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Mixing meds

06/21/2012

Question:

I am currently taking Citolopram but still have trouble sleeping. Is it okay to take “Natural Source” Nytol?

Answer:

Very little is known about the effectiveness of herbal supplements. Only a handful of herbal supplements have been proven to work for their common use. Nytol Natural Source contains valerian root. The evidence available on valerian root as a sleep aid suggests it might help. A drug-herbal interaction between citalopram and valerian root has not been reported.

If citalopram alone is not helping improve sleep, you need to let your prescribing doctor know. Tell your doctor you are considering taking Nytol Natural Source. Your doctor may suggest an alternative insomnia medication or other methods to encourage sleep.

Submitted by Cincy Lee, Pharm D Candidate, The Ohio State University

References Bent, S., et al. “Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” American Journal of Medicine 119:12, 2006, 1005-12.

Jacobs, BP., et al. “An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia.” Medicine (Baltimore), 84:4, 2005, 197-207

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