Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam
Résumé
There is an increasing interest in the health risks related to the use of herbal remedies. Although most consumers think that phytomedicines are safe and without side-effects, interactions between complementary alternative−and−conventional medicines are being described. The aim of this clinical-case-report is to highlight the importance of the safe use of herbal remedies by providing a clinical interaction study between pharmaceutical medicines and herbal medicinal products. The case of a patient self-medicated with Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. while he was on lorazepam treatment is described. Handshaking, dizziness, throbbing and muscular fatigue were reported within the 32 hours before clinical diagnosis. The analysis of family medical history ruled out essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease and other symptom-related pathologies. His medical history revealed a Generalized Anxiety Disorder and medicinal plant consumption but no neurological disorder. Appropriate physical examination was carried out. An additive or synergistic effect is suspected to have produced these symptoms. Valerian and passiflora active principles might increase the inhibitory activity of benzodiazepines binding to the GABA receptors, causing severe secondary effects. Due to the herbal−product−self−medication increase, the use of herbal remedies should be registered while taking personal clinical history. Multidisciplinary teams should be created to raise studies on medicinal plants with impact on medical praxis.
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