Livetan

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Livetan

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Method of action: Calming, Psycholeptics

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Livetan

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Dry extract of valerian root (Valerianae radix)
Form Primarily film-coated tablet (oral)
Pharmacological class Sedative and Anxiolytic agent
Common use Relief of mild nervous tension and aid to sleep
Origin Natural (Valeriana officinalis)

Livetan: Classification as a Traditional Herbal Sedative

Livetan is a pharmaceutical preparation classified as a well-established herbal medicine intended to alleviate symptoms of mild nervous tension and assist with sleep. It belongs to the pharmacological class of sedatives and anxiolytics, functioning as a gentle CNS depressant. The product is defined by its entirely natural origin, being derived solely from the root of the perennial plant Valeriana officinalis, making it a plant-based option intended for adult patient groups seeking non-synthetic relief.

What is the Active Ingredient and Dosage Form?

The active core of Livetan is the dry extract of valerian root, which contains a complex array of compounds, including sesquiterpenoids like valerenic acid and various valepotriates. The presence of these components supports the general classification of the drug as a sedative that promotes a state of calm conducive to rest. Livetan is typically formulated as a film-coated tablet designed for oral administration. Reputable preparations are often standardized to ensure a consistent concentration of key marker compounds, providing reliability and predictability that distinguishes the product from generic non-standardized herbal supplements.

General Purpose: Relief for Nervous Tension and Sleep

The overall purpose of taking this preparation is to support the body's ability to achieve a tranquil state. Its components are believed to gently modulate the brain’s inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, thereby enhancing the natural signals that slow down overactive neural activity. This modulating action provides both a sedative effect and relief from mild nervous tension, establishing the preparation’s use for individuals experiencing common symptoms of everyday stress and related sleep disorders, such as difficulty winding down.

What side effects are possible with Livetan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Livetan (Valerian root extract) is defined by officially documented adverse reactions that primarily involve the digestive and nervous systems. In regulatory documents, the majority of side effects reported through spontaneous post-marketing surveillance are classified with a frequency of Not Known, meaning an exact occurrence rate cannot be estimated from the available data.


Adverse Reactions by Organ System

System-Organ Class Examples of Documented Effects
Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
Nervous System Disorders Dizziness, headache, daytime drowsiness
Psychiatric Disorders Uneasiness, excitability, vivid dreams/nightmares

Serious Safety Considerations

Although rare, regulatory bodies have documented specific serious safety concerns. Very Rare reports of Liver Injury (hepatotoxicity) have been noted, sometimes in combination with other herbal products, which mandates caution from some regulators. Additionally, symptoms resembling withdrawal (such as anxiety or heart disturbances) have been reported upon the abrupt cessation of the preparation following chronic, long-term use.

Population-Specific Constraints

The product label includes explicit constraints for specific groups due to insufficient safety data. Use of Livetan is not recommended or is formally contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years and during pregnancy and lactation.

Regulatory Safety Notes

Official documents advise that the preparation may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery due to the risk of drowsiness. Co-administration with alcohol or other CNS depressants is formally not recommended because of the potential for additive sedative effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Symptoms and Classification

Overdose symptoms from the dry extract of valerian root, such as those reported following the accidental ingestion of approximately 20 grams, are classified in official regulatory documentation as typically benign. Documented clinical manifestations include fatigue, abdominal cramp, chest tightness, light-headedness, hand tremor, and mydriasis (dilated pupils). These effects are consistently reported to disappear within 24 hours without specialized intervention.

A complication specific to certain liquid formulations is the potential risk of alcohol intoxication from the excipient, which must be managed accordingly. Separately, delirium has been reported as a withdrawal symptom only after the abrupt cessation of chronic, very high doses consumed over many years.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

The official guidance mandates specific actions in an overdose scenario. Treatment, if symptoms arise, should be supportive. Individuals must seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately if an overdose is suspected or if serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing occur. No specific antidote is described in the official regulatory labeling.

Therapeutic Uses of Livetan

What Livetan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Livetan is commonly used to help manage symptoms related to mild nervous tension and sleep disturbances. The preparation provides supportive therapeutic benefit in situations involving these issues. The main indications include relief from general restlessness, feelings of uneasiness, and the difficulty falling asleep that stems from symptoms of increased neurological activity linked to difficulty winding down in the evening.

This use is relevant in contexts where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, often applied when symptoms of increased physiological activity interfere with daily comfort. The overall goal is to support the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

“The preparation may assist with maintaining general well-being during symptomatic phases, supporting the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Nervous Tension and Sleep

Symptom Domain Primary Benefit
Mild Nervous Tension Provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.
Sleep Disturbances Assists with maintaining functional stability.

Regulatory References

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Valeriana officinalis L., radix

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Livetan?

The population eligibility for Livetan (valerian root extract) is strictly determined by official regulatory documents, which define approved groups, exclusions, and populations for whom use is not recommended due to insufficient data.

Contraindications and Prohibited Populations

Livetan is contraindicated and must not be used by individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to valerian root preparations or any component of the finished medicinal product. This is the single absolute prohibition cited in regulatory documents for the oral dosage form.

Age-Group Eligibility Rules

The medicine is formally permitted for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. Conversely, use is not recommended in children below the age of 12 years. This restriction is implemented because sufficient data to establish the product’s safety and efficacy in this pediatric population is lacking.

Physiological State Restrictions

Use during pregnancy and lactation is also not recommended. This is a mandatory regulatory precaution because the safety of valerian preparations has not been established in expectant or nursing mothers. Furthermore, the official labeling does not specify formal contraindications regarding severe hepatic or renal impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Livetan's interaction profile, based on official regulatory documentation for valerian root extract, is predominantly characterized by the risk of additive central nervous system (CNS) effects.

Interaction Patterns with Medicinal Products

Pharmacodynamic Interactions: The co-administration of Livetan with other substances that suppress CNS function may result in increased sedation and somnolence. Regulatory documents advise caution when combining with categories such as hypnotics, anxiolytics, sedatives, and certain pain medications, including opioid agonists and agents like benzodiazepines or barbiturates.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions: Official product information notes a potential for pharmacokinetic interaction through the modification of liver enzyme activity. The active ingredient may influence cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP 3A4 and CYP 2D6, which could alter the systemic exposure or clearance of co-administered medicines that are substrates for these enzymes.

Interactions with Other Substances

Alcohol and Supplements: Co-administration with alcohol (ethanol) is restricted due to the combined effect of additive CNS depression. Furthermore, caution is noted for combining Livetan with other sedative herbal products to avoid excessive somnolence.

Population-Specific Notes: The interaction profile includes a specific caution for patients with hepatic impairment (liver problems). While no mandatory dose separation requirements are documented, the overall classification for CNS depressants is one of strong caution and avoidance.

Mechanism of Action

How Livetan Works

Livetan operates through a dual mechanism of action that targets two distinct physiological systems simultaneously: cardiac contractility and vascular tone. This synergy modifies specific pathways influencing these systems.


Enhanced Myofilament Sensitivity in the Heart

This domain covers the drug's effect on cardiac troponin C (cTnC). Livetan binds to cTnC, increasing the heart muscle fibers' responsiveness to existing calcium. This interaction enhances the force of myocardial contraction while maintaining the muscle's oxygen consumption at a constant level, resulting in an increased volume of blood ejected per beat.


Targeted Vasodilation via Ion Channels

This domain addresses the drug's effect on the circulatory system's resistance. Livetan acts as an opener of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) found in the blood vessel walls. Opening these channels relaxes the vascular smooth muscle, causing the blood vessels to widen. This mechanism results in a reduction in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, effectively decreasing the load on the heart.


Combined Modulation of Cardiac and Vascular Dynamics

The combination of strengthened heart contraction (enhanced inotropy) and reduced vascular resistance (vasodilation) influences dynamics within the circulatory pathways. This simultaneous modulation of force and resistance leads to a state of enhanced cardiac output concurrent with decreased systemic vascular resistance.

Dosage and Administration Information

Livetan, which contains the dry extract of Valerian root, is an oral preparation administered as a solid dosage form, such as a film-coated tablet. The usage pattern is defined based on the intended purpose.

Standard Dosing and Timing

For the purpose of mild nervous tension, a standard single dose, generally corresponding to 400 to 600 mg of the dry extract, may be administered up to three times daily. For aid to sleep, the standard single dose is typically taken half to one hour before bedtime. If needed, an additional, earlier dose may be taken during the evening. The instructions define the maximum daily intake as four single doses.

Duration of Use and Administration Rules

This medicine is not suitable for single-use, acute intervention. Instead, the usage protocol requires a course of treatment involving continued use over two to four weeks to realize the optimal effect. Tablets are intended to be swallowed whole with water and should not be chewed. If a dose is missed, it is recommended not to take a double dose to compensate. The same dosage regimen applied to adults is also indicated for adolescents over 12 years of age and the elderly, but use is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Livetan

Evidence for Use in Sleep Disturbances

Valerian root extract, the active ingredient in Livetan, was studied for its potential use in individuals experiencing difficulty falling asleep and issues with overall sleep quality. The research base includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, which compile findings from various trials. These studies generally compared the extract to a placebo.

The trials research examined various outcomes related to sleep, using both patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and objective measures. Subjective outcomes included how patients rated their overall sleep quality. Findings were mixed across the synthesized studies. Some trials reported that patients described subjective changes related to sleep quality after consistent use, and objective data have often shown non-uniform patterns. This variability in objective findings contributes to the overall uncertainty regarding the consistency of research across different studies.

Evidence for Use in Mild Nervous Tension

Research exploring general restlessness and mild nervous tension references two categories of evidence. The first is documentation of long-standing use that supports the traditional medicinal classification by regulators. The second source is a smaller number of dedicated clinical trials.

In these research scenarios, the intervention was evaluated in adults experiencing mild stress. Studies focused on measures such as patient-reported feelings of uneasiness, which are outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. Often, data related to nervous tension were analyzed as secondary measures within trials that were focused primarily on sleep outcomes, rather than focusing on tension relief alone.

Consistency of Findings and Research Uncertainty

The scientific literature highlights several reasons why certainty remains low for some of the findings regarding valerian root extract. Key issues include heterogeneity across the trials; specifically, the concentration and preparation of the extract used may differ significantly from one study to the next, which can lead to mixed findings. In summary, evidence is limited for definitive, objective outcomes, and research is ongoing to provide clearer and more uniform results.

Key Studies & References

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Valeriana officinalis L., radix (Final Version)
  2. Valerian: Usefulness and Safety (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - NCCIH)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Livetan (FAQ)


Q: How long does it usually take to feel the effect of Livetan?

Official instructions for using the preparation as a sleep aid advise taking the dose half to one hour before bedtime. While clinical studies have sometimes reported improvements in the time it takes to fall asleep, a precise, fixed onset of action (how quickly a person might feel the sedative effect) is not universally defined across all official documentation.


Q: Are there any long-term side effects associated with Livetan use?

Official safety data beyond continuous use of four to six weeks in clinical trials are generally not available. However, based on historical use, the general safety profile is noted in regulatory documents. Rare and serious concerns, such as liver injury and symptoms resembling withdrawal upon the abrupt cessation of chronic use, have been documented.


Q: Has Livetan been studied in people with kidney or liver issues?

Official product information notes caution for patients with hepatic impairment (liver problems) due to a potential effect on the body's metabolism and very rare reports of liver injury. Formal clinical studies specifically establishing safety and efficacy in patients with significant kidney or liver disease are not typically provided in regulatory summaries.


Q: If Livetan works, does that mean my condition is cured?

Livetan is classified by regulators as a traditional herbal medicine intended for the relief of symptoms related to mild nervous tension and to assist with sleep. Official documents do not describe this preparation as a curative treatment for any underlying condition, as its primary action is symptomatic relief.


Q: Does Livetan have a risk of dependence or withdrawal?

Official documents have not reported significant cases of dependence or abuse associated with this medicine. However, symptoms resembling withdrawal, such as anxiety or heart disturbances, have been reported in individuals upon the abrupt cessation of the preparation following chronic, long-term use.


Q: Can I stop taking Livetan if I start feeling better?

The usage protocol requires continued use over two to four weeks to realize the optimal effect. Because withdrawal-like symptoms have been reported after abrupt cessation of chronic use, changes to the administration course require guidance from a healthcare professional.


Q: What happens if I take more Livetan than prescribed?

Official reports of individuals taking significantly high doses (approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose) have described mild and temporary symptoms. These symptoms may include light-headedness, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and hand tremor, which usually resolved within 24 hours. Supportive care may be considered by a healthcare professional if symptoms occur.


Q: Do people gain or lose weight while taking Livetan?

Changes in body weight (gain or loss) are not listed in the official table of documented adverse reactions associated with this valerian root extract preparation, according to regulatory product information.


Q: Is there a maximum time someone can stay on Livetan?

The recommended initial course of treatment is continuous use over two to four weeks to achieve the optimal effect. Official documents do not specify an absolute maximum duration for which a patient can continue use, but they note the lack of long-term safety data beyond typical treatment periods.


Q: Are headaches a common complaint for people taking Livetan?

Headache is listed in official product information as a documented adverse reaction under Nervous System Disorders. However, an exact occurrence rate is classified as 'Not Known' because it cannot be estimated from available data.


Q: Can Livetan be crushed or chewed if someone has trouble swallowing pills?

Official administration instructions state that the film-coated tablets must be swallowed whole with water. They specifically advise that the tablets should not be chewed, implying that altering the tablet form by crushing is also not recommended.


Q: Is Livetan the same as similar drugs I've heard of?

Livetan is a preparation containing the dry extract of the Valeriana officinalis root, which is classified as an established traditional herbal medicine. Its natural source material and classification distinguish it from synthetic pharmaceutical products used for similar purposes.


Q: Why do some people say Livetan gave them stomach problems?

Official product information documents that gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps are known adverse reactions reported by individuals taking this preparation.


Q: What is the difference between Livetan and the generic version?

Livetan is a regulated pharmaceutical preparation using a standardized valerian root extract. Standardization ensures a consistent, measurable concentration of key compounds, which provides a level of reliability and predictability that distinguishes it from non-standardized herbal supplements.


Q: What happens in the body when Livetan starts to wear off?

This preparation functions as a gentle central nervous system (CNS) depressant by modulating the brain’s inhibitory GABA system. As the active components are naturally cleared from the body, the sedative and anxiolytic effects subside, allowing normal CNS activity to return.


Q: Why do doctors check my blood work when I am taking Livetan?

Official safety assessments have associated this medicine with very rare reports of liver injury (hepatotoxicity). For this reason, healthcare professionals may monitor a patient’s liver function or blood work as a standard precautionary measure related to this documented, though uncommon, safety concern.


Q: Is Livetan considered a high-risk medication?

Regulatory documents classify the preparation as a CNS depressant and include specific cautions regarding liver injury, interactions with other sedatives, alcohol, and the ability to drive or operate machinery.


Q: Does Livetan cause any mental health side effects like anxiety?

The product label documents psychiatric side effects, including uneasiness and excitability. Additionally, official safety reports note that symptoms resembling anxiety have been reported as part of a withdrawal syndrome upon the abrupt cessation of chronic use.


Q: What are the official clinical trial results for Livetan?

Official regulatory assessments indicate that clinical studies generally reported improvements in patient-perceived sleep quality and time to fall asleep. However, the findings across different trials are often mixed, objective data are not uniform, and the certainty of the evidence for definitive objective outcomes is noted as limited.


Q: If I have a mild case of the condition, should I still take Livetan?

Livetan is officially indicated for the relief of mild nervous tension and to aid sleep, meaning its intended use aligns with symptoms that are not classified as severe. The medicine is indicated for the relief of mild symptoms, and its use is determined based on the patient’s clinical need.


Q: Does taking Livetan require me to change my lifestyle?

Regulatory safety notes advise against co-administering alcohol due to a risk of increased sedative effects. The official label also warns that the preparation may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery, which may require temporary adjustments to daily activities.


Q: Is Livetan meant to be taken 'as needed' or regularly?

Livetan is not intended for acute, single-use intervention (taking it 'as needed'). Official protocols require a course of treatment involving continuous, regular use over two to four weeks to realize the optimal effect.


Q: What is the role of Livetan in managing my specific condition?

The established role of this preparation is to function as a sedative and anxiolytic agent. It is intended to help alleviate the symptoms of mild nervous tension and assist the body in achieving a state of rest conducive to sleep.


Q: How is Livetan different from natural or alternative remedies?

Livetan is regulated as a pharmaceutical preparation containing a standardized extract of Valeriana officinalis root. This regulatory status and standardization distinguish it from non-standardized herbal or alternative dietary supplements.


Q: Is the research evidence for Livetan strong or limited?

Official assessments state that the evidence base for definitive, objective outcomes is considered limited, and research uncertainty remains due to variability across clinical trials and non-uniform objective findings.


Q: Can Livetan make other medications I take less effective?

Official documents note a potential to influence liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 and CYP 2D6). This action could alter the systemic exposure or clearance of co-administered medicines, which might result in either increased or decreased effectiveness.


Q: Why do people sometimes feel sick after starting Livetan?

The most common digestive side effects documented in official product information include feelings of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. These adverse reactions are reported in some individuals, particularly upon starting the medicine.

How should Livetan be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Official regulatory documents define specific conditions to maintain Livetan's stability and safety. This medicine, a valerian root extract preparation, must be stored following temperature, protection, and handling mandates.

Requirement Official Statement
Storage Temperature Do not store above 25°C.
Protection Keep in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal No special requirements for disposal are stated; return any unused or expired product to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

These constraints ensure the product maintains its labeled shelf life. The manufacturer's packaging must remain intact, and any unused medicine should be disposed of via local pharmacy take-back programs.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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