Zolft & Valerian Root - Drug Interactions / Side Effects Message Board

ShawnaS · 03-27-2004, 12:39 AM

I have been on many websites to research this and can't get a strait answer. (My psych doc didn't even know for sure) Is it ok to take Valerian root at night while taking Zoloft during the day? Thanks!!!

positive4u · 04-01-2004, 10:20 PM

ShawnaS,
Probably no studies have been done on this interaction. Active ingredients in valerian have been shown to bind to the benzodiazepine receptor in the brain.
This is the receptor benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax, Ativan etc.) bind to.
Patients are commonly being prescribed Zoloft plus Xanax or some other benzodiazepine together with no ill effects, so I see no problem with Zoloft & valerian.
Positive4U

quainthaus · 05-18-2004, 09:26 AM

ShawnaS,

i wish i could have found out when i needed to ... and could not get an answer either ...

my best guess/hunch is that there is no adverse interaction ...

*however* (based on my personal experience) i'd be more concerned if you feel you need the valerian root for sleep/relaxation purposes. zoloft may not be the right anti-depressant for you and/or there's the possibility your psych has not yet reached a thorough prognosis (i.e. bipolar vs. depression).

best