NutriStack
Lorazepam and Valerian Root, a caution.
Valerian root enhances GABAergic activity, which adds to lorazepam's CNS depressant effects. This combination can lead to excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment, and potentially dangerous respiratory depression.
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
- Lorazepam 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 enhances GABAergic activity, which adds to lorazepam's CNS depressant effects. This combination can lead to excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment, and potentially dangerous respiratory depression.
Mechanism. Valerian root contains valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and other compounds that enhance GABA-A receptor function and inhibit GABA degradation. Lorazepam increases GABA-A receptor chloride conductance. The combined GABAergic augmentation produces excessive inhibitory neurotransmission.
Recommendation. Avoid combining valerian root with lorazepam. The additive sedative effects can be dangerous. If you need sleep support while on lorazepam, discuss alternatives with your prescriber.
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Lorazepam 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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