Can You Take Valerian Root with Antidepressants?

Valerian root can interact with antidepressants and should be used with caution. Valerian may cause drowsiness, and combining it with medications that also cause drowsiness could increase this effect. Evidence about specific interactions with antidepressants is limited. Valerian can cause drowsiness, so extra caution may be appropriate with antidepressants that also have sedating effects, including some tricyclic antidepressants. There is not enough evidence to determine whether valerian interacts with MAOIs. Because MAOIs can have serious interactions with other substances, ask the prescribing clinician before using valerian. Reliable clinical data are not available to estimate how often fatigue occurs when valerian is combined with antidepressants. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding valerian root to your medication regimen, as they can assess your specific antidepressant type and dosage for potential interactions.