Kalms and Alcohol (A Brief Guide)
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OptimistMinds
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In this guide, we will discuss Kalms and Alcohol interaction, what are Kalms tablets for and some additional considerations.
Kalms and Alcohol
Kalms and Alcohol interaction is said to enhance the sedative effects of Kalms tablets, so it is not recommended to mix Kalms and alcohol at all.
Kalms Tablets are said to be ideal for people who would like to consider a natural and reliable way to relieve their stress and anxiety.
Additionally, it is also useful for those who are experiencing sleeping difficulties (insomnia) as they are able to help you to relax and drift into a restful sleep.
Also, it has been indicated to be useful for people going through menopause since it helps combat symptoms such as hot flushed, cold sweats and sleepless nights (chemist-4-u.com).
Consider contacting your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner if your symptoms get worse or you don’t see an improvement after 4 weeks, however, according to Lloyd’s Pharmacy, you should attempt to contact your doctor if there is worsening of the symptoms or no improvement after 7 days.
Since one of the ingredients of Kalms is valerian root, avoid using it if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions (everyday health):
- any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
- anxiety or depression;
- asthma or allergies;
- cancer;
- erectile dysfunction;
- heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
- migraine headaches;
- psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
- a psychiatric disorder; or
- seizures.
What do Kalms tablets do?
Kalms Tablets are hop strobiles and extracts of Valerian root and Gentian root, which is a traditional herbal medicine treatment for the temporary relief of:
- Symptoms associated with stress (e.g mild anxiety, worry, irritability)
- Symptoms related to menopause (e.g flushings, worry, wakefulness, cold sweats)
- Sleeping problems, promoting natural sleep
If you have any of the following, do not attempt to take Kalms tablets:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are under the age of 18
- You are already taking medicine for anxiety or for sleep
- You are taking other medicines
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can take Kalms tablets when taking other prescription medicines or medicines without a prescription.
It is important to know that this medicine contains sucrose so if you know you are intolerant to some sugars, contact your doctor for additional advice before taking the medicine.
Also, if you feel sleepy due to the medicine do not attempt to drive or handle any machinery.
How to take Kalms tablets
If you want temporary relief symptoms associated with stress such as mild anxiety and irritability or symptoms that are associated with menopause, the adults and children over 12 years, the recommended dose is 2 tablets three times per day with water after meals, according to the Kalms Tablets leaflet.
It is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.
In contrast, if you are going to use it for the temporary relief of sleep disturbances, the recommended dose for adults and the elderly is 2 tablets 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
One additional tablet can be taken earlier during the evening if necessary.
Remember always to consult with your doctor and read the instructions (leaflet) carefully before starting the medication.
Additional recommendations include:
- For oral short term use only.
- The tablets should be swallowed whole with water or other liquid
- The use of this product in children or adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended because data is not sufficient and medical advice should be sought.
- As treatment effects may not be apparent immediately, this medicine should be taken for 2-4 weeks continuously
- The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets, Do not exceed the stated dose.
For how long can I use it?
As discussed, if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 weeks, a doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted.
If you take more Kalms tablets than you should If you take too many tablets, consult your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
Do not attempt to take a double dose to make up for any missed dose if you forget taking your Kalms tablets.
Also, if you are unsure about this medication, consult your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner for advice.
Possible side effects
Every medicine has its side effects, even though this is considered a natural and herbal remedy.
Kalms tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them:
- Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and stomach cramps have been reported with Valerian root preparations. However, the frequency is still not known.
- Gastrointestinal disorders have been observed with Gentian root. The frequency was uncommon.
- In rare cases, tachycardia and pruritus have been reported.
- Headache may occur. The frequency is unknown.
- If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed here, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Kalms tablets ingredients
The active substance per coated tablet is:
- 45mg of Hop Strobiles (Humulus lupulus L.)
- 33.75mg of extract (as dry extract) from Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) (equivalent to 135 to 167mg of Valerian root)
- Extraction solvent: Ethanol 60%v/v
- 22.5mg of extract (as dry extract) from Gentian root (Gentiana lutea L.) (equivalent to 90mg of Gentian root)
- Extraction solvent: Ethanol 50% v/v Each coated tablet contains 247mg sucrose.
Other ingredients include:
- Extract: Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide
- Core: Acacia (Spray-dried), Icing Sugar, Magnesium Stearate, Maize Starch, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Stearic Acid.
- Coating: Acacia (Spray-dried), Calcium Carbonate (Light), Carnauba Wax, Mastercote White SP0950G, Talc, Shellac Varnish, Sucrose, Titanium Dioxide E171, Yellow Beeswax.
Types of Kalms
There are 4 known types of Kalms.
The first two are intended for anxiety during the day, and night versions to help with sleeping problems according to Nosleeplessnights.com:
1. Kalms tablets (Kalms Day)
These can be used during the day to help people with mild anxiety symptom relief.
It is recommended to take two tablets, three times a day. The ingredients are valerian and hops. They used to contain gentian, but that was removed.
2. Kalms Lavender
Research has been focusing efforts on showing how Lavender has sedative properties that can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Kalms Lavender is a capsule containing lavender oil 80 mg, intended to help with anxiety.
3. Kalms Night
Kalms night are intended to be used during the night to help you sleep. You take four tablets one hour before going to sleep.
Each pill contains valerian root extract 96 mg, so you can take less than four if you prefer.
4. Kalms One-A-Night
Rather than having the option to take less if needed, Kalms One-A-Night is a single pill at a stronger dosage of valerian extract 385 mg.
Reviews on Kalms
If you are considering taking Kalms, then these reviews from Nosleeplessnights.com may be useful.
“I find that they tend to work well as long as I’m actually ready to sleep soon after I take them- if I stay awake for any more than an hour after I take one (and therefore it’s past when it would normally work) I CAN’T sleep. They’ve definitely made a difference, its not like with prescribed ones where you just get knocked out but if you work with them they’re really helpful. That said, I take them with my bedtime dose of 40mg propranolol for anxiety so perhaps that has something to do with it (although I also take 40mg of propranolol in the morning). Either way, I’ve been taking them for about a month and a half and I don’t see any changes to that in the near future. I like that they’re safe to use for longer periods of time and also that they won’t kill me when combined with my medication, which is always handy.”
“I haven’t been able to sleep well at night and then end up exhausted and drained during the day at work. I have been using the Kalms one a night tablet for the past few nights and I have to say they have worked really well for me!! I manage to get a good 8hrs solid sleep and don’t wake up at all during the night which is a first for me.”
“Hi there
Thanks for sharing your experience. I imagine it was great to get some decent sleep again. I hope you manage to get on top of the sleep problems without needing to take the Kalms long-term.
Regards
Ethan”
Why is this blog about Kalms and Alcohol important?
This blog about Kalms and Alcohol is important because you may be considering taking Kalms to treat anxiety and stress but are not sure if you should mix Kalms and Alcohol.
Well, as we have indicated it is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol intake since alcohol can enhance the effects of Kalms such as feeling dizzy, sleepy or drowsy.
In addition, it is not recommended to take Kalms before driving or manipulating heavy machinery for your safety.
For any other questions or concerns, you should get in touch with a physician.
Please feel free to comment in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kalms and Alcohol
Can you drink alcohol with valerian?
It is not recommended to mix alcohol with valerian since alcohol is said to increase the effects of valerian such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
In addition, other people may experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
Alcohol intake should be limited or avoided while using valerian.
Can kalms help with anxiety?
Yes, Kalms can help with anxiety. It is used mainly to relieve periods of irritability, stress, and anxiety.
In addition, they have also been used as a sleeping aid.
If symptoms get worse or you don’t experience any improvements it is important to contact a physician.
What are the side effects of kalms?
Some of the side effects of Kalms include headaches, upset stomach, thinking impairment, dry mouth, feeling uneasy or excited, having strange dreams or feeling drowsy.
Everyone can react differently to Kalms so you can either have some of the side effect symptoms or none of them.
Can you drive when taking kalms?
It is not recommended to drive after taking Kalms since its sedative effects can make you feel sleepy and drowsy.
In addition, it is also recommended not to manipulate any heavy machinery for your safety.
Is Valerian bad for your liver?
If you have liver disease avoid taking valerian, for additional information we recommend asking your physician.
Recommended links
Amazon.co.uk: Kalms Tablets
References
Lloydspharmacy.com
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