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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Other hypnotics and sedatives
Valerianae radix
N05CM09
Forms & Strengths
- Dried root crude herb
- Extract capsules/tablets (standardized to valerenic acids 0.8% - 1.2%): 300 mg - 500 mg
- Liquid extract/tincture (1:5): 1 mL - 3 mL
- Tea infusions: 1.5 g - 3 g of dried root in 150 mL water
Adult Dosing
- Insomnia: 300 mg to 600 mg of root extract 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime
- Anxiety/Restlessness: 300 mg to 400 mg up to 3 times daily
- Tincture (1:5): 1 mL to 3 mL up to 3 times daily or at bedtime
- Maximum continuous duration without medical supervision: typically limited to 4 to 6 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in children under 12 years are not well established
- Use in children is generally not recommended without pediatric consultation
- Limited empirical use in adolescents >12 years mirrors low-dose adult regimens for transient sleep disturbances
Indications
- Short-term relief of mild nervous tension
- Adjunctive management of transient sleep disturbances and insomnia
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to GABAA receptors and inhibits GABA transaminase, increasing synaptic GABA concentrations
- Valerenic acid derivatives modulate serotonin receptors (5-HT5A)
- Adenosine receptor interaction potentially contributing to sedative properties
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to valerian or any constituents of the Valerianaceae family
- Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants or alcohol
- Pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Headache
- Excitability and paradoxical agitation (rare)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (abdominal cramps, nausea)
- Drowsiness and next-day hangover effect (rare at standard doses)
- Hepatotoxicity (extremely rare, causality not definitively established)
Drug Interactions
- Alcohol: enhances sedative and psychomotor impairment effects
- Benzodiazepines and barbiturates: potential additive CNS depression
- Sedative antidepressants (e.g., trazodone, tricyclics): increased sedation risk
- CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 substrates: minor in vitro inhibition potential, clinical significance minimal
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use