Trazodone and melatonin are sometimes taken together as a remedy for certain sleep disorders, but this combination may cause unpleasant side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of Trazodone and melatonin use, and provide five great alternatives that may help you get the restorative rest you need.
Insomnia can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems. One popular treatment to promote improved sleep involves taking trazodone and melatonin together. Although there are no known interactions between trazodone and melatonin, when taken simultaneously the combination does have some unwanted side effects, some of which could be life-threatening.
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The pros of combining trazodone and melatonin for sleep
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor that is used to treat depression. Although it is sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid, it is not FDA-approved for this type of treatment. Trazodone is a widely-used prescription medication because it is cheap and is not considered a controlled substance. Furthermore, it is not believed to cause addiction, although in some people it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that promotes sleep. It is normally released when it gets dark and acts as a “dimmer switch,” telling your body that it is time to sleep. Melatonin supplements may help to quicken sleep onset and increase overall sleep time. Research shows that it is particularly effective in helping people with jet lag or those who have to sleep during the day for work reasons. But when it comes to treating insomnia, there simply is not enough strong evidence to recommend its use. With that being said, melatonin is very popular due to its limited side effects and widespread misinformation about its usefulness. It is also easily obtainable as an over-the-counter supplement and is non-habit-forming.
The cons of combining trazodone and melatonin for sleep
While trazodone and melatonin are generally considered safe, they still have side effects. Trazodone can cause tiredness, headaches, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth. In some people, melatonin may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even daytime drowsiness.
Separately, the side effects are usually minimal, but when trazodone and melatonin are taken together the side effects may be increased. In addition to the normal side effects, trazodone and melatonin may lead to drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
Technically, these two compounds have no known interactions, but since melatonin is not FDA-regulated, some melatonin supplements may contain unwanted contaminants. In fact, independent testing of 31 melatonin supplements found that 8 of them contained 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor. If taken with trazodone, there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. To avoid any potentially serious side effects, here are five sleep aid alternatives that are safe and effective.
Trazodone and melatonin alternative:
4. Transparent Labs Sleep Aid
Transparent Labs Sleep Aid is a high-quality alternative to the combination of trazodone and melatonin. It blends proven sleep-promoting compounds like magnesium, glycine, and melatonin so you can get the sleep you need to repair, recover, and grow without feeling groggy the next day. Best of all, it is all-natural, free of artificial ingredients, and relatively inexpensive at $19.99 for a one-month supply.
Trazodone and melatonin alternative:
3. Sleep+ by Thorne
Number 4 is Thorne’s Sleep + for its soothing blend of sleep-supportive nutrients like chamomile, theanine, and melatonin. Sleep+ comes in dissolvable blueberry-flavored discs that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer without causing morning grogginess. It is all-natural and free of common allergens. Currently, Thorne is selling this product for $33.
Trazodone and melatonin alternative:
2. KOS A Whole Latte Gold
KOS A Whole Latte Gold incorporates KOS’ Golden Milk and Organic Mushroom blends. By combining the power of functional mushrooms with the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, this product can promote restful sleep by helping to calm your nerves. Additionally, it provides support for your immune system. A one-month supply of KOS A Whole Latte Gold is $33.99 which is backed by a 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Trazodone and melatonin alternative:
1. Primal Sleep by Primal Harvest
Primal Sleep by Primal Harvest is an all-natural herbal supplement with soothing ingredients that promote restorative sleep. It utilizes melatonin, valerian root, chamomile, and tryptophan to improve your sleep quality, regulate your mood, and ease your stress. You can get a bottle of this relaxing sleep formula with a 90-day money-back guarantee for $23.96. Additionally, every bottle is “independently third party lab tested for the ultimate purity, safety, and effectiveness.”
Trazodone and melatonin just don’t cut it
There is no denying the importance of sleep. However, many sleep aids can result in drowsiness and negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. The best sleep aids will improve your sleep without causing any morning-after grogginess. It is also crucial to ensure the sleep aid is safe and free of any side effects. While there are positives to taking trazodone and melatonin together, the risks may outweigh the benefits. After all, it is always good to have options.
Further Reading:
Drugs.com: Drug Interactions between melatonin and trazodone
GoodRx: Trazodone: Basics, Side Effects, Reviews & More
National Institute of Health: Melatonin: What You Need To Know
Rx List: Drug Interactions with Melatonin Oral and Trazodone Oral
National Center of Biotechnology Information: Serotonin Syndrome
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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