Posted by Bill L on August 8, 2003, at 8:37:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L , posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 17:23:00
I found this on the internet. It's from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (which I have never heard of). But the information sounds legitamate based on what I have read in the past. I like Valerian because it gives a feeling of calmness without too much drowsiness.
Valerian
Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis L. Family: Valerianaceae
Common Names: Valerian, baldrian, radix valerianae, Indian valerian (V. wallichii), red valerian (c. ruber)
Composition: Most commercial formulations utilize an extract prepared from the dried rhizome of valerian and standardized to contain a specified concentration of terpene alkaloids. The fresh plant material has no appreciable odor; however, drying liberates isovaleric acid, which has a distinctive very unpleasant odor.
Proposed Therapeutic Uses: Anxiolytic for anxiety/stress reduction; mild sedative-hypnotic for treatment of restlessness, insomnia and sleep-related disorders. Perceived improvement in stress symptomatology and improved sleep patterns may require several (2-4) weeks of treatment with valerian.
Administration/Dosage: Anxiety/stress reduction: 150 mg of standardized valerian extract one-to-four times/day. Sleep aid: 150-300 mg of extract 30-45 minutes before bedtime.
Adverse Reaction/Precautions: Valerian has been classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for food use in the US. Adverse reactions to usual doses are relatively minor, they may include headache, mental distress and morning drowsiness (hangover). There appear to be no psychic dependence/addictive potential associated with the use of valerian. Patients taking valerian for either stress reduction or as a sleep-aid should be cautioned to markedly decrease consumption of caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas).
Clinical Pharmacology: Clinical studies generally support the ability of valerian to decrease sleep latency (time required to achieve sleep), decrease nighttime awakenings and extend sleep duration. A few clinical reports provide evidence for mild antianxiety activity based on both subjective and objective parameters.
Patient Information:
General:
Do not exceed the dose (number of tablets or capsules) or dose schedule (number of doses/day) recommended on the product label.
If you experience any ill effects, stop taking the medication. If adverse effects are serious or if they persist, contact your physician or pharmacist.
Do not take herbal medication during pregnancy or while nursing a newborn unless advised by your physician.
Valerian:Do not take valerian if you are currently taking prescription drugs for anxiety/stress or sleep disorders or taking nonprescription sleep-aids.
Reduce or eliminate consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) while taking valerian.
Do not drink (or markedly restrict consumption of) alcoholic beverages while taking valerian.
Valerian may reduce alertness and motor coordination; caution in driving or operating hazardous machinery.
poster:Bill L
thread:248487
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030807/msgs/249252.html