Combining lavender tea with which drug class amplifies the risk of excessive sedation?

CNS depressants

Lavender tea possesses inherent medicinal properties that contribute to a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS), which is often desirable for anxiety or sleep promotion. However, this same characteristic creates a significant risk for negative interactions when consumed concurrently with prescription medications designed to also depress the CNS. When lavender is combined with substances like benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam or lorazepam), barbiturates, or certain prescription or over-the-counter sleep medications, the sedative effect of both the herb and the drug can be mutually amplified. This synergistic action greatly increases the likelihood of the user experiencing profound or excessive sedation, potentially leading to impaired function or respiratory depression.