Posted by JohnL on November 8, 2000, at 3:06:00
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 ! :)
>
> GlynGlyn,
These should be fine together. Clinical studies have shown that valerian root enhances GABA function by increasing its release and inhibiting its destruction. It can be taken to initiate faster sleep onset or it can be taken regularly during the day for anxiety control. It has no overlapping mechanisms with Celexa.I've taken Valerian before and found it quite mild. I think I would need two or four times the normal dose to have any significant effect.
Keep in mind that some people respond paradoxically to a GABA agent, including valerian, in that they experience excitement or other strange mood developements instead of the expected sedation/calmness. If it works for you, cool. In the PDR book of herbs, it states valerian should not be combined with alcohol or other sedating drugs basically. I don't see any problem with a valerian+Celexa combination. One works mildly on GABA, the other works potently on serotonin. I've taken it with Paxil and Prozac without any problem, except it seemed to wake me up more than put me to sleep, which wasn't what I wanted.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:48350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48417.html