MODERATE — Monitor Closely
CAUTION — additive GABAergic sedation
Evidence level: STRONG
Passionflower adds to the sedating effects of Xanax — you may become excessively drowsy.
Passionflower has GABAergic activity (binds GABA-A receptors). Additive sedation with benzodiazepines which also enhance GABA activity.
Use caution if combining. Reduce doses. Do not drive. Inform your doctor about herbal supplement use.
Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Alprazolam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Elderly, concurrent alcohol, other CNS depressants
Excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, confusion
Tell your doctor about passionflower use if on benzodiazepines.
Combining sedatives increases overdose risk. Discuss with your doctor: magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, or passionflower may provide anxiety relief with fewer interaction risks. Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly — taper under medical supervision.
Passionflower adds to the sedating effects of Xanax — you may become excessively drowsy.
Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Alprazolam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, dizziness, confusion
Combining sedatives increases overdose risk. Discuss with your doctor: magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, or passionflower may provide anxiety relief with fewer interaction risks. Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly — taper under medical supervision.
Tell your doctor about passionflower use if on benzodiazepines.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).