Valerian extract in tablets is indicated for use to calm the nervous system and normalize sleep. In this material, we consider the features of the use of a sedative drug. Reviews about Valerian extract indicate its high popularity.
The composition of the drug
We will analyze the composition of the legendary herbal preparation. The medication is officially called "Valerian extract in tablets." In the reviews you can find the Latin version - Tabulettae Extracti Valerianae obductae.
Tablets using a special technology are coated with a yellow shell. Each of them includes 20 mg of the active substance - a thick extract of valerian. Also, the preparation contains auxiliary components:
- magnesium carbonate (Magnesium carbonate);
- natural beeswax;
- potato starch;
- silica;
- synthetic dye E104;
- edible gelatin;
- sunflower oil;
- refined sugar;
- paraffin;
- food supplement E171 (titanium dioxide);
- talc.
Drug packaging
Manufacturers of the drug produce it in various formats.
Consumers can purchase the drug in a cell blister or glass vial with a plastic cap of 10, 20, 50, and even 300 tablets. In the reviews of valerian extract, consumers indicate that in cardboard packaging you can always find instructions for using the drug.
Indications for admission
In most cases, valerian is used in therapy to normalize such conditions:
- disturbances in the work of the autonomic nervous system, which are manifested by various ailments;
- strong nervous excitability,
- trouble sleeping
- prolonged and severe headaches;
- functional disorders in the work of the heart and blood vessels;
- spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Patients in reviews of valerian extract indicate that the drug was prescribed to them most often as part of a comprehensive treatment.
The effect on the body
The plant has the following properties:
- improves sleep quality, makes falling asleep easier;
- has a calming effect;
- struggling with increased anxiety.
Phyto substances contained in valerian have the following effects on the body:
- dilate blood vessels;
- reduce the rhythm of the heart;
- inhibit some centers of the nervous system;
- relax the muscles of the urinary and digestive systems.
Long-term use of the drug has side effects, among them:
- drop in blood pressure;
- strong secretion of bile.
pharmachologic effect
The instructions for use and reviews on valerian extract in tablets indicate that the medicine contributes to easier falling asleep. This is caused by a mild sedative effect of the drug. The calming properties of the plant are due to its constituent substances - esters of borneol and isovalerianic acid.
Also, a sedative effect is possible thanks to hotenin and valerin. Alkaloids and valepotriates can achieve a cumulative soothing effect. Patients taking Valerian for a long time observe a steady increase in the sedative effect.
Features of taking valerian extract
Drinking any medications is necessary on the recommendation of a doctor, observing the prescribed dosage. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the following regimen gives the best effect: 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. You need to take the extract after a meal with plenty of water.
Can I give children?
Doctors prescribe valerian tablets for children in the presence of the following pathologies:
- neurosis;
- neurasthenia;
- hyperactivity
- trouble falling asleep;
- poor appetite or lack thereof;
- headaches;
- cardiopalmus;
- high nervous excitability;
- allergic reactions.
Any form of plant extract should not be taken for children under 1 year old. Drops are prescribed in the amount how old the child is. They are bred with water.
Reception of tablets is carried out in such dosages:
- children from 3 to 5 years old - 0.5 tablets 3 times a day;
- children from 5 to 7 years old - 1 tablet three times a day.
The optimal time for taking the drug is 30 minutes before eating.
Valerian during pregnancy
Reception of a valerian extract by a pregnant woman is carried out exclusively under the supervision of her doctor. In some cases, the drug is prescribed to obtain the following results:
- decrease in increased tone of the uterus;
- decrease in blood pressure;
- removal of emotional stress.
To achieve a sustainable result, you will need to take a course of admission. Its duration is at least one month. Valerian tablets should be taken twice or thrice a day. Side effects are sometimes observed, therefore, it is contraindicated to drink the drug during a problem pregnancy.
Taking pills during lactation
Nursing mothers in their reviews say that they drink valerian to correct such conditions:
- increased nervousness;
- trouble sleeping
- migraines against prolonged stress;
- depression;
- decreased body tone and loss of strength;
- disturbances in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
- anxiety, a feeling of fear;
- heart rhythm disturbances.
When taking pills, a woman should observe not only her health, but also the behavior of the child. The baby may have an allergy in the form of urticaria. Also, the possibility of indigestion, increased gas formation, severe weakness in the body, or overexcitation cannot be completely ruled out.
But, as a rule, mothers are satisfied with the effect of valerian extract. With the right dosage, such positive results are observed:
- insomnia disappears;
- the oppressed and anxious state disappears;
- there is an expansion of the coronary vessels;
- blood pressure indicators fall;
- spasms are relieved.
Overdose and individual intolerance
Among the symptoms of an overdose and intolerance to a herbal preparation, the most common are:
- itching of the skin;
- digestive system disorders (constipation, nausea, vomiting);
- increase in blood pressure;
- overexcitation of the central nervous system;
- trouble sleeping
- disability;
- drowsiness;
- arrhythmia;
- weakness;
- slowing down speech and thinking.
Contraindications and overdose
Among the contraindications to the use of tablets, the following should be highlighted:
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- children's age up to 1 year;
- fructose intolerance;
- deficiency of lactase and sucrose in the body;
- glucose galactose malabsorption syndrome;
- individual intolerance to the extract.
The official instructions indicate that the main contraindication to taking the drug is hypersensitivity to its components.
If a person has significantly exceeded the allowable dosage of the drug, then urgent measures must be taken. Call an ambulance crew. It is necessary to try to water the victim and cause him to vomit.
Compatibility with other drugs and alcohol
With the simultaneous administration of valerian with some medicines, the following effects are observed:
- the effect of sleeping pills is enhanced;
- the effectiveness of sedatives increases;
- the effect of drugs that suppress muscle spasm increases.
When taking valerian, it is very important to know about the categorical inadmissibility of combining tablets and alcoholic beverages. Plant extract when combined with alcohol acts depressingly on the central nervous system. A person will experience inhibition and slowdown of all reactions. There may be problems with the concentration of movements and attention, difficulties with understanding surrounding people.
With the combined use of alcohol and valerian, you can completely lose control of yourself and cause irreparable harm to health. Therefore, valerian extract in tablets (instructions and reviews confirm this) is not combined with alcohol.
Storage Features and Shelf Life
The optimal temperature for storing the drug is + 15 ° C. The medicine should be in a dry place. You can not take tablets after the expiration date. The release date can be found on the packaging of the medicine.
Customer reviews
On the Internet there are many reviews of valerian tablets. They are mostly positive. Buyers of the drug write that the extract helps in cases where, due to troubles and problems, the nerves are at the limit. Especially note the high effectiveness of drugs produced in Bulgaria, considering it more "strong".
Among the advantages, consumers note:
- availability and price of the drug;
- natural composition;
- lasting result;
- cumulative effect;
- lack of side effects and addiction;
- convenience of reception.
Buyers note that valerian acts as an excellent sedative if taken in courses. Do not hope for a sedative effect after drinking a few tablets.
Cost and means manufacturers
In Russian pharmacies you can buy valerian tablets of various manufacturers:
- "Belmedpreparaty".
- "Biosynthesis".
- Evalar.
- Pharmstandard-Tomsk.
- "Ozone".
- Dalchimpharm.
- "Borisov factory".
- "VIS LLC".
- "Tatkhimpharmpreparaty".
- "Pharmcenter VILAR CJSC".
The cost of the drug has a wide range and depends on the number of tablets in the package, manufacturer, region and pharmacy. So, the price is from 40 to 220 rubles.
Customers also highlight in their reviews "Valerian Extract + B6" from Vneshtorg Pharma. You can buy the drug for 80 rubles.
What can replace valerian tablets
In some cases, it is advisable to replace the plant extract with other drugs. A similar effect can be achieved by taking the following drugs:
- “Motherwort extract” - 10 rubles.
- "Tenoten" - from 140 rubles.
- "Persen" - from 250 rubles.
- "Glycine" - from 14 rubles.
- Novo-Passit - from 200 rubles.
And vitamins that strengthen the nervous system, and Valerian extract reviews are very numerous. Therefore, it will not be difficult to choose the most suitable option.
The demand for tableted valerian has not fallen for a long time, although today it is possible to purchase more modern and effective sedatives. It is popular even despite the fact that many attribute the sedative to the placebo effect.