Valerian extract: instructions for using tablets, how to drink during pregnancy, price, overdose

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.

Compound

Active substance: thick valerian extract (containing the sum of carboxylic acid esters in terms of valerenic acid ethyl ester - 1.8%) - 20 mg.
Excipients of the core: sucrose (white sugar) - 5 mg, calcium stearate - 1 mg, magnesium hydroxycarbonate (magnesium carbonate main) - 20 mg, lactose monohydrate (milk sugar) - 43.11 mg, polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) - 0 .2 mg, potato starch - 10.69 mg.

Excipients of the shell: sucrose (white sugar) - 68.433 mg, titanium dioxide (titanium dioxide) - 3.02 mg, povidone (low molecular weight medical polyvinylpyrrolidone 8000±2000, 12600±2700) - 0.56 mg, magnesium hydroxycarbonate (magnesium carbonate main ) - 17.1 mg, polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) - 0.74 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) - 0.008 mg, quinoline yellow dye (sikovit quinoline yellow 70 E 104) - 0.035 mg, magnesium hydrosilicate (talc) - 0.005 mg, sunflower oil - 0.06 mg, beeswax - 0.025 mg, solid paraffin (paraffin) - 0.014 mg.

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.

ethnoscience

People use the roots of the plant to make a decoction or tincture for internal and external use. Inhalations are suitable for the respiratory system, and lotions and compresses are used for skin diseases. In folk medicine, valerian is used to treat epilepsy. To treat heart disease, a mixture of valerian and motherwort is used, which must be mixed with honey and dill.

Valerian is recommended to be used for increased tone of the pregnant woman’s uterus and its weakening.

Also, a valuable plant is popularly used to relieve headaches, migraines, it removes the symptoms of menopause, relieves menstrual pain and helps in the treatment of thyroid diseases. Many people use the medicine when losing weight, as it can reduce hunger.

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:

What do they do in the hospital in case of intoxication?

In the clinic, a patient with intoxication can undergo gastric and intestinal lavage, and in difficult cases, hemodialysis or hemofiltration. If necessary, resuscitation and other medical procedures are carried out to stabilize the patient's condition.

When the victim’s life is not in danger, he is prescribed droppers or special drugs in drinking form to restore the water and electrolyte balance in the body. The patient also undergoes laboratory and instrumental tests, the results of which determine the need for further treatment.

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 .

Possible side effects and contraindications of Valerian P

Both the active substance and the drug Valerian P itself are considered quite safe if the instructions for use are followed. Valerian has no known severe side effects, there are no strict contraindications for it, therefore, the drug based on it also does not cause severe side effects.

Crushed valerian root as a component of medicines in folk medicine is not prescribed only to children under 3 years of age and breastfeeding mothers.

However, there are some cautions regarding the use of the product. In particular:

Valerian P should not be taken if symptoms of an allergy to the drug appear;
The product should not be taken for more than 2 weeks without a break, since long-term use can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the digestive tract, disturbances in the functioning of the heart, and headaches;
The drug should not be used independently without consulting a doctor if, in parallel with neurological symptoms, somatic symptoms develop - pain in the head, stomach, spasms, convulsions, dizziness, nausea, etc. In these cases, the deterioration of the patient’s condition can increase like an avalanche and attempts to cope with the disease on their own and with the help of folk remedies will only lead to a loss of time and aggravation of the disease;
The product should not be taken before the need to drive vehicles or dangerous machinery, or perform responsible and precise work.

It has also been shown that for approximately 5% of people, both valerian, and, therefore, Valerian P based on it, are, on the contrary, stimulating stimulants, leading to sleep disturbances, stimulation of motor activity and intensification of the work of internal organs. Therefore, if after taking Valerian P the effects that the patient expected do not appear, there is no point in continuing to take the drug.

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.

Valerian for blood pressure: does it increase or decrease blood pressure?

Is it possible to drink valerian with high blood pressure, and how does it affect blood vessels and heart function?
Separately, the effect on the cardiovascular system is worth discussing below. Valerian, with normal dosage intake, can dilate blood vessels. This has a positive effect on hypertensive people, people suffering from high blood pressure. As the dose of the drug in drops increases, as mentioned above, the blood vessels then narrow. If a hypotensive patient tries to increase blood pressure in this way, this will not lead to a good result. The effect of intoxication will pass quickly, and when the drug is withdrawn, the pressure will drop to a level lower than it was before taking the pills.

Valerian lowers blood pressure if taken in tablets for 10 days, no more. This is a short course of treatment that should be combined with other components and medicinal herbs.

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.

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.

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.

The effect of valerian on the liver

Since the liver is the most important blood organ, and everything a person consumes passes through it, it is important to understand the effects of the drugs you take. This also applies to sedatives.

The effect of valerian on the liver can be interpreted as follows:

Enterocolitis extract affects drowsiness - insomnia increases and stops.
The gastrointestinal tract is not affected; on the contrary, digestion is normalized.
Once in the intestines, where food breakdown occurs, the components of valerian can change the stool.
Filtration through the liver - ready-made components pass through, dissolved in the gastrointestinal tract.

This leads to the conclusion that the pills have no effect on the liver. But the drops, due to the content of a small proportion of alcohols, can negatively affect the functioning of the organ. One-time use will not lead to negative consequences, but frequent use will lead to the production of bile.

Thus, if you follow the rules and instructions, valerian can become an ally in the fight against some ailments that most often cannot be treated with medication. Stress and nerves can be improved by taking one component of medication. If you take it frequently, it is better to consult your doctor, and he will definitely answer your questions about whether it is worth continuing the course of treatment or replacing the medicine with an analogue that is suitable for you.

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.

Why is an overdose of valerian dangerous?

Taking a large number of valerian tablets at one time can cause severe poisoning and intoxication of the body. In difficult cases, the victim may fall asleep soundly, while his blood pressure and pulse may drop significantly, and his breathing may become shallow and weak. This condition is life-threatening, so the patient requires urgent hospitalization.

With less severe intoxication, the drug can also provoke a decrease in blood pressure to critical values. This is especially dangerous for people with hypotension. In some cases, the effect of valerian may be the opposite, and the pressure, on the contrary, will increase. In addition, there is a risk of heart rhythm disturbances.

Valerian can have a significant negative effect on internal organs only with constant use in extremely high doses. Numerous studies have proven the low toxicity of the drug. During tests conducted on animals, it was found that regular intake of valerian at a dose of 4 grams per 1 kilogram of weight leads to toxic damage to liver cells and the development of diseases. In this case, bone marrow damage also occurs. Such doses of the drug are not used for medicinal purposes.

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.

Valerian for the heart – tachycardia and VSD

Tachycardia is a consequence of VSD - a disease that affects the organs of the cardiovascular system. Due to slight excitement, tachycardia may develop, and there will be sudden outbursts of anger and panic.

Panic attacks will be a consequence of VSD, which manifests itself when the heart functions abnormally or abnormally. That is, if you treat the heart, influence and influence it, you can cope with the consequences. Valerian is taken from the heart according to the instructions. It will relax the muscle, sometimes slowing down the beating rhythm.

With tachycardia, valerian is powerless; it can have an effect if there are problems, but with a “single” illness (with stress and nerves) it will not stop the frantic work of the muscle. Here you need to contact a neurologist who will treat the central nervous system.

Against the background of improper functioning of the heart (not disease), VSD appears. This is the cider that shows:

Causes of fear;
Panic attacks;
Inability to control situations.

It should not be confused with bipolar disorder, since it has nothing to do with the functioning of the brain. Valerian for VDS can help relax the heart, eliminating feelings of anxiety, but this will not be considered a treatment for such an illness.

Does valerian help with stress?

During stress, valerian can have some effect. It eliminates foci of nerve cells, reduces the level of anxiety, and helps cope with insomnia. However, with a one-time use, it can only briefly relieve a person from the causes of stress. Persistent neuroses are best treated with a course prescribed by a doctor.

Valerian before bed for insomnia

The drug has become widely known for its services in the field of sleep stimulation. As a rule, such a sedative is also considered a short-acting sleeping pill. That is, if valerian is taken before bedtime for insomnia an hour before expected sleep, it will work. If a person resists and constantly thinks about certain situations, it will not help. We can say that the placebo effect is at work here.

Some scientists noted that when conducting an experiment, instead of valerian tablets, they gave volunteers simple vitamin C tablets. This led to a desire to fall asleep in the subconscious - no visible effect from the vitamin was observed, and the person, thinking that he had received a miracle drug, quickly went to sleep. However, the drug does not help with serious sleep disorders. If your biorhythms are changed, you should contact a neurologist who will prescribe a number of stimulants and sleeping pills.

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 56pcs ZAO PFK Update 93 RUR order
Valerian extract Renewal tab. p/o captivity. 0.02g 28pcs JSC PFK Update
58 RUR order
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
85 rub. order

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
Valerian extract 0.02 g N50 tablets PRAT "Fitofarm", Ukraine
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
17 UAH order
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

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.