Ask the Doctor Q&A: Addiction and Sleep Aids
Question:
Is the sleep aid valerian (400 mg) addictive?
Answer:
Valerian is an herbal remedy often used to help people sleep. Herbal medications are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the way prescription medications are. Valerian has not been studied in the same way prescription drugs are, and how iot may work is not well understood. In addition, the exact amount of valerian in a given dose may vary widely, since herbal medications are not held to the same standards as prescription medications.
Many prescription sleeping medications can cause physical dependence. Addiction can also develop. There has been at least one case reported of a person developing withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping valerian. This occurred in a person who had used valerian for a long time. The symptoms in this person were very similar to those observed in people withdrawing from prescription sleep medications.
With the limited amount of research available, there is not a definitive answer to the question of whether valerian is addictive. Based on the available research and the case report of valerian withdrawal, it seems possible that valerian can create physical dependence. If you are concerned that you have symptoms of physical dependence or addiction associated with valerian, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
- Added to Medpedia December 2008