Valerian

Valerian is a sedative and anxiolytic herbal remedy based on the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis. Valerian is a herb whose root contains active components including valepotriates and spicy odiferous oils.

Indications Valerian

Valerian is used as a sedative and sleep aid and is very popular in Europe.

Indications for which the use of Valerian and all preparations based on it is recommended include functional disorders of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system:

• nervous overexcitement, increased emotional excitability and anxiety;
• neurotic conditions, including those with spasms of the heart vessels and tachycardia;
• sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep, insomnia);
• neurocirculatory dystonia.

The drug also has antispasmodic and muscle relaxant properties and can be used for gastrointestinal spasms of various etiologies (in particular, those associated with spastic colitis), as an anticonvulsant for epilepsy, and for bronchospasms (histamine- and antigen-induced).

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Release form

Film-coated tablets of 200 mg; alcohol tincture 70% (in 25 ml bottles).

Trade names: Valerian extract, Valeriana forte, Valerica, Valemont, Valevigran, Valdispert

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Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of sedative action of Valerian is based on the biochemical properties of active substances contained in the roots and rhizomes of medicinal valerian (Rhizoma cum radicibus Valeuianae): mono- and triterpenes, iridoid triesters (valepotriates), flavonoids (hesperidin, 6-methyl-apigenin, linarin), as well as alkaloids (valerianin, valerine, actinidin, chatinin, isovaleramide).

The roots contain essential oil, which contains biologically active sesquiterpenes (valerianic and isovaleric acids), borneol, camphene, pinene, and pyrryl-alpha-methyl ketone.

The alkaloids of Valeriana officinalis have a structural similarity with psychoactive anxiolytic substances of the benzodiazepine group and interact with cellular receptors of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin and adenosine, which reduces the excitability of peripheral neurotransmitters and helps to increase the resistance of CNS neurons to excitation.

The antispasmodic effect of valerian preparations is associated with their ability to reduce the activity of the pituitary hormone vasopressin.

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Pharmacokinetics

It is not described in the official instructions.

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Dosing and administration

Valerian tablets are taken orally (before meals) - one tablet twice a day. In cases of problems with falling asleep - one or two tablets are taken half an hour before bedtime.

The tincture is taken after meals - 20-30 drops, and teenagers over 12 years old - 15 drops. The frequency of administration and duration of Valerian use is determined by the attending physician.

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Use Valerian during pregnancy

Since there is insufficient information regarding the safety of Valerian for pregnant women, it is not recommended to use this drug during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindications

Valerian is contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as in patients under 12 years of age.

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Side effects Valerian

Valerian may prolong the effects of other sedatives (eg, barbiturates) and may impair driving or other activities that require caution.

The use of Valerian may be accompanied by side effects in the form of increased sleepiness, lethargy and a feeling of general depression. In some cases, this drug can cause headaches and night terrors.

Valerian can reduce muscle tone, physical performance and dull attention (which should be kept in mind when driving vehicles and operating machinery).

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Overdose

Exceeding the dose of Valerian increases its side effects and also causes a feeling of discomfort in the stomach; nausea and vomiting may occur. Overdose requires discontinuation of the drug and symptomatic treatment.

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Interactions with other drugs

Valerian potentiates the effect of all psychoactive drugs (hypnotics and sedatives) and analgesics.

According to the official description of the drug, it can be used simultaneously with drugs to maintain normal heart rate and reduce blood pressure in hypertension.

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Storage conditions

Valerian tablets should be stored in a cool place, and drops – at room temperature.

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Shelf life

Valerian tablets – 2 years; alcohol tincture – 5 years.

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