There are many drugs and even over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements that have interactions with other substances, and it’s important to be aware of these possible interactions, to avoid dangerous side effects.
Two things that many people take are Xanax and melatonin, but what if you were to combine them? Can you take Xanax and melatonin or is it dangerous? What should you know about the side effects of Xanax and melatonin?
The following highlights what you should know about Xanax and melatonin separately, and also answers questions like “can you take Xanax and melatonin together.”
Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine that’s given to patients who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. It calms activity in the brain and acts like GABA, so it helps people feel calmer and more relaxed. It’s also one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S.
Xanax has off-label uses in some cases as well, such as a treatment for insomnia, but it’s only intended for short-term use because it does have the risk of abuse and addiction that come with it.
Along with addiction and physical dependence, side effects of Xanax can include dizziness, feeling lightheaded, drowsiness, concentration problems, headaches and digestive problems.
As was touched on above, Xanax isn’t intended as a long-term treatment for anxiety or panic. Rather, it’s something that would be taken, as an example, during a panic attack to calm symptoms. It acts quickly on the brain of the user, and users can also develop a tolerance rapidly.
Melatonin production is controlled by your body’s internal clock, and melatonin is meant to rise in the evening, stay high throughout the night and then drop in the morning. The amount of light you’re exposed to can play a role in how much melatonin you naturally produce, so in the winter you may sleep more as an example. Your natural levels of melatonin also tend to decline as you age.
People use melatonin in supplement form if they have sleep disorders or problems, such as insomnia. People may also use melatonin to help with seasonal affective disorder, and jet lag.
Some of the possible side effects of using melatonin can include vivid dreams, feeling drowsy in the morning and slight changes in blood pressure.
What if you were to combine Xanax and Melatonin? Would there be side effects?
The reason it’s probably okay to take Xanax and melatonin together is because they work on different pathways. There are some drugs that you can’t combine, such as Xanax and opioids, because they both depress the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. That’s not the case with melatonin.
However, while there may not be serious side effects of taking Xanax and melatonin, there are some things to consider. First, you may be masking a sleep disorder that could be related to something else if you use both. Also, if you take Xanax and melatonin at the same time, it can make you feel really drowsy or groggy even the next morning when you wake up.
You may also feel extremely confused, and you will lack mental alertness as well. This may be more pronounced in older people who take Xanax and melatonin.
It’s also worth noting that if you take Xanax and still can’t sleep and feel like you need melatonin as well, there could be something else going on. Xanax should also never be used as a long-term solution for insomnia.
Ultimately, before taking Xanax and melatonin, although it’s likely not unsafe, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Melatonin is something naturally produced by our bodies, but it can also be taken in supplement forms to help with insomnia and sleep disorders, as well as things like jet lag.
You can likely take Xanax and melatonin together without the risk of severe side effects since they work on different pathways, but you should always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
The Recovery Village® can help you find a solution for substance use disorder and treat for any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, that may contribute to Xanax addiction.