Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to relax has become increasingly common in modern life. Work pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities, academic demands, and everyday challenges can all contribute to nervous tension and anxiety. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, many people seek safe and effective ways to support relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
CALMETTES® is a non-prescription medicine available in South Africa that contains valerian root extract, a traditional herbal ingredient used to promote relaxation and help relieve nervous tension and anxiety. CALMETTES is classified as a Schedule 0 (S0) medicine, meaning it can be obtained without a doctor’s prescription when used according to the approved instructions.
What Is CALMETTES?
CALMETTES is a herbal medicine containing valerian dispert powder derived from the root of the plant Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian root. Each coated tablet contains 45 mg of valerian root extract.
Valerian has been used for many years as a traditional herbal remedy to help reduce nervous tension and promote relaxation. It is considered a mild natural sedative and calming agent.
CALMETTES is available as white sugar-coated tablets supplied in packs of 20, 60, or 100 tablets.
What Is CALMETTES Used For?
Relief of Nervous Tension
CALMETTES is indicated for the relief of nervous tension. People experiencing feelings of stress, restlessness, irritability, or emotional strain may find CALMETTES helpful as part of a broader stress-management approach.
Relief of Anxiety
The medicine is also used for the relief of mild anxiety. Anxiety can manifest as excessive worrying, difficulty relaxing, nervousness, or feeling on edge. CALMETTES may help support a calmer emotional state.
Assistance with Relaxation
Valerian root is traditionally used to encourage relaxation and calmness during periods of emotional stress. CALMETTES may be beneficial for people who struggle to unwind after demanding days or who experience temporary episodes of nervous excitement.
Bedtime Nervousness
The product may also be used before bedtime to help manage nervous tension and over-excitement that can interfere with relaxation at night.
How Does CALMETTES Work?
The Role of Valerian Root
The active ingredient in CALMETTES is valerian root extract. Although researchers continue to study its exact mechanism of action, valerian is believed to influence certain chemical messengers in the brain that are associated with relaxation and calmness.
A Mild Sedative Effect
Valerian root has been shown to possess mild sedative properties, which may help reduce feelings of nervousness and support relaxation without the use of stronger prescription medicines.
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
CALMETTES is not intended to treat severe anxiety disorders or major psychiatric conditions. Instead, it is designed to help relieve temporary nervous tension and mild anxiety symptoms that may arise during everyday life.
Who Can Use CALMETTES?
Adults
Adults may use CALMETTES according to the recommended dosage instructions provided in the patient information leaflet.
Older Adults
Elderly individuals may generally use CALMETTES according to adult dosing recommendations unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Children and Adolescents
CALMETTES is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age. Parents or caregivers should consult a healthcare professional before administering any herbal medicine to children.
Who Should Not Take CALMETTES?
Allergy to Valerian
Do not take CALMETTES if you are allergic or hypersensitive to valerian root or any of the other ingredients contained in the tablets.
Ingredient Sensitivities
The tablets contain sucrose and lactose monohydrate. Individuals with known intolerance to certain sugars should consult a healthcare professional before using CALMETTES.
Important Warnings and Precautions
Liver Disease
People with a history of liver dysfunction or severe liver disease should exercise caution and seek medical advice before using CALMETTES.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol may increase the calming or sedative effects of CALMETTES. Combining alcohol with CALMETTES can potentially increase drowsiness or impair alertness. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before mixing alcohol with this medicine.
Sedatives and Tranquillisers
CALMETTES may enhance the effects of sedatives, tranquillisers, sleeping tablets, or other medicines that cause drowsiness. Professional advice should be obtained before combining these treatments.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Because CALMETTES may cause dizziness or other effects that reduce alertness, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
CALMETTES is not recommended during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should consult their healthcare provider before using the medicine.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid CALMETTES unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. The safety of valerian use during breastfeeding has not been adequately established.
Fertility Considerations
If you are planning to conceive or have concerns regarding fertility, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine, including herbal products such as CALMETTES.
Medicines That May Interact with CALMETTES
Why Interactions Matter
Even natural or herbal medicines can interact with other treatments. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements, traditional remedies, and over-the-counter products you are taking.
Medicines That May Increase Drowsiness
Interactions may occur with:
Sleeping Tablets
Medicines used to help you sleep may have stronger effects when taken with CALMETTES.
Sedatives
Medicines used to promote relaxation or reduce anxiety may interact with valerian.
Tranquillisers
Prescription tranquillisers may produce increased sedative effects.
Alcohol
Alcohol can enhance drowsiness and should be used cautiously or avoided while taking CALMETTES.
How to Take CALMETTES
General Instructions
Always take CALMETTES exactly as directed in the patient information leaflet or according to instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
Adult Dosage
Adults should take:
- Two to three tablets per dose.
- The dose may be repeated up to three times daily if necessary.
Children’s Dosage
For children over 12 years of age:
- One tablet per dose.
- The dose may be repeated up to three times daily if necessary.
Bedtime Use
For nervous tension and over-excitement at bedtime:
Adults
- Five tablets approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.
Children Over 12 Years
- Two tablets approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.
How to Swallow the Tablets
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water or milk. Do not crush or chew them unless directed by a healthcare professional.
What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take CALMETTES:
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What Happens If You Take Too Much?
Signs of Overdose
Although serious overdose is uncommon, taking more than the recommended dose may increase the likelihood of side effects.
What To Do
If you take too much CALMETTES:
- Contact your doctor immediately.
- Speak to a pharmacist.
- Contact the nearest hospital.
- Reach out to a poison information centre if available.
Prompt medical advice is always recommended following an overdose.
Possible Side Effects of CALMETTES
Like all medicines, CALMETTES can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Stop taking CALMETTES immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat, hands, feet, or ankles.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Rash.
- Severe itching.
- Fainting.
These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring emergency treatment.
Commonly Reported Side Effects
Side effects reported with unknown frequency include:
Dizziness
Some people may feel light-headed or dizzy after taking CALMETTES.
Depression
Mood-related symptoms such as depression have been reported.
Excessive Sweating
Increased sweating may occasionally occur.
When To Contact a Healthcare Professional
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- Side effects become troublesome.
- Symptoms worsen.
- You experience unexpected reactions.
- New symptoms appear while using the medicine.
Reporting Side Effects in South Africa
South Africans are encouraged to report suspected side effects associated with medicines to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Reporting helps improve medicine safety monitoring and assists healthcare authorities in identifying potential risks associated with medicines.
Patients can discuss adverse effects with their doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
How to Store CALMETTES
Recommended Storage Conditions
Store CALMETTES:
- At or below 25°C.
- In a dry place.
- In the original packaging where possible.
Keep Out of Reach of Children
Always store medicines safely and securely away from children.
Expiry Date
Do not use CALMETTES after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
Disposal
Unused or expired medicine should be returned to a pharmacist.
Do not throw medicines into household drains, toilets, or sewerage systems because this can harm the environment.
What Ingredients Does CALMETTES Contain?
Active Ingredient
Each tablet contains:
- Valerian dispert powder (extract of Valeriana officinalis root) 45 mg.
Other Ingredients
The formulation includes:
- Lactose monohydrate
- Sucrose
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Magnesium stearate
- Hypromellose
- Titanium dioxide (E171)
- Gum arabic
- Beeswax
- Carnauba wax
- Shellac
- Additional pharmaceutical excipients.
Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety
While CALMETTES may help relieve nervous tension, lifestyle measures can also play an important role.
Get Regular Exercise
Physical activity can help reduce stress hormones and improve mood.
Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits
Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and minimise screen time before bed.
Practise Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga may help reduce anxiety.
Limit Stimulants
Reducing caffeine intake may improve feelings of nervousness or restlessness.
Seek Support
Talk to trusted family members, friends, healthcare professionals, or counsellors if stress becomes overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CALMETTES addictive?
There is no evidence in the approved patient leaflet that CALMETTES causes dependence when used as directed. However, always follow the recommended dosage.
Can I take CALMETTES every day?
Use the medicine according to the dosage instructions and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Can I drink alcohol while taking CALMETTES?
Alcohol may enhance the sedative effects of CALMETTES and should be used cautiously. Consult your healthcare professional for guidance.
Can I drive after taking CALMETTES?
CALMETTES may affect alertness in some individuals. Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
Can children take CALMETTES?
The medicine is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.
Does CALMETTES contain sugar?
Yes. Each tablet contains sucrose and lactose monohydrate. People with sugar intolerances should consult a healthcare professional before use.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if:
- Anxiety becomes severe.
- Symptoms persist despite treatment.
- You experience panic attacks.
- Depression develops.
- Side effects become severe.
- You develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Stress or anxiety interferes significantly with work, school, relationships, or daily activities.
Final Thoughts
CALMETTES is a well-established herbal medicine containing valerian root extract that is used in South Africa for the relief of nervous tension and anxiety. Its natural calming properties may help individuals experiencing temporary stress, nervousness, or difficulty relaxing. When used according to the approved patient information leaflet, CALMETTES can form part of a broader approach to emotional wellbeing that includes healthy lifestyle habits, adequate sleep, stress management, and professional healthcare support when required.
Always read the package leaflet carefully before use, follow the recommended dosage instructions, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your symptoms, existing medical conditions, or other medicines you may be taking.
