Valerian
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 29, 2024.
What are other common names?
- Centranthus ruber
- Valeriana angustifolia
- Valeriana edulis
- Valeriana jatamansii
- Valeriana officinalis
- Valeriana sambucifolia
- Valeriana sitchensis
- Valeriana wallichii
- Valerianaceae
- All-Heal
- Amantilla
- Baldrian
- Baldrianwurzel
- Belgium Valerian
- Cat's Love
- Cat's Valerian
- Common Valerian
- Fragrant Valerian
- Garden Heliotrope
- Garden Valerian
- Grande Valériane
- Guérit Tout
- Herbe aux Chats
- Herbe aux Coupures
- Herbe de Notre-Dame
- Herbe de Saint Georges
- Herbe du Loup
- Herbe à la Femme Meurtrie
- Indian Valerian
- Kesso Root
- Mexican Valerian
- Pacific Valerian
- Radix Valerianae
- Rhizome de Valérian
- St George's Herb
- St. George's herb
- Tagar
- Tagar-Ganthoda
- Tagara
- Valerian Fragrant
- Valeriana
- Valeriana Pseudofficinalis
- Valeriana Rhizome
- Valerianae Radix
- Valeriane
- Valériane
- Valériane Africaine
- Valériane Celtique
- Valériane Commune
- Valériane de Belgique
- Valériane des Collines
- Valériane Dioïque
- Valériane du Jardin
- Valériane Indienne
- Valériane Mexicaine
- Valériane Officinale
- Valériane Sauvage
- Valériane à Petites Feuilles
- Vandal Root
What is this product used for?
Valerian helps people relax. It may help some people sleep better. Valerian may also help some women with menstrual cramps..
What are the precautions when taking this product?
-
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.
-
Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
-
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.
-
Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.
-
This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for.
-
Take extra care if you are taking drugs that make you drowsy or help you sleep. These are drugs like lorazepam, phenobarbital, zolpidem, or diphenhydramine.
-
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
-
Nervous system diseases
-
Seizures
-
Low mood
-
Liver problems
-
What should I watch for?
-
Upset stomach
-
Feeling dizzy
-
Feeling sleepy in the morning
Related/similar drugs
Lysine
Lysine systemic is used for aphthous ulcer, herbal supplementation, herpes simplex (hsv), herpes ...
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto systemic is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, herbal supplementation
Echinacea
Echinacea systemic is used for cold symptoms, condylomata acuminata, herbal supplementation
Creatine
Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contractions and is used to enhance ...
Black cohosh
Black cohosh systemic is used for herbal supplementation, postmenopausal symptoms
When do I need to call the doctor?
-
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
-
Signs of liver problems, like upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.
-
Very bad throwing up
-
Very bad loose stools
-
Very bad headache
-
Not able to think clearly or change in thinking
Last Reviewed Date
2024-03-27Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
Frequently asked questions
More about valerian
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (29)
- Side effects
- Support group
- Drug class: herbal products
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.