Is Buspar Safe To Take With Valerian Root?

The human brain must constantly balance the physical, chemical and electrical components necessary to control our minds and bodies. Natural and man-made substances may help or disrupt this delicate balancing act. Herbal supplements like valerian act on brain processes that control sleep. The prescription medicine Buspar acts on the brain to help maintain mental health. It is possible that these two substances will work against each other and cause unintended side effects. Always consult your physician before you combine any dietary supplement such as valerian with a prescription drug.

Valerian Preparations

Valerian teas, tinctures, and extracts have been used as sleep aids for thousands of years. Valerian herbal products contain many different natural substances that may be responsible for its effectiveness as a sedative. It is thought that valerian works in the brain in the same manner as prescription drugs like benzodiazepines. Valerian increases the effectiveness and activity of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA. A 2003 review published in the journal "American Family Physician," found valerian to be an effective, safe and well tolerated herbal sleep aid. A 2000 study of valerian extract published in the journal "Pharmacopsychiatry" confirmed valerian's effectiveness as a treatment for insomnia.

Buspar

Buspar is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety. It is effective in the treatment of patients who constantly fret, worry, have difficulty concentrating, always on edge and tense. This complex of symptoms is known as "generalized anxiety disorder." Buspar is not a benzodiazepine like diazepam. Buspar does not act on the same parts of the brain that benzodiazepine anxiety medicines act upon. Buspar works by interacting with the brain's dopamine and serotonin receptors. Buspar's side effects include drowsiness, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dry mouth, depression, excitement, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, weakness and numbness.

Documented Interactions

A 2005 animal study published in the journal "Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology" found valerian did not add to or inhibit the sedative effect of Buspar and the other central nervous system-acting drugs they tested. Buspar's manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, published a revised package insert on November 2010. The insert -- which contains official prescribing information for physicians -- does not specifically mention any interactions between Buspar and Valerian. The manufacturer does urge caution combining Buspar with other drugs that act to change brain behavior and function. You may feel more drowsiness if you mix valerian with Buspar than if you took Buspar alone.

Valerian and Cytochrome P450

Valerian is known to inhibit the activity of certain members of the enzyme family known collectively as cytochrome P450 or CYP450. These enzymes help the body rid itself of toxins and drugs such as Buspar. Buspar is metabolized by a specific enzyme known as CYP3A4. A study published in 2004 in the journal "Drug Metabolism and Disposition" found that valerian had a slight inhibitory effect on CYP3A4. Another 2004 study published in "Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences" confirms these results. Inhibition of the CYP3A4 metabolism of Buspar by valerian may result in Buspar remaining in the body at higher levels for a longer period of time. The side effects of Buspar, such as drowsiness, may be prolonged as well.