Trazodone and Melatonin: Can They Be Taken Together?

Both Trazodone and Melatonin are two commonly used medications for insomnia, but what may happen if they are taken together?

Trazodone and Melatonin

It's estimated that up to a third of all adults struggle with chronic sleeping difficulties, also known as insomnia. Insufficient sleep can lead to both physical and mental health issues. The opposite holds true as well, as many somatic and psychiatric conditions increase the risk of insomnia.

Therefore, ensuring sufficient sleep is very important for improving quality of life and overall health. This can be attained by adopting better sleeping habits and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. Yet, in certain situations, medical intervention may also be necessary.

Several medications exist that can aid those with sleeping difficulties. Two commonly used medications used for this purpose are Trazodone and Melatonin. While Trazodone is a prescription drug, many countries allow Melatonin to be purchased over the counter. As a result, individuals may wonder if these medications can be taken together. 

Trazodone

Trazodone, a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), is commonly prescribed to manage insomnia alongside its primary use in treating depression. Its sedative properties help induce sleep by blocking certain serotonin and histamine receptors. Trazodone targets these receptors particularly well at lower dosages between 50 and 150mg, which is why these doses are used for treating sleep difficulties.

Although Trazodone is usually a well-tolerated alternative, there are potential side effects. The most common ones include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and nasal congestion. More severe side effects include increased suicidality in children and young adults, priapism, blurred vision, and hypotension. It can, in rare cases, induce mania in patients with underlying bipolar disorder.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the "sleep hormone" of the human body. It's endogenously produced in the pineal gland and other bodily tissue, and it regulates the body's circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. The body's own production of Melatonin decreases drastically with age.

As a supplement, it helps improve sleep onset and quality, making it popular for managing insomnia and jet lag. Melatonin is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, in addition to being effective for short-term use. Melatonin is typically taken in dosages ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg.

Can You Take Trazodone and Melatonin Together?

There is little to no research on the effects of combining Trazodone and Melatonin for insomnia. Hence, no claims about their combined efficiency or safety can be made for certain. Only your prescribing physician can make specific recommendations about their combined use.

At present, there are no documented specific drug interactions between Trazodone and Melatonin. However, according to Poision Control, one study found that 25% of Melatonin products harbor serotonine precursors (known as 5-HTP), which are not mentioned on their labels. Combining such contaminated Melatonin with Trazodone could heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome. 

Taking Trazodone and Melatonin may lead to excessive drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls and other accidents. When overdosed, Melatonin can cause trouble with breathing. The same is true for Trazodone among other sedatives. Combining Melatonin with Trazodone may lead to excessive sedation and respiratory issues.

Treating Insomnia

If you're experiencing poor sleep quality or difficulties falling asleep, there are various methods to alleviate these symptoms. Prior to addressing insomnia, it's important to identify potential underlying medical conditions or somatic diseases that may contribute to it. If no physical causes are found, it's important to explore the possibility of mental health issues.

Anxiety and depression are known to be common causes of insomnia, while more severe conditions such as (hypo)manic episodes and psychotic disorders can also disrupt sleep patterns. In such cases, emergent help from medical professionals should be sought.

Improving Sleep Hygiene

Alongside pharmaceutical interventions, practicing good sleep hygiene is important for treating insomnia.

Improving sleep hygiene involves:

1) Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.

2) Creating a comfortable sleep environment.

3) Limit time spent in the bed outside of sleeping hours.

4) Limiting exposure to screens and stimulating activities before bedtime.

5) Avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

It's important to prioritize these habits to optimize sleep quality as well as overall well-being. To learn more about how to improve sleep quality, you can visit the NHS page dedicated to this topic. Make sure to consult your doctor for individual medical guidance before starting any new medications.

Cover image by Freepik

Author: J. Martin, M.D.
Last update: February 27, 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease or mental illness, seek immediate medical attention.