Does melissa officinalis cause withdrawal or dependence?

Med Arch. 2015 Feb;69(1):60-1. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2015.69.60-61. Epub 2015 Feb 21.

Abstract

Introduction: Melissa officinalis is a medical and aromatic plant that is used for its hypnotic, sedative, and spasmolytic effects. This report presents a case study of30-year-old patient who was admitted to an emergency department with restlessness, tremor, distractibility, and sweating following a discontinuation of Melissa officinalis consumption.

Case report: In this case, withdrawal symptoms may be related to the dependence effect caused by long-term use of Melissa officinalis. Although Melissa officinalis, a plant, is preferred by many patients as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, patients should be made aware that it may have a risk of dependency and can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Keywords: Melissa officinalis; dependence; withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melissa / adverse effects*
  • Plants, Medicinal / adverse effects*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Clonazepam