whim-mckinney.org

Valium has several side effects. First, Valium can cause problems with concentration or coordination, especially in high doses. These effects can linger the day after it’s taken.

Second, Valium can cause withdrawal symptoms—anxiety, sleeplessness, and even seizures—if it’s stopped suddenly after months of use.

Third, if taken for a prolonged period, Valium might become less effective. You might need to increase the dose to get the same effects.

Studies have found valerian to lack many of these problems. For example, studies on driving safety found people did just as well the morning after taking it—although there was a slight impairment if they’d taken valerian just an hour or so before taking the test.

Similarly, valerian appears to lack a physical withdrawal syndrome. (One case report suggested otherwise, but it is likely that the man’s symptoms were due to his recent surgery and strong medications.)

We don’t know if people need to increase their dose of valerian over time to achieve the same effects.