Melatonin - Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Interaction

Interaction Details

Lamotrigine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking melatonin might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Melatonin has sedative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of melatonin with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedative drugs might cause additive sedation.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

Melatonin can interact with drugs that cause sedation or CNS depression, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol, leading to additive effects (i.e., additive sedation and drowsiness effects).

This interaction can increase drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor functions, which may be unsafe for activities that require alertness and concentration, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

However, if you are using melatonin solely for sleep at night, the interaction is generally not of significant concern.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking melatonin with other medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system.

References

• Foster BC, Cvijovic K, Boon HS, et al. Melatonin Interaction Resulting in Severe Sedation. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2015;18(2):124-31.

Interaction Details

Lamotrigine is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, melatonin may reduce the effects of anticonvulsants. Some clinical research suggests that melatonin may increase the frequency of seizures in certain patients, particularly children with neurological impairment.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

• Sheldon SH. Pro-convulsant effects of oral melatonin in neurologically disabled children. Lancet 1998;351:1254.
• Stewart LS. Endogenous melatonin and epileptogenesis: facts and hypothesis. Int J Neurosci 2001;107:77-85..

Lamotrigine Overview

• Lamotrigine extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. All types of lamotrigine tablets (tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and chewable tablets) other than the extended-release tablets are used alone or with other medications to treat seizures in people who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). All types of lamotrigine tablets other than the extended-release tablets are also used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lamotrigine has not been shown to be effective when people experience the actual episodes of depression or mania, so other medications must be used to help people recover from these episodes. Lamotrigine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Melatonin - More Interactions

Melatonin interacts with 1404 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.