NutriStack
Alprazolam and Valerian Root, a caution.
Valerian root has GABAergic sedative properties that can potentiate alprazolam's CNS depressant effects. The combination may cause excessive sedation, impaired motor function, respiratory depression, and increased risk of falls, particularly in elderly patients.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Alprazolam and Valerian Root
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Moderate evidence
Caution
What is happening. Valerian root has GABAergic sedative properties that can potentiate alprazolam's CNS depressant effects. The combination may cause excessive sedation, impaired motor function, respiratory depression, and increased risk of falls, particularly in elderly patients.
Mechanism. Valerian's valerenic acid and other compounds modulate GABA-A receptor activity, increasing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission. Alprazolam is a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors. Combined GABAergic enhancement causes additive CNS depression.
Recommendation. Avoid combining valerian root with alprazolam. If you use valerian for sleep, discontinue it while taking benzodiazepines. Do not drive or operate machinery if using both.
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Alprazolam and Valerian Root are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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