MODERATE — Monitor Closely
CAUTION — additive sedation
Evidence level: MODERATE
Skullcap adds to Ativan sedation.
Additive GABAergic sedation.
Use caution.
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
Excessive drowsiness
Disclose herbal 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.
Skullcap 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
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 use.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).