Question 1

passion flower, valerian root or kava which is best for anxiety with less side effects?

Accepted Answer

No single best: Just like there is no best single drug for anxiety, there is no single best herb. We are all unique biochemically and a drug or herb that might work great for one person may not help another at all. Of the 3 you mention kava causes the most side effects. You can try passion flower ; valerian to see which works better for you, but holy basil (tulsi), rhodiola and l-theanine are also worth trying.

Question 2

i have trouble sleeping and i was considering taking valerian root? is there a downside to doing so? are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Valerian: Hi, the side effects include headache, irritability and sluggishness in the morning for some people, have you tried sleep hygiene, like: No TV in bedroom, no book in the bed, use bedroom just for sex and sleep, leave the bed if you don't fall asleep after 15-30 min, try to watch a calming movie, reading a relaxing book, have a cup of warm milk, do not exercise late at night, etc.

Question 3

does valerian have possible side effects on my sexual performance?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Valerian root is a strong herb and can affect sexual function.

Question 4

are herbal remedies safe and effective?  i wanted to try passion flower or valerian root for anxiety. i have never tried herbal remedies but thought they might be worth a try.  i don't want to go on expensive, strong medication for anxiety.

Accepted Answer

I'm : I'm not knowledgeable about passion flower but have some experience with using valerian for anxiety and insomnia on patients. Basically from an effectivity standpoint, i observe very mixed positive and no significant benefit results which mirrors contradictory information seen in research. Valerian root generally is safe but strongly suggest a discussion on the safety issues with a supervising doctor; for example there are experts who do not recommend its use during pregnancy. Due to its sedation properties, one needs to be cautious when operating dangerous equipment while taking it.

Question 5

is it safe to take gabapentin (200mg x3 a day) and valerian root/passion flower for sleep?   also having anxiety problems. is buspar safe with this?

Accepted Answer

Interactions: I believe it's best to ask your pharmacist this question. He/she has better access to this kind of information. I also believe that there is potential interaction between buspar and gabapentin.

Question 6

safe to take gnc natra sleep with zoloft (sertraline)? natra sleep has passion flower, lemon balm, valerian root, chamomile, and l- theanine in it. safe?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes but...: Any medicine or herb that is sedating can have an additive effect with Zoloft (sertraline) but there is no known direct interaction. However, becoming drowsy after taking Natra Sleep is probably what you are hoping for. I routinely prescribe these herbs for patients taking Zoloft (sertraline) and similar drugs and find most people tolerate this combination quite well.

Question 7

i take 45 ml of propranalol daily. can i take a supplement of: skullcap, passion flower, lemon balm, melatonin, chamomile, hops, valerian for rest?

Accepted Answer

Skullcap: You must be careful with skullcap it prolongs bleeding time.But if you drink pomegranite juice  it should not interfere with sleep.

Question 8

will prozac (fluoxetine) interact with herbal teas such as lemon balm, passion flower, linden flowers, kava, ashwagandha, jujube and valerian?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Any interaction is not significant.

Question 9

i take a sleep aid at night. valerian root, lemon balm, l-theanine, hops, chamomile, passion flower & melatonin. do any of these thin my blood?

Accepted Answer

: Please discuss this with your Primary Care Physician and have a physical exam. You may need a sleep study for further diagnosis. Also consider seeing a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in multiple types of psychotherapy for help.

Question 10

do any of these stress reliever pills ingredients interfere with yaz-passion flower, lemon balm, valerian, california poppy, milk protein hydrolysate?

Accepted Answer

No: While certain herbs, esp. St. John's Wort, may interact with Yaz, none of the herbs you mention are known to interact. These would be safe and effective for stress without causing the stress that could happen from an unwanted pregnancy. Also consider magnesium taurate or glycinate, a good multivitamin with the L-5-MTHF form of folate, Tulsi tea, exercise and meditation to reduce stress.

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Doctor answers about:

Valerian and passion flower side effects

A member asked:

Passion flower, valerian root or kava which is best for anxiety with less side effects?

A member asked:

I have trouble sleeping and i was considering taking valerian root? is there a downside to doing so? are there any side effects?

A member asked:

Does valerian have possible side effects on my sexual performance?

A member asked:

Are herbal remedies safe and effective? i wanted to try passion flower or valerian root for anxiety. i have never tried herbal remedies but thought they might be worth a try. i don't want to go on expensive, strong medication for anxiety.

A member asked:

Is it safe to take gabapentin (200mg x3 a day) and valerian root/passion flower for sleep? also having anxiety problems. is buspar safe with this?

A member asked:

Safe to take gnc natra sleep with zoloft (sertraline)? natra sleep has passion flower, lemon balm, valerian root, chamomile, and l- theanine in it. safe?

A member asked:

I take 45 ml of propranalol daily. can i take a supplement of: skullcap, passion flower, lemon balm, melatonin, chamomile, hops, valerian for rest?

A member asked:

Will prozac (fluoxetine) interact with herbal teas such as lemon balm, passion flower, linden flowers, kava, ashwagandha, jujube and valerian?

A member asked:

I take a sleep aid at night. valerian root, lemon balm, l-theanine, hops, chamomile, passion flower & melatonin. do any of these thin my blood?

A member asked:

Do any of these stress reliever pills ingredients interfere with yaz-passion flower, lemon balm, valerian, california poppy, milk protein hydrolysate?

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