[SystemAurora]

I started taking valerian for anxiety attacks and insomnia about a week ago now... but it feels like it's made me worse? more anxious, less myself, etc.? Just wondering if anyone had had this experience. Maybe it's something to do with the fact that I'm not supposed to take any kind of psychiatric drug?

[Juliana]

Hi there. I had a bad reaction to valerian tea years ago. I took it for insomnia. Instead of making me calm and tired, it gave me heart palpitations and made me feel panicky... and this was before I actually had an anxiety disorder.

I know it works well for some people, but it didn't agree with me.

Are you taking anything else with it? Could it be an interaction perhaps?

[SystemAurora]

I'm taking oral contraceptives but I can't imagine that's what's causing it... it's like it makes more more anxious and really spacey at the same time. If I'm relaxed and tired, though, it works really well. Mostly knocks me out a little quicker and keeps me asleep through the night. Makes me MISERABLE if I'm already anxious, though. Chamomile tea is definitely my first line of defense for anti-anxiety now!

[Rhapsody]

I have taken it for a year or two now and I love it....... may I ask how many pills you are taking per day and how many pills you take at one time?

[TallulahJackman]

I've never had problems like that with valerian and I've taken it on and off for many years now. I have heard however that too high a dosage can cause excitement rather than the desired relaxed effect. Try reducing the dose, have you tried magnesium supplements ? they have a mild relaxant effect, very good for that 'jumpy, restless' feeling. Obviously you could take magnesium along with other supplements or meds.