Drug interactions
Valerian + Venlafaxine
Severity: Minor
Valerian and Venlafaxine: 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 may add to drowsiness or psychomotor impairment seen with venlafaxine in some patients. The clinical effect is generally modest but can affect driving and daily activities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Valerian and Venlafaxine 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 depressant effects, likely via GABAergic activity of valerian constituents.
What to do
Advise patients to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until response is known. Stop valerian if daytime drowsiness develops.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Valerian with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Valerian and Venlafaxine 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 may add to drowsiness or psychomotor impairment seen with venlafaxine in some patients. The clinical effect is generally modest but can affect driving and daily activities.
How serious is the interaction between Valerian and Venlafaxine?
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 to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until response is known. Stop valerian if daytime drowsiness develops.
What other medicines interact with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Venlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Venlafaxine page.
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