Valerian and Sedating Medications: What You Need to Know About CNS Depression Risk

Many people turn to valerian root as a natural way to improve sleep. It’s been used for centuries, and today, it’s one of the most popular herbal supplements for insomnia. But if you’re already taking a sedative - whether it’s a prescription sleep pill, an anxiety medication, or even just drinking alcohol at night - you might be putting yourself at risk without even knowing it.

What is valerian, and how does it work?

Valerian comes from the root of Valeriana officinalis a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, long used in traditional medicine for calming nerves and promoting sleep. Unlike synthetic sleep aids, valerian doesn’t knock you out. Instead, it seems to help your brain relax by boosting levels of GABA - a natural chemical that slows down brain activity.

Two key compounds in valerian are believed to be behind this effect: valerenic acid a compound that blocks the enzyme that breaks down GABA, letting more of it build up in the brain, and valepotriates unstable compounds that also have calming effects but degrade quickly during storage. But here’s the catch: not all valerian products are made the same. Some have high levels of valerenic acid, others barely any. And since herbal supplements aren’t regulated like prescription drugs, you can’t always know what you’re actually getting.

Why combining valerian with sedatives is risky

When you take something that slows down your brain - like alcohol, Xanax, Ambien, or even certain painkillers - your body’s natural ability to stay alert and breathe properly gets reduced. Valerian does the same thing. So when you mix them, you’re stacking two depressants on top of each other.

This is called additive central nervous system (CNS) depression a dangerous condition where brain activity slows too much, leading to extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slowed breathing, or even loss of consciousness. The risk isn’t theoretical. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements a trusted U.S. government source warns that valerian "might have additive therapeutic and adverse effects if taken with sedatives." WebMD labels the combination with alcohol and alprazolam (Xanax) as a "Major" interaction - meaning you should avoid it entirely.

Think about this: if you take valerian before bed and also drink a glass of wine, you’re not just doubling the sleepiness. You’re increasing the chance your breathing will slow dangerously. The same goes for benzodiazepines like lorazepam or barbiturates. Even over-the-counter sleep aids containing diphenhydramine can add to the effect.

The science behind the warning

It’s not just guesswork. Studies show valerian increases GABA in the brain. So do most sedative medications. Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) work by making GABA receptors more sensitive. Barbiturates (like phenobarbital) keep GABA active longer. Alcohol? It enhances GABA too. So when valerian joins the party, it’s like turning up the volume on all those signals at once.

The Mayo Clinic a leading medical authority states clearly: "Valerian may increase the effects of other sleep aids." They also warn it can make you too sleepy if you’re taking narcotics like codeine or oxycodone. And while some people think herbal means safe, the truth is: your body can’t tell the difference between a plant extract and a pill when it comes to how it affects your brain.

What about that 2005 study that says it’s safe?

You might have heard about a 2005 study from Mexico that found valerian didn’t make sedatives stronger in mice. That’s true. But here’s what most people miss:

• The study used Valeriana edulis a different species than the one most people take, not Valeriana officinalis the standard form sold in supplements.
• It was done on mice. Human brains and metabolisms work differently.
• No follow-up human trials have confirmed those results.

That study doesn’t prove valerian is safe with sedatives - it just means we don’t have solid proof it’s dangerous. In medicine, when there’s a plausible risk and serious consequences (like stopped breathing), we err on the side of caution. That’s why every major health organization says: don’t mix them.

Real-world dangers you won’t hear about

Most people don’t think of valerian as a drug. They see it on the shelf next to vitamins and assume it’s harmless. But that’s dangerous.

Consider this: a patient takes valerian before a dental appointment because they’re nervous. They don’t mention it. The dentist gives them nitrous oxide and a local anesthetic. Both are CNS depressants. Now add valerian? The patient could slip into deep sedation, stop breathing, and need emergency intervention. This isn’t a hypothetical. Clinical educators warn that dental professionals often don’t ask about herbal supplements - and patients rarely volunteer the information.

The same goes for surgery. If you’re taking valerian before a procedure and your anesthesiologist doesn’t know about it, they might give you less anesthesia than needed - or worse, too much, because they didn’t account for the extra sedation.

Who’s at highest risk?

You’re especially vulnerable if you:

• Take benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam)
• Use sleep medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone)
• Drink alcohol regularly, especially at night
• Take opioid painkillers (codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)
• Have sleep apnea or other breathing disorders
• Are over 65 - older adults are more sensitive to CNS depression

Even if you’re not on a prescription, if you’re using melatonin, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or other OTC sleep aids, you’re still at risk.

What should you do?

Here’s the bottom line:

1. If you’re on any sedating medication - prescription or not - do not take valerian.
2. If you’re already taking valerian and just started a new medication, stop it immediately and talk to your doctor.
3. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take - even "natural" ones.
4. If you want to try valerian, do it only after you’ve stopped all other sedatives, and start with the lowest possible dose.
5. Don’t use valerian long-term. Persistent insomnia is usually a sign of something else - stress, poor sleep habits, anxiety, or a medical condition.

The NIH says valerian is "generally recognized as safe" when used as directed. But "safe" doesn’t mean "safe with everything." It means safe if you’re not combining it with other brain-slowing substances.

Final thought: Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it’s harmless

We live in a world where "natural" is marketed as better, safer, gentler. But nature doesn’t care about your safety. Valerian is powerful. It changes brain chemistry. And when you layer it on top of other drugs that do the same thing, the results can be deadly.

If you’re struggling with sleep, talk to your doctor. There are safer, proven ways to improve rest - without risking your breathing, your safety, or your life.