Is valerian root similar to Xanax?
Is valerian root similar to Xanax?
Anxiety. Valerian root is touted by some as a safe and natural alternative to prescription anxiety drugs, most especially those like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) that act on GABA receptors.
How effective is valerian for sleep?
Valerian is commonly used to improve sleep. Patients taking valerian had an 80% greater chance of reporting improved sleep compared with patients taking placebo; however, there was evidence of publication bias.
What does Valepotriate mean?
Filters. (organic chemistry) An organic compound found in Valeriana and catnip, believed to have sedative properties. noun. 1.
What are side effects of valerian?
Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Is valerian a benzodiazepine?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is most commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders. Valerian has a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines; however, instead of binding to the gamma subunit like a benzodiazepine, it appears to bind to the beta subunit on the GABA-A receptor instead.
Can you become addicted to valerian?
For most people, valerian does not appear to cause dependency. Nor does it cause withdrawal symptoms for most. But there are a few reports of withdrawal symptoms when valerian has been used over very long periods of time. If you want to stop taking valerian, lower your dose gradually rather than stopping all at once.
Can you OD on valerian?
This herb is popular as a sedative but little is known about its toxic effects. The patient presented with mild symptoms, all of which resolved within 24 h. Valerian overdose, at approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose, appears to be benign.
