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To the Editor.— Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root is a widely used herbal product with putative sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic benefits^1-4 similar to the benzodiazepines. Preparations recommend dosages ranging from 200 mg to several grams per day taken at bedtime or in divided doses. The optimal duration of use is not well established, although some preparations advise against long-term use. We report a case of serious cardiac complications and delirium associated with withdrawal of valerian root.

Report of a Case

A 58-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure was admitted to the hospital for open biopsy of a lung nodule. Cardiac catheterization 3 months prior to the admission showed congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 30% to 35%. On admission, his medications included isosorbide dinitrate, digoxin, furosemide, benazepril, aspirin, lovastatin, ibuprofen, potassium, zinc supplement, and vitamins. The patient was intubated and placed under general . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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