Herbals: Valerian, Kava-Kava, St. Johns Wort Flashcards
Valerian use
sedative
mild anxiolytic
sleep aid
valerian anest concerns
increased sedative effects of anesthetics
avoid w/ barbs, opioids, benzos
valerian side effects
headache
excitability
ataxia
GI discomfort
valerian other info
withdrawal syndrome: delirium, cardiac abnormalities
kava-kava use
CNS depressant
sedative
anxiolytic
kava-kava anest concerns
increased sedative effects of anesthetics
hepatotoxicity (chronic use) - dry scaly skin, jaundice, photosensitivity
kava-kava side effects
headache
dizziness
decreased coordination/reflexes
GI discomfort
kava-kava other info
potential for addiction, tolerance, withdrawal
St. John’s wort use
“Prozac alternative”
used to treat depression
St. John’s wort anest concerns
increased sedative effects of anesthetics (additive)
interacts with MAOIs (serotonin syndrome - increased HR, sweating)
increased metabolism of drugs that use CYP450
increased clotting risk?
St. John’s wort side effects
allergic reactions headache dizzy restless fatigue GI upset photosensitivity
St. John’s wort other info
caution with: Indinavir (HIV med) cyclosporine digoxin CCB BB phenobarb phenytoin birth control pills benzos coumadin alfentanil lidocaine steroids NSAIDs
