Drug interactions
Valerian + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Valerian and Zaleplon: 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 that may add to the hypnotic effect of zaleplon. This can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance and next-day alertness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Valerian and Zaleplon 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 sedation, likely through GABAergic activity of valerian constituents; the exact mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid taking valerian with zaleplon, or reduce the dose and counsel against driving. Monitor for excessive sedation.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Valerian with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Valerian and Zaleplon 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 that may add to the hypnotic effect of zaleplon. This can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor performance and next-day alertness.
How serious is the interaction between Valerian and Zaleplon?
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 taking valerian with zaleplon, or reduce the dose and counsel against driving. Monitor for excessive sedation.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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