Posted by Sunnely on November 8, 2000, at 22:31:30
In reply to Are Celexa and Valerian a Safe Combo?, posted by GLYN on November 7, 2000, at 8:26:22
> I knw that herbal remedies like Valerian ARE still drugs and was wondering if anyone knows whether it is safe to take with Celexa - neither the pharmacist or doctors I have spoken too sound to confident in saying yes or no.
>
> Anyone tried this combo - basically, will I die if I try them together ! :)
>
> Glyn++++++++++++++++
Hi Glyn,
Generally, the combination of Celexa and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is safe. But, different individuals react to drugs/herbs differently.
Theoretically, alcohol and drugs and other herbs with sedating effects may interact poorly with Valerian. They may enhance the sedative-hypnotic effect of Valerian. Drugs may include barbiturates, benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines sedative/hypnotics. Other herbs may include calamus, calendula, California poppy, catnip, capsicum, celery, couch grass, elecampane, chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava, lemon balm, sage, St. John's wort, sassafras, scullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa.
It was proposed that Valerian's ability to inhibit the enzyme system responsible for the brain degradation of GABA, increasing GABA concentrations leads to its sedative-hypnotic effect.
Incidentally, Valerian is dubbed as "God's Valium" by the popular press.
poster:Sunnely
thread:48350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48489.html