Possible Interactions Using Melatonin

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Possible Interactions Using Melatonin

The University of land Medical Center

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Melatonincs.html

If you are currently being treated with any of the following

medications, you should not use melatonin without first talking to

your healthcare provider.

Antidepressant Medications

In an animal study, melatonin supplements reduced the antidepressant

effects of desipramine and fluoxetine. More research is needed to

determine whether these effects would occur in people. In addition,

fluoxetine (a member of a class of drugs called selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) has led to measurable depletion of

melatonin in people.

Antipsychotic Medications

A common side effect of antipsychotic medications used to treat

schizophrenia is a condition called tardive dyskinesia, a movement

disorder of the mouth characterized by a constant chewing motion and

darting action of the tongue. In a study of 22 people with

schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia caused by antipsychotic

medications, those who took melatonin supplements had significantly

reduced mouth movements compared to those who did not take the

supplements.

Benzodiazepines

The combination of melatonin and triazolam (a benzodiazepine

medication used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders)

improved sleep quality in one study. In addition, there have been a

few reports suggesting that melatonin supplements may help

individuals stop using long-term benzodiazepine therapy.

(Benzodiazepines are highly addictive.)

Blood Pressure Medications

Melatonin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications

like methoxamine and clonidine. In addition, medications in a class

called calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, verapamil,

diltiazem, amlodipine, nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and

bepridil) may decrease melatonin levels.

Use of beta-blockers (another class of high blood pressure

medications including propranolol, acebutolol, atenolol, labetolol,

metoprolol, pindolol, nadolol, sotalol, and timolol) may reduce

melatonin production in the body.

Blood-thinning Medications, Anticoagulants

Melatonin may increase the risk of bleeding from anticoagulant

medications such as warfarin.

Interleukin-2

In one study of 80 cancer patients, use of melatonin in conjunction

with interleukin-2 led to more tumor regression and better survival

rates than treatment with interleukin-2 alone.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce the levels of melatonin in the

blood.

Steroids and Immunosuppressant Medications

Melatonin should not be taken with corticosteroids or other

medications used to suppress the immune system because the supplement

may cause them to be ineffective.

Tamoxifen

Preliminary research suggests that the combination of tamoxifen (a

chemotherapy drug) and melatonin may benefit certain patients with

breast and other cancers. More research is needed to confirm these

results.

Other Substances

Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can all diminish levels of melatonin

in the body while cocaine and amphetamines may increase melatonin

production.

Tom

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