Valerian tablets are a popular herbal remedy with a moderate sedative effect. The drug contains valerian extract. The peculiarity of the medicine is its cumulative effect. When taken once, the product has virtually no relaxing effect. The result, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, is observed after 2-4 weeks.
pharmachologic effect
The drug is of plant origin. Wikipedia indicates that valerian officinalis is a herbaceous, perennial plant.
Its other name is cat grass , since it is well known how valerian affects cats. Cat grass, as valerian is sometimes called differently, causes a pronounced arousal reaction in felines.
The characteristics of the plant can be seen in the photo of valerian officinalis.
Valerian extract has a moderate sedative effect on the body. This effect is noted due to the presence in its composition of essential oil, the main content of which is an ester of isovaleric acid and borneol.
valerine and hotenin also have a sedative effect . As a result, a slow but stable sedative effect is observed.
Under the influence of the drug, inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex are enhanced. The synthesis and secretion of GABA at the synapses of cortical neurons also increases. This effect occurs only in the case of the total effect of substances that are part of valerian.
The extract helps facilitate the onset of natural sleep. Valeric acid and valepotriates have a weak antispasmodic effect. Also, the active substances of valerian provide a choleretic effect, activates the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal mucosa, slows the heart rate and dilates the coronary vessels.
The therapeutic effect is observed if treatment is carried out systematically and over a long period of time.
Valerian extract, due to the presence of actinidin , has an unusual effect on felines.
Answering the question why cats love valerian, experts note that the smell of actinidin is reminiscent of the smell of certain substances contained in the urine of cats.
Rules for using the drug
Valerian tincture is recommended for adults to take 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day after meals. The maximum dose per day should not exceed 100 drops. Since valerian drops have a pronounced taste and smell, before use they can be dripped into a cup and diluted with a small amount of clean water, and then washed down with something.
Most often, valerian is used not as an independent medicine, but as part of complex therapy. The dosage, route of administration and duration of treatment should be determined by the attending physician. The result of treatment depends on these three factors. Valerian has a mild effect and its effectiveness appears after 2-4 weeks. At the same time, it is also not worth delaying the course of treatment. After a month you need to take a week break and then continue taking it. Valerian, according to the instructions, is not addictive, but breaks between courses are needed to prevent an overdose.
The components of valerian accumulate in the body, which provides a slow but stable effect. If you accidentally missed one dose during use, you do not need to drink an extra portion later. A single omission will not affect the results of treatment in any way.
It is not recommended to give the tincture to children under 12 years of age. However, doctors sometimes prescribe 1 drop of valerian for children over 3 years of age for 1 year of life, 2-3 times a day. To calm hyperactive children or for sleep problems, it is sometimes recommended to take baths with valerian. Add 3-4 drops of medicine to 2-4 liters of water. Although valerian seems completely harmless, you should not give the medicine to a child, especially an infant, on your own, as there is a risk of side effects.
Before using the tincture, you need to check the expiration date. It is better to throw out expired valerian; such medicine will not be useful. Over time, the active ingredients lose their properties. If the drops look cloudy or have an inappropriate color, they should not be used either. You cannot die from valerian, but the risk of side effects in such cases is very high. It is also not recommended to use valerian as the main medicine for the treatment of any disease due to its low effectiveness; it will not help you recover completely.
Indications for use
The use of valerian tablets is indicated in the following cases:
- high degree of nervous excitement;
- insomnia and problems falling asleep;
- migraine;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- functional disorders of the cardiovascular system (as part of complex treatment);
- spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (as part of complex treatment).
Before taking valerian tablets for blood pressure or stress (before an exam, etc.), you must consult a doctor who will tell you how to take the tablets, how much to drink, and whether you should do it.
A combination of valerian with other sedative herbal preparations.
In the treatment of mild disorders of the cardiovascular system, digestive tract and disorders of the central nervous system, valerian is often prescribed in combination with other medications.
For example, Zelenin drops containing valerian with belladonna leaves, tincture of lily of the valley and menthol are quite popular; a combination of tinctures of valerian, motherwort, peony and hawthorn is also in demand. Such herbal medicinal combinations have a mutually reinforcing effect of the components included in their composition, but the side effects of such combinations are usually more pronounced. They include a stronger decrease in concentration, a rapid and severe decrease in blood pressure (contraindicated for people suffering from hypotension), and, of course, a higher risk of allergic reactions.
In such complex preparations, it is necessary to take into account the side effects of all active substances included in them.
Valerian is also included in many well-known herbal preparations and tinctures. These include Corvalol, Persen, Novo-Passit, Validol, and other sedatives. When taking them, it is important to know that valerian has its own side effects, which may be enhanced by the side effects of other components included in such medications.
Contraindications
Before you start taking this remedy, you should know its medicinal properties and contraindications. You should not take the drug if you have the following conditions and diseases:
- high sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- fructose intolerance;
- lactase deficiency;
- sucrase/isomaltase deficiency;
- glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- first trimester of pregnancy ;
- age up to 3 years.
Pregnant women should take into account the beneficial properties and contraindications and consult a doctor.
Side effects
During treatment, the following side effects of the tablets may occur:
- lethargy;
- drowsiness and decreased performance;
- muscle weakness;
- constipation (if long-term use is practiced).
Sometimes side effects may develop in the form of allergic reactions .
Valerian extract, instructions for use of tablets (Method and dosage)
The instructions for valerian tablets include taking 1-2 tablets three times a day immediately after meals. If necessary, the dose can be increased, but only under the supervision of a specialist. Treatment should last from 2 to 4 weeks.
The instructions for using valerian tablets provide for repeated courses of therapy if necessary. The dose should not be adjusted for people who have impaired liver or kidney function.
How to take other types of medicine (Bulgarian valerian, brown valerian, etc.) should be checked with the doctor who prescribes the treatment.
The doctor prescribing the treatment regimen should tell you how to take valerian tablets for a certain disease.
Drug interactions
Valerian tablets help enhance the effect of other sedatives, antispasmodics, and sleep aids. Before starting to take the drug, doctors require that you inform them about all the drugs that the patient is taking at the same time. If you do not follow the instructions and recommendations of specialists, then harmless valerian can lead to unpredictable consequences: increased activity or, conversely, stupor, semi-fainting.
It is especially dangerous to combine the product with alcohol. While using this medication, it is better to avoid excessive consumption of coffee, strong tea, and energy drinks, as they may negate the desired effect of the drug.
Overdose of Valerian
The consequences of an overdose of valerian tablets are the manifestation of drowsiness , muscle weakness , lethargy and other signs of depression of the central nervous system.
bradycardia and arrhythmia may occur . As a rule, such symptoms appear when taking large doses of the medicine (doses 20 times or more higher than usual).
However, how many tablets cause such phenomena is individual for each person. The instructions do not indicate a lethal dose of the drug. Whether you can die after a severe overdose depends on the person’s health.
In case of overdose, the drug should be immediately discontinued, gastrointestinal lavage should be performed, the patient should be given activated carbon , as well as Magnesium sulfate to prevent intestinal absorption of substances and cause a laxative effect. There is no specific antidote.
Medicinal properties
The use of valerian root should be long-term and systematic, then there will be a therapeutic effect. But self-medication is not recommended.
- Chemical composition. Valerian is a “storehouse” of useful substances. It contains: alkaloids, tannins, sugars, glycosides, butyric, acetic, formic acids, borneol, valerian esters, alcohols and many other substances.
- Depressant. Even people far from medicine know that the first remedy for “nerves” is valerian drops. The herb calms the central nervous system, relieves muscle spasms, reduces blood pressure, and improves blood circulation. It is recommended for neuroses, hysterics, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, insomnia, and heart attacks due to nervousness.
- To normalize digestion. Valerian relaxes smooth muscles in all organs and tissues, therefore it relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines and improves peristalsis. The herb also helps with chronic constipation, pain in the liver, and gall bladder.
- Gynecology. It is used during menopause, when women experience mood swings due to hormonal changes, are irritated or depressed, and complain of frequent migraines, high blood pressure, hot flashes, and tachycardia.
- Allergic diseases. For neurodermatitis, valerian relieves nervous excitement, which leads to a reduction in skin rashes and itching. Valerian is also prescribed for asthma.
Previously, in folk medicine it was believed that only the smell of valerian gave a calming effect. After a number of studies, it was proven that a sedative effect is obtained after combining valerian ether and other biologically active substances. The uniqueness of valerian is that its healing properties are manifested in a complex. It does not contain any leading healing substance. The concentration of valerian is also important to obtain a therapeutic effect.
It is important to remember safety precautions when treating with valerian. An overdose of the drug and its long-term use can provoke a number of side effects: drowsiness, weakness, apathy, depression, reduced performance
In this situation, you need to stop taking valerian and consult a doctor. There are opposite situations when valerian does not help due to small doses. In this case, you also need to consult a doctor.
special instructions
You should clearly read the instructions before taking the product in order to compare the benefits and harms of taking the product in each specific case.
If the tablets are used over a long period of time, the effect on a person may lead to a decrease in psychomotor reactions. How long it takes for the drug to act in this way depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
When taking the medicine, you should take into account how valerian acts on a person, so you need to carefully drive vehicles, as well as perform other actions that require accurate reactions.
Another name for the plant is cat grass, as it is called because valerian causes a specific effect on animals. Many people are interested in whether valerian is harmful for cats.
You can find out why cats like this medicine by studying its composition. actinidin in its composition .
As a rule, cats behave in a special way after valerian. But, answering the question whether it is possible to give a dog or whether it is possible to give a cat valerian, it should be noted that sometimes veterinarians even prescribe this drug to cats in small doses in order to increase vitality.
Unlike people, cats are not sedated by this remedy. There have been cases where an overdose led to the death of an animal. Sometimes the lethal dose for a cat is a relatively small amount of the drug, so it is advisable not to keep the tablets in places where animals have access.
If valerian is given in tablets to dogs, the product can provoke allergic reactions in the animal.
Side effects
Understanding how valerian works, you need to know what side reactions it can provoke in the body. Despite the fact that the medicine is considered relatively safe for the body, if the recommended dosages are not followed, unpleasant side reactions may occur. Most often they manifest themselves as apathy and depression. Against this background, there arises:
- Drowsiness.
- Deterioration in performance.
- Headache.
- Muscle weakness.
Malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract and a decrease in blood pressure may also occur. In rare cases, the pills have the opposite effect, increasing nervous excitability and causing insomnia. In severe cases, dizziness and severe vomiting may occur.
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Alora
Motherwort extract
Novo-Passit
Cardiovalen
Liked
Carmolis
Valerian tincture
Lotusonic
Relaxil
Persen Forte
Persen
Phytosed
Sedavit
Motherwort Forte Evalar
Dormiplant
Sondox
Sedafiton
Peony tincture
Menovalen
Bromcamphor
Pharmacies sell a wide variety of valerian-based medications. In particular, these are: Valerian P , Himalayan valerian , Bulgarian valerian , etc. There are also a number of drugs with similar indications.
Which is better: Valerian or Motherwort?
When answering the question of which is better - valerian or motherwort, it should be taken into account that the effect of motherwort on the human body is almost the same. However, in the treatment of neuroses and cardiovascular diseases, a more pronounced effect is observed when taking motherwort.
Those who are interested in whether this remedy increases or decreases blood pressure should take into account that when taking motherwort, blood pressure levels decrease.
Valerian and other medicines
The drug “Valerian” has been receiving reviews for more than a decade, mostly only grateful ones.
Most patients are satisfied with the effect of the drug, which copes well with the stated indications for use. Taking valerian helps you calm down, fall asleep, relieve stomach cramps and soothe headaches. Very often this substance is used in combination with other components. For example, “Valerian with motherwort” tablets. Reviews about this product are also good, because the combination of these two herbal components gives a quick sedative effect. The manufacturer indicates that the drug “Valerian” enhances the effect of drugs that have sedative, antispasmodic, and relaxing properties. If a patient takes valerian on his own, then the attending physician prescribing treatment for any disease must be informed about this.
Valerian extract during pregnancy and lactation
Whether pregnant women can take valerian preparations depends on the period of future pregnancy. Valerian tablets are prohibited during pregnancy if the 1st trimester has passed. For pregnant women in later stages (2nd trimester, 3rd trimester), the drug is approved according to strict indications.
As a rule, valerian during pregnancy is prescribed as a relatively safe sedative, since sudden changes in hormonal levels provoke a state of emotional instability in the expectant mother. During pregnancy, valerian can effectively relieve tension.
However, it should be noted that valerian tablets during pregnancy should be taken strictly in the dosage prescribed by the doctor, since an overdose can negatively affect the developing fetus. The question of whether valerian can be taken by pregnant women should initially be discussed individually with a gynecologist.
Valerian can be used during breastfeeding only after the doctor has approved the use of this drug. It should be borne in mind that during breastfeeding, medications pass into breast milk, so the prescribed dosage must be strictly observed.
It is also important to know that when breastfeeding, a woman or baby may experience allergic reactions as a result of taking the drug, and sleep disturbances may occur in the baby. Therefore, when breastfeeding, you can practice taking the extract only according to indications and after prescription.
Contraindications for valerian and drugs based on it
An absolute contraindication to the use of valerian is the presence of an allergy to it. If it has not been taken before and it is not known how it can affect the body, the first doses should be carried out with a small amount of the product.
Typical signs of allergy upon contact with the product.
Further, valerian is contraindicated for people who are depressed and depressed, as well as people taking other sedatives with similar pharmacological effects.
It is also useful to read: Is it possible to drink valerian during pregnancy?
Enterocolitis is also a contraindication, which can be aggravated by the influence of both valerian and the alcohol from its tincture.
This is interesting
Since valerian is included in Corvalol, which is banned in many countries, it is sometimes believed that valerian is banned in Europe, but this is not the case. Valerian is a medicinal product approved in all countries of the world.
Due to the limited data available on the use of valerian in pregnant women and nursing mothers, valerian is contraindicated for this population group, except as directed by the attending physician.
Children under 12 years of age are also contraindicated for valerian, however, in certain cases, the pediatrician may prescribe this drug.
Valerian tincture is not recommended for use by people with liver problems due to the alcohol it contains. Any form of release of valerian is contraindicated for persons before driving vehicles or working with dangerous mechanisms that require increased concentration. In general, any activity that requires increased concentration and performance is incompatible with taking valerian in any form of release.
If you plan to drive home, you should drink valerian upon arrival home
Due to the same decrease in concentration, inhaling valerian essential oil is not recommended for people aged 10 to 65 years, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.
Valerian is quite dangerous for people who combine it with alcohol. This combination can have consequences in the form of loss of consciousness and even coma, leading to cardiac arrest, which is explained by the combination of the relaxing and inhibitory effect of alcohol on the brain with the inhibitory and inhibitory effect of valerian on the nervous system as a whole. Taking valerian tincture in alcohol together with alcohol can lead to chronic liver damage.
Reviews
Reviews of valerian tablets, as a rule, indicate that users consider this drug relatively “safe” and very often take it independently, without prescription. As a rule, valerian extract in tablets has a beneficial effect, helping to overcome insomnia, irritability, and survive stressful situations.
Often patients do not know how many tablets to take and exceed the usual dosage. At the same time, drowsiness and lethargy are noted. Whether valerian extract helps calm people often depends on the person's circumstances and condition.
Doctors in the reviews note that before taking it, it is still advisable to consult a doctor, who needs to ask questions about why valerian extract is prescribed, whether a nursing mother can drink this medicine, how much to drink to calm down, why valerian works this way, etc.
How to use
It is important to remember that during the period of use of this drug, the patient may experience slow reactions, absent-mindedness, and inattention. The instructions on how to take Valerian tablets indicate that a long course of treatment may cause slight inhibition. If there is excessive absent-mindedness, you should stop taking valerian root extract.
You can use the product yourself or give it to a child only after a doctor’s prescription, following the following recommendations:
- The tablets are taken after meals.
- There is no need to chew the pills; they are swallowed whole.
- It is important to take the medicine with clean water.
The duration of use of the drug depends on its effectiveness for a particular patient. Courses can be prescribed for 14-30 days, but no more than one and a half months. Long-term use of tablets leads to the development of heartburn, drowsiness, and decreased performance of the patient. If the result from using the pills is not observed within a week, then you should stop taking it and replace the product with another one.
Price, where to buy
How much this drug costs depends on the number of tablets in the package.
The price of valerian tablets is from 70 rubles for 50 pcs.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
ZdravCity
- Valerian extract Renewal tab.
p/o captivity. 0.02g 28pcs ZAO PFK Update 59 RUR order - Valerian extract Renewal tab. p/o captivity. 0.02g 56pcs JSC PFK Renewal
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- Valerian extract + B6 tab. p/o captivity. Kvadrat-S 0.02g 50pcs Kvadrat-S LLC
65 rub. order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Valerian extract 0.02+B6* (tab.p.pl/vol. No. 50) Square C
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Pharmacy24
- Valerian extract 20 mg N10 tablets PAT "Lubnipharm", Ukraine
2 UAH. order - Valerian extract 20 mg N50 tablets PAT "Galichfarm", Ukraine
14 UAH order
- Valerian extract 0.02 g No. 50 tablets PRAT "Fitofarm", Ukraine
13 UAH order
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10 UAH.order
PaniPharmacy
- Valerian extract tablets Valerian tablets. 20 mg No. 50 Ukraine, Galichfarm JSC
16 UAH order
- Valerian extract tablets Valerian extract tablets. sugar/about 0.02g No. 50 Ukraine, Galichfarm JSC
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- Valerian extract tablets Valerian extract Ukraine, Lubnyfarm PJSC
2 UAH order
- Valerian extract tablets Valerian extract tablets. p/o 0.02g blister. No. 50 Ukraine, Fitofarm ChAO
14 UAH order
- Valerian extract tablets Valerian extract tablets. p/o 0.02g No. 50 Ukraine, Fitofarm ChAO
13 UAH order
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Features of reception and storage
The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the age, weight, and condition of the patient. What recommendations on the method of use and doses can be seen in the instructions?
- Conditions for taking the medication. Drink before meals. Dilute in a small volume of water.
- For adults. It is recommended to take the tincture no more than 4 times a day and no more than 30 drops at a time.
- For children. Children are given valerian less often - 2 times a day. The number of drops corresponds to the number of years of the child.
Therapeutic effect
How long does it take for valerian to take effect? In patient reviews, there is often an opinion that valerian infusion does not help at all. The therapeutic effect of the drug does not occur immediately - not after an hour or two, but after a day, or even later. However, compared to valerian extract in tablets, the infusion, due to its alcohol content, is instantly absorbed into the blood and acts faster. Aqueous tincture of valerian, prepared at home, and extract in tablets can be taken for a long time - up to 2 months. Read more about valerian extract in tablets and its use in our other article. Alcohol tincture gives a stable therapeutic effect if taken for at least 1 week. You should not get carried away with valerian tincture and overdose, but it is also known that too small doses of the medicine will not bring any benefit.
Storage conditions
It is better to store valerian infusion in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place at a temperature no higher than 15°C. When exposed to sunlight, the tincture may darken, but does not lose its healing properties. The alcohol infusion is suitable for 2 years under the correct storage conditions. After using the medicine, you must carefully seal the bottle.
It is also important to remember the safety rules: keep the medicine out of the reach of children. An overdose of valerian is doubly dangerous for a child’s body: due to its alcohol content and sedatives.
