Valerian anxiety

The term pasaon flower is used to denote many of the approximately 400 species of the herb. F saon flower has been used in medicine to treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Some herbalists use the herb to treat symptoms of parkinsonism. F saon flower is often used in combination with other herbs , such a valerian, chamomile, and hops, for promoting relaxation, rest and sleep. Although no adverse reactions have been reported, large doses may cause CNS depression. The use of passion flower is contraindicated in pregnancy and in patientstaking the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Fission flower contains coumarin, and the risk of bleeding may be increased when used in patientstaking warfarin and pasaon flower. 

Mischoulon, D. (2002). The herbal anxiolytics kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Psychiatric Annals, 32, 55-60. 

The use of valerian extends back at least 1000 years, and it gained a reputation in sixteenth-century Europe as a treatment for epilepsy (Tyler 1994 Temkin 1971). Its reported uses are broad (digestive aid, muscle relaxant, antipyretic, etc.) but it is commonly known to treat insomnia and anxiety (Gruenwald et al. 1998 Kowalchick and Hylton 1987). Valerian has a distinct, unpleasant odor. Perhaps appropriately, it is believed to be an herb in the writings of Galen and Dioscorides, called phu (Leyel 1994). 

Temazepam (Restoril) [C-IV] [Sedative/Hypnotic/ Benzodiazepine] Uses Insomnia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks Action Benzodiaz ine Dose 15-30 mg PO hs PRN X in elderly Caution [X, /-] Potentiates CNS dqjressive effects of opioids, barbs, EtOH, antihistamines, MAOIs, TCAs Contra NAG Disp Caps SE Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, hangover Interactions T Effects W/ cimetidine, disulfiram, kava kava, valerian T CNS depression W/ anticonvulsants, CNS depressants, EtOH t effects OF haloperidol, phenytoin X effects W/ aminophylline, dyphylline, OCPs, oxtriphylline, rifampin, theophylline, tobacco X effects OF levodopa EMS Use caution w/ other benzodiazepines, antihistamines, opioids and verapamil, can T CNS depression concurrent EtOH can T CNS depression abruptly D/C after >10 d use may cause withdrawal OD May cause profound CNS depression, confusion, bradycardia, hypotension, and altered reflexes flumazenil can be used as antidote, activated charcoal may be effective... 

Muller D, Pfeil T, von den Driesch V. Treating depression comorbid with anxiety—results of an open, practice-oriented study with St John s wort WS 5572 and valerian extract in high doses. Phytomedicine 2003 10(suppl 4) 25-30. 

Diazepam (Valium, Diastal-) [C-IV] [Anxiolytic, Skeletal Muscle Relaxant, Anticonvufsant, Sedative/Hypnotic/ Benzodiazepine] Uses Anxiety, EtOH withdrawal, muscle spasm, status epilepticus, panic disorders, amnesia, preprocedure sedation Action Benzodiazepine Dose Adults. Status epilepticus 5-10 mg IV/IM Anxiety 2-5 mg IM/IV Preprocedure 5-10 mg IV just prior to procedure Feds. Status epilepticus 0.5-2 mg IV/IM Sedation 0.2-0.5 mg/kg IV (onset w/in 5 IV and 30 min IM duration about 1 h IV and IM) Caution [D, / -] Contra Coma, CNS depression, resp depression, NAG, severe uncontrolled pain, PRG Disp Tabs 2, 5, 10 mg soln 1, 5 mg/mL inj 5 mg/mL rectal gel 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/mL SE Sedation, amnesia, bradycardia, BP, rash, i resp rate Interactions T Effects W/ antihistamines, azole antifungals, BBs, CNS depressants, cimetidine, ciprofloxin, clisulfiram, INH, OCP, omeprazole, phenytoin, valproic acid, verapamil, EtOH, kava kava, valerian T effects OF digoxin, diuretics effects w/ barbiturates, carbamazepine,... 

Main actives Valepotriates (0.5-2.0%), volatile oil (0.2-1.0%) and valeric acid (0.1-0.9%). Benefits Valerian has been used as a daytime sedative to reduce anxiety and stress and it has been demonstrated to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Valerian root extracts and volatile oils are used as components in the flavour industry, especially in alcoholic beverages such as beers and liqueurs and in soft drinks such as root beers. They have also been used in tobacco flavours. 

Valerian is derived from the root of the valerian plant that grows throughout many parts of the world. It is generally used to treat mild cases of anxiety and to... 

Many of the hop s constituents, including valerianic acid, have a sedative effect, and it is now used to treat insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. Its bitter principals, humulon and lupulon, are gastrointestinal stimulants used to treat indigestion and loss of appetite. These bitter acids also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The hop is believed to contain chemicals that promote menstruation, and certain flavonoids have shown potential chemopreventive activity against breast and ovarian cancer. 

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a volatile oil similar to that found in valerian root. It acts as a mild sedative to relieve migraines, menstrual cramps, tension, and anxiety. Many consider catnip effective in treating flatulence and indigestion others regard it as a diuretic. Ozarks use catnip to treat aching teeth. A weak catnip tea is a traditional remedy to help soothe colicky babies. 

Valerian is used in the treatment of insomnia and stress and anxiety. The important active compounds of valerian are the valepotriates (iridoid molecules) and valeric acid. These compounds are found exclusively in valerian. Originally, it was thought that just the valepotriates were responsible for valerian s sedative effects but, recently, an aqueous extract of valerian has also been shown to have a sedative effect. As the valepotriates are not soluble in water, it was concluded that valeric acid also possesses sedative action and is the chemical factor responsible for the sedative effect noted in human clinical trials with aqueous extracts of valerian (Murray, 1995). Valerian inhibits the uptake of GABA and enhances the release of GABA. 

Diazepam is better indicated if insomnia is associated with daytime anxiety. Other benzodiazepines prescribed for insomnia include nitrazepam, flur-azepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam and temazepam. The non-benzodiazepine hypnotics zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone are not licensed for long-term use. The sedative antipsychotic promethazine hydrochloride is sometimes used to facilitate sleep, with a 25-50 mg recommended dose. Melatonin has proved effective for some clients, mostly in regulating the sleep/waking cycle. Although evidence of efficacy is limited, some clients use herbs such as valerian and chamomile. If Mr AB will finally be diagnosed with depression, a trial with an antidepressant will be indicated. 

Valerian Insomnia, anxiety Fatigue, tremor, headache, paradoxical insomnia (not advised with other sedative-hypnotics)... 

Valerian originated in Europe and Asia, where it has been used for more than 1,000 years for a variety of purposes but primarily to treat insomnia and anxiety. Valerian preparations, derix ed from the root of the plant, contain active chemicals that collectively appear to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission through the GABA system. Valerian is not well studied, but several reports support the claim that it reduces sleep latency and improves sleep quality, albeit with many of the same side effects associated with benzodiazepines (Julien, 2005 Spinella, 2001). 

Kava is currently promoted for relief of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Stress may be prolonged and difficult to cope with and affected individuals may suffer from insomnia. Kava has been promoted as an axiolytic agent with little risk for dependence or adverse reactions. An unblinded, comparative, crossover trial of kava (120 mg) and valerian (600 mg) was conducted, each agent administered for 6 weeks with a 2-week wash-out period between. This was followed with administration of a combination of the two compounds. Both stress and insomnia were measured regarding social, personal, and life... 

Valerian is promoted in the United States primarily as a sedative-hypnotic for treatment of insomnia, and as an anxiolytic for restlessness and sleeping disorders associated with anxiety (4,7). 

A few studies have examined the effects of valerian on anxiety (28-30). Cropley and colleagues investigated whether kava or valerian could moderate physiological stress induced under laboratory conditions in healthy vol-... 

Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res 2002 16 650-654. 

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) Kava kava root promotes sleep and relaxes muscles. Kava kava tea combats urinary tract infections. Kava kava can be used with herbs such as valerian and St. John s Wort for anxiety. 

The most notable herb currently in use to treat depression and anxiety is St. John s wort, though some others—including gingko biloba and valerian root—may also be effective in some cases. 

D. Brown, Valerian Root Nonaddictive Alternative for Insomnia and Anxiety. Review of Natural Medicine (Fall 1994) 221-224. 

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