MODERATE — Monitor Closely
CAUTION — additive sedation
Evidence level: MODERATE
Passionflower adds to Ativan sedation.
Additive GABAergic sedation from passionflower GABA-A activity + benzodiazepine.
Use caution. Avoid driving.
Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Lorazepam 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 CNS depressants
Excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination
Disclose herbal supplement use.
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 Ativan sedation.
Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Lorazepam 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
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.
Disclose herbal supplement use.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).