Valerian has uses in herbal medicine as a sedative. The main current use of valerian is as a remedy for insomnia.[]

Valerian is sometimes recommended as a first-line treatment when benefit-risk analysis dictates.

Few adverse events attributable to valerian have been reported. Large doses or chronic use may result in stomach ache, apathy, and a feeling of mental dullness or mild depression.

Side effects at any dose may include:

* Anterograde amnesia
* Hallucinations, through all physical senses, of varying intensity
* Delusions
* Altered thought patterns
* Ataxia or poor motor coordination, difficulty maintaining balance
* Euphoria and/or dysphoria
* Amnesia
* Impaired judgment and reasoning
* Uninhibited extroversion in social or interpersonal settings
* Increased impulsivity

* When stopped rebound insomnia may occur
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Also, alcoholics and drug abusers may be at increased risk of abusing and or becoming psychologically dependent on zolpidem [ambien].
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There are many unsubstantiated reports on the internet of people who have had issues with this medication.