driving until the response is known.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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