Melatonin - Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Melatonin is not recommended for users who are taking antidepressants, corticosteroids (steroids used to counteract inflammation), blood pressure medication, or drugs that suppress the immune system, as it may reduce the other medicine's effects. Taking melatonin along with other sleep aids should be avoided although melatonin may be helpful in getting through withdrawal from the highly addictive benzodiazepines. Withdrawal is the process of gradually cutting back on the amount of a drug being taken until it can be stopped entirely.

Melatonin is a dietary supplement sold without a prescription at U.S. health stores or through Web sites. Its main use is as a sleep aid. James Leynse/Corbis.
Melatonin is a dietary supplement sold without a prescription at U.S. health stores or through Web sites. Its main use is as a sleep aid. © James Leynse/Corbis.

Melatonin has also been suggested as an aid in quitting smoking. In addition, certain drugs and substances have been found to lower the level of melatonin in the body. These include alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, some high blood pressure medications including beta-blockers, and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen. Amphetamines and cocaine may raise the level of melatonin in the body.