Valerian while breastfeeding. Is it possible, reviews

Valerian is considered a powerful herbal remedy with sedative properties, which is often prescribed to women during breastfeeding for the purpose of normalization of the psychoemotional state and prevention of the development of complications from the nervous systems. The medicine has a positive effect on the general condition of the patient, which is important for normal lactation and the health of the child.

Chemical composition

The drug contains a herbal substance, which has a pronounced therapeutic effect on the woman's body. This ingredient is an extract from the roots of medicinal valerian, the amount of which is 20 mg per 1 tablet.

The tablet dosage form contains small amounts of excipients:

• Croscarmellose sodium.
• Magnesium carbonate.
• Starch.
• Talc.
• Gelatin.

These substances do not have medicinal properties, but are present to preserve the chemical formula of the tablets. The medicine in another form may contain alcohol and purified water, which is also necessary to maintain the composition. The amount of active substance in other dosage forms may differ.

Valerian's action

Valerian, when breastfeeding, has the same effect on the patient's body as on the condition of non-lactating women, men, and other groups of patients. The drug has pronounced sedative properties, despite the herbal composition and the absence of potent synthetic additives in the drug.

There is a different effect of the herbal medicine on the woman's body, depending on her condition and the presence of complications from the internal organs.

Per woman

The drug has sedative properties, and the action is carried out due to the ability of the main ingredient to inhibit some of the process in the brain. As a result, the rate of conduction of the nerve impulse and the response of the central nervous system to various stimuli slows down, which leads to an improvement in the condition.

The drug, when used as a course, has a complex effect:

• Improves the patient's sleep, prevents insomnia against the background of nervous tension and constant stress. Often women during lactation experience a lack of sleep, but at the same time they have problems falling asleep, which is associated with emotional disorders.
• Normalizes the psycho-emotional state, helps to fight excessive irritability and anxiety. With mood swings throughout the day, patients improve with the herbal preparation.
• Reduces the likelihood of developing a nervous disorder as a result of constant stress and physical exertion. Course use is considered one of the safest ways to prevent such complications.
• Improves the work of internal organs, which is disturbed against the background of stress, insomnia and other disorders.

The drug acts gently, and its effectiveness directly depends on the dosage taken and the duration of the course. Since the drug has a herbal composition, its pharmacokinetic characteristics are difficult to study.

There is a rapid assimilation of the ingredients of the composition in the body after oral administration of the medication. The plant extract is distributed through the blood and has a healing effect. Despite the dose-dependent effect of the drug, its ingredients do not accumulate in the body in large quantities, which explains the minimal risk of overdose.

The substances do not penetrate the placental and other barriers, which is also considered an advantage in some cases. After providing a therapeutic effect, the ingredient is processed in the liver, and its metabolites are evacuated with the help of the kidneys.

The presence of chronic kidney pathologies can prevent the rapid elimination of metabolites from the body. This does not affect the therapeutic effect and does not provoke an overdose. The period of evacuation of ingredients takes approximately 10-14 hours, but may vary depending on the patient's body.

Per child

Valerian is often used for breastfeeding because it is considered a relatively safe medication for women and children. The lack of accurate data on the pharmacokinetics of the herbal remedy does not allow us to know for sure whether the ingredient penetrates into breast milk when the drug is taken by a woman.

Experts assume that the extract does not penetrate into breast milk, therefore, the drug has no effect on the child. Even in the case of penetration of a small amount of the ingredient into breast milk, there is no negative effect on the baby. The drug has no effect on the child's nervous system, there are no data on its sedative effect on the central nervous system.

Valerian while breastfeeding: it is possible or not

Medicines based on valerian extract are allowed to be prescribed during breastfeeding, as they do not pass into breast milk or do not pass in a minimal amount, which is not harmful to kid.

But experts warn that prescribing drugs is possible only when the potential benefit to the mother is greater than the possible harm to the child. Previously, the patient is advised to consult with a doctor who will determine the appropriateness of the appointment in a particular case.

Rules for taking Valerian during lactation

Valerian during breastfeeding is usually prescribed according to the standard scheme, which does not differ from that used when prescribing to other groups of patients.

But doctors recommend following some rules to reduce the likelihood of developing negative reactions:

• It is strictly forbidden to exceed the daily dose of the medication, even if there is no effect. This often provokes complications, despite the plant composition and relative safety for the body.
• Before starting the appointment, it is recommended to make sure that there are no acute contraindications. For example, the medicine should not be used in case of intolerance to the main ingredient of the composition, internal bleeding and the use of other potent drugs with sedative properties.
• During therapy, it is necessary to observe the reaction of your body to the action of the drug, as well as the condition of the child. If negative reactions appear, you should immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor. Perhaps complications will disappear on their own in a few days, sometimes special therapy is required, the scheme of which is determined depending on the symptoms.
• After the disappearance of acute symptoms, which became an indication for prescribing a medicine, it is important to consult a doctor. He will determine the feasibility of discontinuing the drug or extending the course.
• For several days after starting the medication, severe drowsiness and weakness are possible. In most cases, the symptoms disappear, but if it worsens, it is better to see a doctor.
• Do not take any medications at the same time without a doctor's prescription in combination with a herbal preparation. They can enhance or weaken its effect, increase the likelihood of complications.
• To improve lactation during the period of drug therapy, it is worth consuming a sufficient amount of liquid.
• In case of sleep disturbance, it is better to take the drug in the evening. This will help avoid drowsiness and weakness during the day.

If the therapeutic effect is absent for 7 days, the patient should visit a doctor. Perhaps a particular drug is not suitable for her and another drug must be prescribed.

What form of the drug is preferable for HB

The medicine is available in tincture and tablet form. The tincture has an alcoholic aroma, yellowish color and specific taste, packaged in small dark glass bottles, placed in cardboard boxes. The box contains a description that indicates the rules for using the medicine.

The tablets are packaged in glass containers, plastic plates, 10 pieces each. The plates are placed in a cardboard box, they are accompanied by instructions describing the nuances of use. For patients during lactation, tablets are used, since the tincture contains alcohol, which can negatively affect the child and the general condition of the woman.

Valerian's reception regimens

Valerian during breastfeeding can be used according to a standard or individual scheme, depending on the specific symptoms and the general condition of the woman. The standard method involves taking 2 tablets 2 times a day for 2 weeks. If necessary, it is allowed to change the dose, duration of treatment and frequency of administration.

When taking tablets, it is important to drink them with plenty of water to accelerate the dissolution of the film shell and the ingestion of the ingredients into the blood.

Disease	Features of the use of tablets
Insomnia	In case of insomnia, it is recommended to take the tablets only before bedtime, which will avoid increased sleepiness in the morning and afternoon. A single dosage is usually 2 tablets, but if necessary, it can be increased to 3 tablets if the therapeutic effect is weak or absent. The duration of therapeutic use usually does not exceed 2 weeks, but often this time is not enough to normalize sleep, so the doctor extends the therapy to 3 weeks. Simultaneously with the medication, you should not use drugs with pronounced sedative properties, as this can provoke complications from the nervous system.
Increased irritability	Treat irritability, anxiety, and mood swings for 4 weeks. In this case, the initial dosage is 1 tablet, and the reception is repeated 3 times a day. For 7 days, the doctor monitors the patient's condition. The lack of a positive result may be a reason to increase the dose to 2 tablets at a time. If there are changes and elimination of symptoms, the dose is not increased.
Headaches against a background of nervous tension	For headaches, the drug improves the condition due to a slight antispasmodic property and a sedative effect on the central nervous system. With severe pain and the presence of other symptoms, the remedy does not help to improve the condition, but with a mild form of pathology, it is allowed to use it. The cumulative effect of the herbal medicine does not allow it to be used only when symptoms appear. Headaches are treated by taking a therapeutic course for 2 weeks. The patient takes from 3 to 6 tablets per day, depending on the severity of the manifestations. It is allowed to divide the daily rate by 2-3 times during the day, take at approximately equal intervals.

On an individual basis, a pill therapy regimen can be selected for the patient. It is not allowed to change the dose or duration of use without a preliminary diagnostic examination.

Overdose

Valerian, when breastfeeding, usually does not provoke an overdose, since the patients use the drug in small quantities.

But with the accidental intake of a large dose of the medication, a deterioration in the general condition is noted, specific symptoms appear:

• Strong headache. Despite the lack of influence of the ingredient on blood pressure, the use of a large number of tablets leads to a decrease in it and the appearance of concomitant symptoms in the form of weakness, rapid fatigue, a decrease performance.
• Deterioration of concentration and memory, coordination of movements, as well as orientation in space.
• Nausea and repeated vomiting throughout the day, in which a large amount of fluid is lost from the body. This complication can impair not only the functioning of the digestive tract, but also leads to a decrease in the amount of milk produced in a woman.
• Stool upset exacerbates the symptoms of the digestive system, leading to the loss of a large amount of fluid. Sometimes the patient develops dehydration, which negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system, can provoke convulsions and other abnormalities.
• Overdose is often accompanied by severe allergic reactions from the skin and mucous membranes. Rashes, irritation and scaling appear on the body and limbs. Over the course of several hours, the symptoms worsen, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition.

The addition of allergic reactions is considered a reason for refusing to use the drug. The rash is accompanied by severe itching, which causes the patient to scratch the affected area. Swelling of the mucous membranes, lacrimation and allergic rhinitis appears with prolonged use and the patient's tendency to such reactions.

Overdose can be treated in a hospital or at home. The first option is necessary in case of a severe course of the condition and the appearance of complications from the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. There is no standard treatment regimen for all patients, so treatment is selected individually after examination and identification of the most pronounced reactions.

There is also no specific antidote to the drug, which is due to its composition and the rare occurrence of complications, provided it is used correctly. Do not ignore the symptoms or use any medications yourself at home.

What can replace Valerian with HV?

During lactation, it is difficult to find an analogue of Valerian, which would have the same properties and be safe for patients.

The following substitutes can be used:

• Motherwort extract in tablet form, it is also considered relatively safe for breastfeeding women. If necessary, it is used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The drug lowers blood pressure, has mild hypnotic and sedative properties, improves general condition with increased nervousness and anxiety. During lactation, the drug is used to eliminate emotional stress, which leads to a decrease in the production of breast milk and other complications. The scheme for using the medication, as well as the duration of the course, is determined individually, depending on the condition of the woman.
• Alora available to patients in the form of syrup and oral tablets. The medicine has a herbal composition, since passionflower extract acts as the main ingredient. The drug has hypnotic and mild sedative properties, can be used to treat women during lactation, but after a preliminary examination. Unlike other herbal medicines, Alora is not prescribed for pregnant women.
• Persen in tablet form is considered one of the common medications with sedative properties. It has a plant composition, contains not only valerian extract, but also an extract from mint, lemon balm, which enhances its effectiveness. During lactation, the drug is prescribed with caution and after a preliminary diagnostic examination. The treatment regimen, as with the original, is determined individually.

Many analogs are used only in short courses when certain symptoms occur. It is not recommended to choose a substitute on your own, especially during breastfeeding.

Valerian is considered one of the most common and effective herbal medicines that are relatively safe for women to use while breastfeeding. The medicine has sedative and hypnotic properties, normalizes the psycho-emotional state, improves the functioning of internal organs. Its use by nursing women must be approved by a doctor.

Video about Valerian with GV

Valerian during lactation: