Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Sedatives and Hypnotics Related

Review Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Sedatives and Hypnotics related questions and content

A client asks the nurse about using valerian to help him sleep. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

  • A. The herb is generally considered safe.
  • B. You need to take it about 4 hours before bedtime.
  • C. It might take 2 to 4 weeks before you notice the full benefit.
  • D. You can combine it with other calming herbs.
  • E. If you stop using it, you won't have any withdrawal symptoms.
Correct Answer: A,C,D

Rationale: Valerian is classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for use in the United States. When used as an aid to sleep, valerian is taken approximately 1 hour before bedtime. It can be used in combination with other calming herbs, such as lemon balm or chamomile. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full therapeutic effect (i.e., improvement of mood and sleep patterns) occurs. Individuals have been known to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking valerian abruptly.