I have trouble staying asleep. Part of it is knee pain that is chronic, but I'm wondering if maybe something like Valerian Root would be helpful. Anyone had experience with this? Any drug interaction issues?


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ResMed S8 Elite / ResMed Quattro Mirage full face mask
Pressure 19
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Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
Fran Lebowitz

Hi LaPopessa,

Please have a look at www (dot) drugdigest (dot) org.  (I could probably post a link, as it doesn't appear to sell anything, but since it is sponsored by Express Scripts it might be against posting guidelines.  As a moderator I'd then have to remove it and quote the posting guidelines to myself   )

This is a really great reference site IMO, not only for looking up direct information on drugs and herbals, but it also has a terrific drug and herbal interaction 'checker'.  You can select the medications you're already taking, and plug in any you're considering, to see what the known risks are with the combination.

My own personal feeling is against the use of herbal supplements.  Admittedly I am conservative when it comes to experimentation with my health.  But I just do not have confidence in the safety of these supplements because the FDA does not regulate them.  Not that I believe the FDA to be foolproof!  But since herbal supplements are not considered 'drugs', there is no standardization for strength, dosage, or even requiring the same chemical compound.  One bottle may simply be ineffective while another bottle may give side effects, perhaps serious ones.

If, after checking the site above for information and using the 'interaction checker', you do wish to try a supplement, please check with your doctor first.  No internet site, including this one, can ever be a substitute for your own care provider, who knows you and your medical history.

Blessings,
--pseudonym

try it and see, some say it helps others say it does nothing, its used by doctors a lot in russia, mosly its supposed to reduce anxiety and stress


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resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

I have been using Valerian root for 2 nights now with good results. I have to admit I bought the bottle, then looked up any interactions at drugdigest, everything looked good so I went ahead and tried it.  I am in the midst of a med change for my seizure disorder, and had been having very fitful sleep for a few nights because the old med had a strong sedative effect.  The valerian seems to calm me down enough to get a restful sleep.  You do have to be careful with herbals, because their is no regulation in the states, but that doesn't mean you can't find reputable companies to buy them from .  I use GNC because they are close to me, and they have a 30 day guarantee on their products.  Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

I definitely agree with Pseudonym that one ought to speak with one's doctor first before taking an herbal supplement, as well as researching any potential drug interactions on one's own--sometimes doctors (and pharmacists) forget to tell you.

However, I LOVE Valerian root for occasional sleeplessness.  I hear that the French (and probably other nations, too) have used Valerian root to break sleeping pill addictions.  I like to take it in a tincture OR a tea.  Both the tincture and tea (and probably other forms, too) are available at the health-food store.  The tea doesn't taste very good (has an earthy flavor), but it definitely helps me sleep.  I use Valerian root less than once a month, on average.  

Like any herbal supplement, it's best to do some research before taking it to ensure it won't interact unfavorably with medications one is already taking.


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A new existence on 2 April 2008!

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