Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Sweet Dream Strips Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Essential Source

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Sweet Dream Strips is a dietary supplement by Essential Source with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for trouble falling asleep (insomnia), jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome.Based on those ingredients, 1,685 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Melatonin, Piper methysticum, Huperzine A. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (13.20 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Sweet Dream Strips contains three active ingredients. Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to help regulate sleep and wake cycles.

Huperzine A is a plant-derived compound that works on brain chemistry, historically studied for memory and cognitive function. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant extract traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures, often for relaxation and anxiety relief.

The product also contains inactive ingredients — fillers, binders, and flavor enhancers like modified starch, gum arabic, stevia, and menthol — to hold the strip together and make it palatable.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Fall asleep fast and wake up refreshed.
  • We looked for evidence on: Insomnia, Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), Jet lag, Non-24-hour sleep wake disorder, Shift work disorder, Beta blocker-induced insomnia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Melatonin is rated "Likely Effective" for Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Melatonin is rated "Likely Effective" for Non-24-hour sleep wake disorder.
  • Also on file: Melatonin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Jet lag, Beta blocker-induced insomnia.

Melatonin is likely effective for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder and delayed sleep phase syndrome (a condition where your sleep rhythm is shifted later than desired). It's possibly effective for pre-procedural anxiety, sunburn, and high blood pressure, though evidence is more limited.

Huperzine A is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease; for athletic performance, cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, depression, and memory, the evidence isn't yet established in the data we hold. Kava shows insufficient reliable evidence for insomnia, sexual arousal, and epilepsy, and is possibly ineffective for generalized anxiety disorder.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Melatonin Huperzine A Kava

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Melatonin is generally well tolerated for short-term use, though long-term safety is less certain and product quality varies. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.

Rare serious effects include seizure risk and mood changes such as dysphoria or depression; delusions and hallucinations have also been reported. Huperzine A seems well tolerated but is pharmacologically active — it can cause dose-dependent cholinergic side effects like blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and sweating, as well as possible slowed heart rate.

Kava is generally well tolerated but has been linked to over 100 cases of liver damage, especially with prolonged heavy use; common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and tremors. Safety during pregnancy has not been established for melatonin; huperzine A and kava should both be avoided in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding safety has not been established for any of these ingredients — avoid unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Melatonin Huperzine A Kava

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Huperzine A, Kava, Melatonin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,686 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you're on CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, certain pain relievers) — kava carries a Major-severity interaction here. Also double-check blood thinners like warfarin, antihypertensive (blood pressure) drugs, antidiabetes drugs, anticonvulsants, immune-suppressing drugs, liver-toxic medications, drugs metabolized through CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 pathways, and anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs.

If you take haloperidol or ropinirole, mention those too.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Sweet Dream Strips may help with certain sleep disorders (melatonin's main strength here) or anxiety (kava's traditional use). If you take blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, sleep aids, sedatives, or any antipsychotic or Parkinson's medication, check with your pharmacist first — the interactions are real.

Long-term use and liver health are also worth discussing with your doctor, especially with kava.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Sweet Dream Strips, straight from the product label.

Brand Essential Source
Net contents 24 Fast Dissolving Strip(s); 1.06 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 267322
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Strip(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Strip(s)
Servings per container
24
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend13.2 mg--
Melatonin0 NP--
Huperzine A0 NP--
Piper methysticum0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Glycerin, Stevia, Modified Starch, Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Monoglyceride Stearate, Menthol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Fall asleep fast Wake up refreshed

Advanced delivery system Essential Source's Sweet Dream Strips utilize a fast acting strip technology that puts you in a restful sleep in as little as five minutes. Fall asleep fast No morning grogginess No water needed Sleep more relaxed Rapid absorption Stop RMS (restless mind syndrome) Safe alternative to prescriptions Naturally sweetened

Losing sleep? It has been recorded that over 60 million Americans report sleep problems each year to their health care professional. Millions more don't know where to turn. This is an ever growing problem, with not many solutions. There are prescription treatments, but the results may not be what you were hoping for. Many side effects go hand in hand with "chemical" products. But now you have Sweet Dream Strips, a natural alternative with an innovative edge. When you're trying to fall asleep, time is a big factor. No more shuffling through pill bottles late at night or getting up for a cup of water. Those nights are over. Keep your Sweet Dream Strips on your night stand or even under your pillow. Sleep better starting today! No matter how you look at it, a healthy nights sleep is something your body needs. If you are not getting it today, now is the time to do something about it.

This product is manufactured in a GMP approved facility.

Formula

Naturally sweetened with stevia

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Place one strip on the tongue 15 minutes before sleep and allow strip to fully dissolve. Swish fluid throughout entire mouth before swallowing, then enjoy a great nights sleep.

Precautions

Warning: Not for use by individuals under 21 years of age.

May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a qualified health care professional before using the product if you have an existing medical condition or if you are taking any prescription medication.

Use only as directed.

Keep out of reach of children.

The cassette may represent a choking hazard. Keep box for information.

Storage

Store at 55-75 degrees F in a dry place.

Keep away from light.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Strip(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

13.2 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Glycerin, Stevia, Modified Starch, Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Monoglyceride Stearate, Menthol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sweet Dream Strips?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,685Drugs
248 Major 1,239 Moderate 198 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Melatonin 1,461

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Sweet Dream Strips with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Melatonin18 drug types · 1,461 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, melatonin may have anticoagulant effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There are isolated case reports of minor bleeding and decreased prothrombin activity in people taking melatonin with warfarin (Coumadin). The mechanism, if any, of this interaction is unknown. Taking melatonin orally seems to decrease coagulation activity within one hour of dosing in healthy men.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking melatonin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some clinical research shows that melatonin reduces levels of fasting blood glucose and improves glycemic control. However, other research suggests that melatonin might impair glucose utilization and increase insulin resistance, while other research has found no effect on glucose levels. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in combination with antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking melatonin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension or hypertension.
Some clinical research suggests that taking melatonin decreases blood pressure in healthy adults. Also, melatonin seems to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure at nighttime or untreated essential hypertension. However, melatonin seems to worsen blood pressure in patients who are taking antihypertensive medications. Immediate-release melatonin 5 mg at night in combination with nifedipine GITS (Procardia XL) increases systolic blood pressure an average of 6.5 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure by an average of 4.9 mmHg, and heart rate by 3.9 bpm. Also, results from animal research suggest that melatonin reduces the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive drugs, including methoxamine and clonidine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Caffeine

Theoretically, taking caffeine with melatonin might increase levels of melatonin.
Some evidence suggests that caffeine consumption can decrease endogenous melatonin levels, while other evidence suggests that caffeine increases endogenous melatonin levels. When administered in combination with melatonin supplements, caffeine seems to increase melatonin effects and levels. The reason for this discrepancy is not completely clear. Part of the discrepancy may result from the fact that caffeine can inhibit melatonin synthesis as well as inhibit melatonin metabolism. By functioning as an adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine may indirectly inhibit the synthesis of melatonin. Conversely, because melatonin and caffeine are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, concomitant use of melatonin and caffeine may reduce the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in higher serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking contraceptive drugs with melatonin might increase the effects and adverse effects of melatonin.
Contraceptive drugs can increase the levels of endogenous melatonin. Theoretically, these drugs may increase the effects and adverse effects of oral melatonin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. Also, other CYP1A2 substrates might decrease the metabolism of melatonin, increasing melatonin levels.
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with drugs metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme might reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Conversely, some drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in increased serum levels of melatonin. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19. Also, other CYP2C19 substrates might decrease the metabolism of melatonin, increasing melatonin levels.
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with certain drugs metabolized by the CYP2C19 enzyme may reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Conversely, some drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin, resulting in increased serum levels of melatonin. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, taking fluvoxamine with melatonin might increase levels of melatonin.
Fluvoxamine can significantly increase melatonin levels. In some cases, fluvoxamine might increase bioavailability of exogenously administered melatonin by up to 20 times. Some researchers think this might be a beneficial interaction and be potentially useful for cases of refractory insomnia. However, this interaction might also cause unwanted excessive drowsiness and possibly other adverse effects. Fluvoxamine is known to increase endogenous melatonin secretion. It seems to increase serum levels of exogenously administered melatonin possibly by decreasing melatonin metabolism by inhibiting cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 1A2 and 2C19 or by inhibiting melatonin elimination. This effect has been found in healthy people taking fluvoxamine 50-75 mg and melatonin 5 mg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, melatonin might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Melatonin can stimulate immune function. Theoretically, melatonin might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)

Theoretically, taking melatonin with methamphetamine may increase the adverse effects of methamphetamine.
Animal research suggests that melatonin exacerbates the adverse effects of methamphetamine, resulting in greater depression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, as well as a significant reduction in dopamine levels. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine Gits (Procardia Xl)

Theoretically, taking melatonin with extended release nifedipine reduces the effects of nifedipine.
Melatonin can decrease the effectiveness of extended release nifedipine (GITS). Immediate-release melatonin 5 mg at night in combination with nifedipine GITS 30-60 mg daily increases systolic and blood pressure by an average of 6.5 mmHg and 4.9 mmHg, respectively. Concomitant use with melatonin also increases heart rate by 3.9 bpm. The mechanism of this interaction is not known.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Seizure Threshold Lowering Drugs

Theoretically, taking melatonin with drugs that lower the seizure threshold might increase the risk of seizure activity.
Some clinical evidence suggests that melatonin may increase the frequency of seizures in certain patients, particularly children with neurological disabilities.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, melatonin may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Three cases of increased prothrombin time have been reported for patients aged 48-72 years who took melatonin orally in combination with warfarin. However, three cases of decreased prothrombin time have also been reported for patients aged 51-84 years who took melatonin orally in combination with warfarin. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Laboratory research suggests that certain lots of melatonin inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with certain drugs metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme may reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, melatonin might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Laboratory research shows that certain lots of melatonin inhibit CYP3A4. Theoretically, combined administration of melatonin with certain drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 may reduce the metabolism of these drugs, resulting in increased serum levels. Until more is known, use melatonin cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Flumazenil (Romazicon)

Theoretically, taking flumazenil with melatonin might reduce the effects of melatonin.
Animal research shows that flumazenil may inhibit the effect of melatonin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Piper methysticum12 drug types · 1,166 drugs

Cns Depressants

Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, not be used with kava.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Combining kava with alcohol may increase the risk of sedation and/or hepatotoxicity.

Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Additionally, kava has been associated with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that alcohol not be used with kava.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days inhibited the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Haloperidol (Haldol)

Combining kava and haloperidol might increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and hypoxia.
Atrial flutter and hypoxia has been reported for a patient who received intramuscular injections of haloperidol and lorazepam after using kava orally. The side effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP2D6, but might also have been related to additive adverse effects with the concomitant use of haloperidol, lorazepam, and kava.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Kava has been linked with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. Most cases occur with excessive and prolonged use. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava can inhibit P-gp efflux. However, a clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking kava standardized to provide 225 mg kavalactones daily for 14 days does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate. It is possible that the use of other P-gp substrates or higher doses of kava might still inhibit P-gp.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ropinirole (Requip)

Taking kava with ropinirole might increase the risk for dopaminergic toxicity.
A case of visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions has been reported for a patient who used kava in combination with ropinirole. The adverse effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP1A2, which may have reduced the metabolism of ropinirole, resulting in excessive dopaminergic stimulation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research and a case report suggest that kava inhibits CYP1A2, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP1A2. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP1A2 activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava extract significantly inhibits CYP2D6. However, clinical research shows that kava does not affect the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research suggests that kava inhibits CYP3A4, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP3A4. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP3A4 activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Huperzine A2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, huperzine A might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Huperzine A has acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibiting effects. In animal models, huperzine A reversed cognitive deficits induced by scopolamine, an anticholinergic drug.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of huperzine A with cholinergic drugs might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
Huperzine A can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and might cause cumulative effects if used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Sweet Dream Strips, from the product label.

Essential Source

See all Essential Source products
Name
Essential Source, Inc.
Street Address
625 Deer Valley Road Suite 103-152
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85027
Phone Number
(877) 879-9966
Web Address
www.EssentialSource.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source: Common Questions

Does Sweet Dream Strips by Essential Source interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sweet Dream Strips has a known interaction with 1,685 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Sweet Dream Strips contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Sweet Dream Strips if I'm pregnant?
No, not safely. Huperzine A and kava should be avoided during pregnancy. Melatonin's safety in pregnancy isn't established either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Is it okay to breastfeed while using this?
The safety data isn't there for any of these three ingredients while breastfeeding. Avoid using it unless your doctor specifically advises you to — there's not enough information to know whether these substances pass into breast milk or could affect your baby.
What are the most common side effects?
From melatonin, expect dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or nausea. Huperzine A may cause blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, or dry mouth. Kava commonly causes drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. These are usually mild, but if they're bothersome, tell your pharmacist.
Will this actually help me sleep?
Melatonin is well-established for certain sleep disorders like delayed sleep phase syndrome. Kava has insufficient evidence for insomnia in the data we hold. Your individual response will vary — some people notice a real difference, others don't.
How long is it safe to use Sweet Dream Strips?
Long-term safety for melatonin and huperzine A is less certain. Kava's safety concerns include rare but serious liver damage, especially with prolonged use. We'd recommend talking with your doctor about how long you should take this and whether periodic breaks make sense for you.
Why is this a strip instead of a pill or gummy?
The product facts don't tell us — that's a manufacturing choice by the brand. Strips dissolve in your mouth, which some people find convenient, but the active ingredients are the same.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Sweet Dream Strips is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Sweet Dream Strips label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Sweet Dream Strips's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 202 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Melatonin 118 references
  1. Voordouw BC, Euser R, Verdonk RE, et al. Melatonin and melatonin-progestin combinations alter pituitary-ovarian function in women and can inhibit ovulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992;74:108-17. DOI
  2. Ellis CM, Lemmens G, Parkes JD. Melatonin and insomnia. J Sleep Res 1996;5:61-5. PubMed
  3. Petrie K, Dawson AG, Thompson L, Brook R. A double-blind trial of melatonin as a treatment for jet lag in international cabin crew. Biol Psychiatr 1993;33:526-30. PubMed
  4. Claustrat B, Brun J, David M, et al. Melatonin and jet lag: confirmatory result using a simplified protocol. Biol Psychiatr 1992;32:705-11.
  5. Fauteck J, Schmidt H, Lerchl A, et al. Melatonin in epilepsy: first results of replacement therapy and first clinical results. Biol Signals Recept 1999;8:105-10. PubMed
  6. Arangino S, Cagnacci A, Angiolucci M, et al. Effects of melatonin on vascular reactivity, catecholamine levels, and blood pressure in healthy men. Am J Cardiol 1999;83:1417-9. PubMed
  7. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  8. Lancioni GE, O'Reilly MF, Basili G. Review of strategies for treating sleep problems in persons with severe or profound mental retardation or multiple handicaps. Am J Ment Retard 1999;104:170-86. PubMed
  9. Carman JS, Post RM, Buswell R, et al. Negative effects of melatonin on depression. Am J Psychiatry 1976;133:1181-1186. PubMed
  10. Hartter S, Grozinger M, Weigmann H, et al. Increased bioavailability of oral melatonin after fluvoxamine coadministration. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;67:1-6.
  11. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  12. Lusardi P, et al. Cardiovascular effects of melatonin in hypertensive patients well controlled by nifedipine: a 24-hour study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;49:423-7. PubMed
  13. von Bahr C, Ursing C, Yasui N, et al. Fluvoxamine but not citalopram increases serum melatonin in healthy subjects – an indication that cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 hydroxylate melatonin. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2000;56:123-7.
  14. Grozinger M, Hartter S, Wang X, et al. Fluvoxamine strongly inhibits melatonin metabolism in a patient with low-amplitude melatonin profile. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2000 Aug;57:812-3. PubMed
  15. Lissoni P, Barni S, Mandala M, et al. Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic solic tumor patients with poor clinical status. Eur J Cancer 1999;35:1688-92.
  16. Sheldon SH. Pro-convulsant effects of oral melatonin in neurologically disabled children. Lancet 1998;351:1254. PubMed
  17. Hartter S, Grozinger M, Weigmann H, et al. Increased bioavailability of oral melatonin after fluvoxamine coadministration. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;67:1-6.
  18. Wright KP Jr, Myers BL, Plenzler SC, et al. Acute effects of bright light and caffeine on nighttime melatonin and temperature levels in women taking and not taking oral contraceptives. Brain Res 2000;873:310-7.
  19. Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for preventing and treating jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2001;(1):CD001520.
  20. Briggs, Freeman, Yafee. Update Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
  21. Suhner A, Schlagenhauf P, Johnson R, et al. Comparative study to determine the optimal melatonin dosage form for the alleviation of jet lag. Chronobiol Int 1998;15:655-66. PubMed
  22. Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;2:CD001520. PubMed
  23. Munoz-Hoyos A, Sanchez-Forte M, Molina-Carballo A, et al. Melatonin's role as an anticonvulsant and neuronal protector: experimental and clinical evidence. J Child Neurol 1998;13:501-9.. PubMed
  24. Sandyk R, Tsagas N, Anninos PA. Melatonin as a proconvulsive hormone in humans. Int J Neurosci 1992;63:125-35.. PubMed
  25. Golombek DA, Escolar E, Burin LJ, et al. Chronopharmacology of melatonin: inhibition by benzodiazepine antagonism. Chronobiol Int 1992;9:124-31.. PubMed
  26. Smits MG, Nagtegaal EE, van der Heijden J, et al. Melatonin for chronic sleep onset insomnia in children: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Child Neurol 2001;16:86-92.. PubMed
  27. Cagnacci A, Arangino S, Renzi A, et al. Influence of melatonin administration on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of postmenopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2001;54:339-46.. PubMed
  28. Williamson BL, Tomlinson AJ, Naylor S, Gleich GJ. Contaminants in commercial preparations of melatonin. Mayo Clin Proc 1997;72:1094-5. PubMed
  29. Williamson BL, Tomlinson AJ, Mishra PK, et al. Structural characterization of contaminants found in commercial preparations of melatonin: similarities to case-related compounds from L-tryptophan associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Chem Res To
  30. Stewart LS. Endogenous melatonin and epileptogenesis: facts and hypothesis. Int J Neurosci 2001;107:77-85.. PubMed
  31. Molina-Carballo A, Munoz-Hoyos A, Reiter RJ, et al. Utility of high doses of melatonin as adjunctive anticonvulsant therapy in a child with severe myoclonic epilepsy: two years' experience. J Pineal Res 1997;23:97-105.. PubMed
  32. Tjon Pian Gi CV, Broeren JP, Starreveld JS, A Versteegh FG. Melatonin for treatment of sleeping disorders in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a preliminary open label study. Eur J Pediatr 2003;162:554-5. PubMed
  33. Secreto G, Chiechi LM, Amadori A, et al. Soy isoflavones and melatonin for the relief of climacteric symptoms: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study. Maturitas 2004;47:11-20. PubMed
  34. Weiss MD, Wasdell MB, Bomben MM, et al. Sleep hygiene and melatonin treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD and initial insomnia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006;45:512-9. DOI
  35. Saha L, Malhotra S, Rana S, et al. A preliminary study of melatonin in irritable bowel syndrome. J Clin Gastroenterol 2007;41:29-32. PubMed
  36. Hussain, SA, Khadim, HM, Khalaf, BH, et al. Effects of melatonin and zinc on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with metformin. Saudi Med J 2006;27:1483-8. DOI
  37. Kadhim, HM, Ismail, SH, Hussein, KI, et al. Effects of melatonin and zinc on lipid profile and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with metformin. J Pineal Res 2006;41:189-93. PubMed
  38. Mutluay R. Elbeg S. Karakus R. et al. The Impact of Melatonin on Glucose Homeostasis. Turkish Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2009;13:52-55.
  39. Wright KP Jr, Badia P, Myers BL, et al. Caffeine and light effects on nighttime melatonin and temperature levels in sleep-deprived humans. Brain Res. 1997;747(1):78-84. PubMed
  40. Peuhkuri K, Sihvola N, Korpela R. Dietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin. Food Nutr Res. 2012;56. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v56i0.17252. Epub 2012 Jul 20. PubMed
  41. Gibb JW, Bush L, Hanson GR. Exacerbation of methamphetamine-induced neurochemical deficits by melatonin. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1997;283(2):630-5. DOI
  42. Sunami E, Usuda K, Nishiyama Y, et al. A preliminary study of fluvoxamine maleate on depressive state and serum melatonin levels in patients after cerebral infarction. Intern Med. 2012;51(10):1187-93. PubMed
  43. Babkoff, H., French, J., Whitmore, J., and Sutherlin, R. Single-dose bright light and/or caffeine effect on nocturnal performance. Aviat.Space Environ.Med. 2002;73(4):341-350.
  44. Rossignol, D. A. Novel and emerging treatments for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Ann.Clin Psychiatry 2009;21(4):213-236. DOI
  45. Yeleswaram, K., Vachharajani, N., and Santone, K. Involvement of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in melatonin metabolism and clinical implications. J Pineal Res 1999;26(3):190-191. PubMed
  46. Jan, J. E., Connolly, M. B., Hamilton, D., Freeman, R. D., and Laudon, M. Melatonin treatment of non-epileptic myoclonus in children. Dev.Med Child Neurol. 1999;41(4):255-259. PubMed
  47. Edwards, B. J., Atkinson, G., Waterhouse, J., Reilly, T., Godfrey, R., and Budgett, R. Use of melatonin in recovery from jet-lag following an eastward flight across 10 time-zones. Ergonomics 2000;43(10):1501-1513. PubMed
  48. Cagnacci, A., Arangino, S., Angiolucci, M., Melis, G. B., Facchinetti, F., Malmusi, S., and Volpe, A. Effect of exogenous melatonin on vascular reactivity and nitric oxide in postmenopausal women: role of hormone replacement therapy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf PubMed
  49. Wakatsuki, A., Okatani, Y., Ikenoue, N., Kaneda, C., and Fukaya, T. Effects of short-term melatonin administration on lipoprotein metabolism in normolipidemic postmenopausal women. Maturitas 4-20-2001;38(2):171-177. PubMed
  50. Kitajima, T., Kanbayashi, T., Saitoh, Y., Ogawa, Y., Sugiyama, T., Kaneko, Y., Sasaki, Y., Aizawa, R., and Shimisu, T. The effects of oral melatonin on the autonomic function in healthy subjects. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2001;55(3):299-300. PubMed
  51. Calvo, J. R., Guerrero, J. M., Osuna, C., Molinero, P., and Carrillo-Vico, A. Melatonin triggers Crohn's disease symptoms. J Pineal Res 2002;32(4):277-278. PubMed
  52. Luboshitzky, R., Shen-Orr, Z., Nave, R., Lavi, S., and Lavie, P. Melatonin administration alters semen quality in healthy men. J Androl 2002;23(4):572-578. DOI
  53. Rufo-Campos, M. [Melatonin and epilepsy]. Rev Neurol. 2002;35 Suppl 1:S51-S58.
  54. Ursing, C., Wikner, J., Brismar, K., and Rojdmark, S. Caffeine raises the serum melatonin level in healthy subjects: an indication of melatonin metabolism by cytochrome P450(CYP)1A2. J.Endocrinol.Invest 2003;26(5):403-406. PubMed
  55. Smits, M. G., van Stel, H. F., van der, Heijden K., Meijer, A. M., Coenen, A. M., and Kerkhof, G. A. Melatonin improves health status and sleep in children with idiopathic chronic sleep-onset insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad.Chi PubMed
  56. Boeve, B. F., Silber, M. H., and Ferman, T. J. Melatonin for treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder in neurologic disorders: results in 14 patients. Sleep Med. 2003;4(4):281-284. PubMed
  57. Hartter, S., Nordmark, A., Rose, D. M., Bertilsson, L., Tybring, G., and Laine, K. Effects of caffeine intake on the pharmacokinetics of melatonin, a probe drug for CYP1A2 activity. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2003;56(6):679-682. PubMed
  58. Scheer, F. A., Van Montfrans, G. A., van Someren, E. J., Mairuhu, G., and Buijs, R. M. Daily nighttime melatonin reduces blood pressure in male patients with essential hypertension. Hypertension 2004;43(2):192-197. PubMed
  59. Buscemi, N., Vandermeer, B., Pandya, R., Hooton, N., Tjosvold, L., Hartling, L., Baker, G., Vohra, S., and Klassen, T. Melatonin for treatment of sleep disorders. Evid.Rep.Technol.Assess.(Summ.) 2004;(108):1-7.
  60. Cavallo, A., Ris, M. D., Succop, P., and Jaskiewicz, J. Melatonin treatment of pediatric residents for adaptation to night shift work. Ambul.Pediatr. 2005;5(3):172-177. PubMed
  61. Faber, M. S., Jetter, A., and Fuhr, U. Assessment of CYP1A2 activity in clinical practice: why, how, and when? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005;97(3):125-134. PubMed
  62. Cagnacci, A., Cannoletta, M., Renzi, A., Baldassari, F., Arangino, S., and Volpe, A. Prolonged melatonin administration decreases nocturnal blood pressure in women. Am J Hypertens. 2005;18(12 Pt 1):1614-1618. PubMed
  63. Weekley, L. B. Melatonin-induced relaxation of rat aorta: interaction with adrenergic agonists. J Pineal Res 1991;11(1):28-34. PubMed
  64. Grossman, E., Laudon, M., Yalcin, R., Zengil, H., Peleg, E., Sharabi, Y., Kamari, Y., Shen-Orr, Z., and Zisapel, N. Melatonin reduces night blood pressure in patients with nocturnal hypertension. Am J Med 2006;119(10):898-902. PubMed
  65. van der Heijden, K. B., Smits, M. G., van Someren, E. J., Ridderinkhof, K. R., and Gunning, W. B. Effect of melatonin on sleep, behavior, and cognition in ADHD and chronic sleep-onset insomnia. J Am Acad.Child Adolesc.Psychiatry 2007;46(2):233-241. PubMed
  66. Klupinska, G., Poplawski, T., Drzewoski, J., Harasiuk, A., Reiter, R. J., Blasiak, J., and Chojnacki, J. Therapeutic effect of melatonin in patients with functional dyspepsia. J.Clin.Gastroenterol. 2007;41(3):270-274. PubMed
  67. Bjorvatn, B., Stangenes, K., Oyane, N., Forberg, K., Lowden, A., Holsten, F., and Akerstedt, T. Randomized placebo-controlled field study of the effects of bright light and melatonin in adaptation to night work. Scand.J Work Environ.Health 2007;33(3):204 PubMed
  68. Wirtz, P. H., Spillmann, M., Bartschi, C., Ehlert, U., and von Kanel, R. Oral melatonin reduces blood coagulation activity: a placebo-controlled study in healthy young men. J Pineal Res 2008;44(2):127-133. PubMed
  69. Bendz, L. M. and Scates, A. C. Melatonin treatment for insomnia in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Ann.Pharmacother. 2010;44(1):185-191. PubMed
  70. Elkhayat, H. A., Hassanein, S. M., Tomoum, H. Y., Abd-Elhamid, I. A., Asaad, T., and Elwakkad, A. S. Melatonin and sleep-related problems in children with intractable epilepsy. Pediatr.Neurol. 2010;42(4):249-254. PubMed
  71. van Geijlswijk, I. M., van der Heijden, K. B., Egberts, A. C., Korzilius, H. P., and Smits, M. G. Dose finding of melatonin for chronic idiopathic childhood sleep onset insomnia: an RCT. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010;212(3):379-391. PubMed
  72. Wade AG, Ford I, Crawford G, et al. Nightly treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged release melatonin for 6 months: a randomized placebo controlled trial on age and endogenous melatonin as predictors of efficacy and safety. BMC Med 2010;8:51. PubMed
  73. Al-Aama, T., Brymer, C., Gutmanis, I., Woolmore-Goodwin, S. M., Esbaugh, J., and Dasgupta, M. Melatonin decreases delirium in elderly patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Int.J.Geriatr.Psychiatry 2011;26(7):687-694. PubMed
  74. Alstadhaug, K. B., Odeh, F., Salvesen, R., and Bekkelund, S. I. Prophylaxis of migraine with melatonin: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology 10-26-2010;75(17):1527-1532. PubMed
  75. Wade, A. G., Crawford, G., Ford, I., McConnachie, A., Nir, T., Laudon, M., and Zisapel, N. Prolonged release melatonin in the treatment of primary insomnia: evaluation of the age cut-off for short- and long-term response. Curr.Med.Res.Opin. 2011;27(1):87 PubMed
  76. van Geijlswijk, I. M., Korzilius, H. P., and Smits, M. G. The use of exogenous melatonin in delayed sleep phase disorder: a meta-analysis. Sleep 2010;33(12):1605-1614. PubMed
  77. Guenole, F., Godbout, R., Nicolas, A., Franco, P., Claustrat, B., and Baleyte, J. M. Melatonin for disordered sleep in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and discussion. Sleep Med.Rev. 2011;15(6):379-387. PubMed
  78. Rossignol, D. A. and Frye, R. E. Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev.Med.Child Neurol. 2011;53(9):783-792. PubMed
  79. Eryilmaz, O. G., Devran, A., Sarikaya, E., Aksakal, F. N., Mollamahmutoglu, L., and Cicek, N. Melatonin improves the oocyte and the embryo in IVF patients with sleep disturbances, but does not improve the sleeping problems. J.Assist.Reprod.Genet. 2011;28 PubMed
  80. Batioglu, A. S., Sahin, U., Gurlek, B., Ozturk, N., and Unsal, E. The efficacy of melatonin administration on oocyte quality. Gynecol.Endocrinol. 2012;28(2):91-93.
  81. Grossman, E., Laudon, M., and Zisapel, N. Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Vasc.Health Risk Manag. 2011;7:577-584. PubMed
  82. Nickelsen, T., Demisch, L., Demisch, K., Radermacher, B., and Schoffling, K. Influence of subchronic intake of melatonin at various times of the day on fatigue and hormonal levels: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Pineal Res 1989;6(4):325-334. PubMed
  83. Wright, J., Aldhous, M., Franey, C., English, J., and Arendt, J. The effects of exogenous melatonin on endocrine function in man. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1986;24(4):375-382. PubMed
  84. Papavasiliou, P. S., Cotzias, G. C., Duby, S. E., Steck, A. J., Bell, M., and Lawrence, W. H. Melatonin and parkinsonism. JAMA 7-3-1972;221(1):88-89. DOI
  85. Middleton, B. A., Stone, B. M., and Arendt, J. Melatonin and fragmented sleep patterns. Lancet 8-24-1996;348(9026):551-552. PubMed
  86. Holliman, B. J. and Chyka, P. A. Problems in assessment of acute melatonin overdose. South.Med J 1997;90(4):451-453. PubMed
  87. Hong, Y. G. and Riegler, J. L. Is melatonin associated with the development of autoimmune hepatitis? J Clin Gastroenterol 1997;25(1):376-378. PubMed
  88. Cagnacci, A., Arangino, S., Angiolucci, M., Maschio, E., and Melis, G. B. Influences of melatonin administration on the circulation of women. Am J Physiol 1998;274(2 Pt 2):R335-R338. PubMed
  89. U.S.Food and Drug Administration. Special Nutritionals Adverse Events Monitoring System: registered case reports.
  90. Brueske V, Allen J, Kepic T, and et al. Melatonin inhibition of seizure activity in man [abstract]. Electroencephalog Clin Neurophysiol 1981;51:20P.
  91. Siddiqui MA, Nazmi AS, Karim S, and et al. Effect of melatonin and valproate in epilepsy and depression. Indian J Pharmacol 2001;33:378-381.
  92. Appleton RE, Jones AP, Gamble C, et al. The use of MElatonin in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and impaired sleep: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study (MENDS). Health Technol Assess. 2012;16(40):i-239. PubMed
  93. Bardazzi F, Placucci F, Neri I, D'Antuono A, Patrizi A. Fixed drug eruption due to melatonin. Acta Derm Venereol. 1998 Jan;78(1):69-70. PubMed
  94. Eckerberg B, Lowden A, Nagai R, Akerstedt T. Melatonin treatment effects on adolescent students' sleep timing and sleepiness in a placebo-controlled crossover study. Chronobiol Int. 2012;29(9):1239-48.
  95. Khezri MB, Merate H. The effects of melatonin on anxiety and pain scores of patients, intraocular pressure, and operating conditions during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2013;61(7):319-24. PubMed
  96. Khezri MB, Oladi MR, Atlasbaf A. Effect of melatonin and gabapentin on anxiety and pain associated with retrobulbar eye block for cataract surgery: a randomized double-blind study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013;45(6):581-6. PubMed
  97. Nishihara T, Hashimoto S, Ito K, et al. Oral melatonin supplementation improves oocyte and embryo quality in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014;30(5):359-62.
  98. De Bleecker JL, Lamont BH, Verstraete AG, Schelfhout VJ. Melatonin and painful gynecomastia. Neurology. 1999 Jul 22;53(2):435-6. PubMed
  99. Waldron DL, Bramble D, Gringras P. Melatonin: prescribing practices and adverse events. Arch Dis Child. 2005 Nov;90(11):1206-7. PubMed
  100. Chojnacki C, Walecka-Kapica E, Lokiec K, et al. Influence of melatonin on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in postmenopausal women. Endokrynol Pol. 2013;64(2):114-20.
  101. Kim MK, Park EA, Kim HJ, et al. Does supplementation of in-vitro culture medium with melatonin improve IVF outcome in PCOS? Reprod Biomed Online. 2013;26(1):22-9. PubMed
  102. Silman RE. Melatonin: a contraceptive for the nineties. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1993;49(1-2):3-9. PubMed
  103. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Forinash AB, Towers CV. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, 2017.
  104. Onseng K, Johns NP, Khuayjarernpanishk T, et al. Beneficial Effects of Adjuvant Melatonin in Minimizing Oral Mucositis Complications in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiation. J Altern Complement Med 2017;23(12):957-63. PubMed
  105. Foster BC, Cvijovic K, Boon HS, et al. Melatonin Interaction Resulting in Severe Sedation. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2015;18(2):124-31. PubMed
  106. Gonçalves AL, Martini Ferreira A, Ribeiro RT, Zukerman E, Cipolla-Neto J, Peres MF. Randomised clinical trial comparing melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25 mg and placebo for migraine prevention. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016;87(10):1127-32. PubMed
  107. Gringras P, Nir T, Breddy J, Frydman-Marom A, Findling RL. Efficacy and Safety of Pediatric Prolonged-Release Melatonin for Insomnia in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017;56(11):948-57.e4. PubMed
  108. Baandrup L, Lindschou J, Winkel P, Gluud C, Glenthoj BY. Prolonged-release melatonin versus placebo for benzodiazepine discontinuation in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: A randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded trial. World J Biol Psychi PubMed
  109. Lui MFG, Chow HKD, Wong WMK, Tsang WNW. Melatonin affects postural control in community-dwelling older adults while dual-tasking: a randomized observation study. J Aging Phys Act. 2018 May 29:1-24. PubMed
  110. Fallah R, Shoroki FF, Ferdosian F. Safety and efficacy of melatonin in pediatric migraine prophylaxis. Curr Drug Saf. 2015;10(2):132-5. PubMed
  111. Scheuer C, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J, Gogenur I. Effect of topical application of melatonin cream 12.5% on cognitive parameters: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study in healthy volunteers. J Dermatolog Treat. 2016 Nov;27(6):488 PubMed
  112. Doosti-Irani A, Ostadmohammadi V, Mirhosseini N et al. The effects of melatonin supplementation on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Horm Metab Res. 2018;50(11):783-790. PubMed
  113. Farrokhian A, Tohidi M, Ahanchi NS, et al. Effect of bedtime melatonin administration in patients with type 2 diabetes: A triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Iran J Pharm Res. 2019;18(Suppl1):258-268.
  114. Hayashi M, Mishima K, Fukumizu M, et al. Melatonin treatment and adequate sleep hygiene interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2021. PubMed
  115. Esmaeili A, Nassiri Toosi M, Taher M, et al. A pilot randomized, clinical trial of the anti-pruritus effect of melatonin in patients with chronic liver disease. Iran J Pharm Res 2021;20(2):462-472.
  116. Yan W, Li C, Song X, Zhou W, Chen Z. Prophylactic melatonin for delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022;101(43):e31411. PubMed
  117. Ameri A, Frouz Asadi M, Ziaei A, et al. Efficacy and safety of oral melatonin in patients with severe COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial. Inflammopharmacology 2023;31(1):265-274. PubMed
  118. Ha M, Yoon D, Lee CY, et al. Investigating the safety profiles of exogenous melatonin and associated adverse events: A pharmacovigilance study using WHO-VigiBase. J Pineal Res 2024;76(2):e12949. PubMed

See these in context on the Melatonin monograph →

Huperzine A 13 references
  1. Skolnick AA. Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer Disease therapy. JAMA 1997;277:776. DOI
  2. Ye JW, Cai JX, Wang LM, Tang XC. Improving effects of huperzine A on spatial working memory in aged monkeys and young adult monkeys with experimental cognitive impairment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;288:814-9.. DOI
  3. Wang T, Tang XC. Reversal of scopolamine-induced deficits in radial maze performance by (-)-huperzine A: comparison with E2020 and tacrine. Eur J Pharmacol 1998;349:137-42. PubMed
  4. Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1995;16:391-5.
  5. Zhang RW, Tang XC, Han YY, et al. [Drug evaluation of huperzine A in the treatment of senile memory disorders]. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1991;12:250-2.
  6. Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, et al. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1999;20:486-90.
  7. Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:803-8.. PubMed
  8. Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Chen, Q., Shu, L., Wang, J., and Shan, G. [Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 7-25-2002;82
  9. Cheng, D. H., Ren, H., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A, a novel promising acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Neuroreport 12-20-1996;8(1):97-101. PubMed
  10. Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009;116(4):457-65. PubMed
  11. Xu ZQ, Liang XM, Juan-Wu, Zhang YF, Zhu CX, Jiang XJ. Treatment with Huperzine A improves cognition in vascular dementia patients. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012;62(1):55-8. PubMed
  12. Yang G, Wang Y, Tian J, Liu JP. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e74916. PubMed
  13. Xing SH, Zhu CX, Zhang R, An L. Huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:363985. PubMed

See these in context on the Huperzine A monograph →

Kava 71 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Strahl S, Ehret V, Dahm HH, Maier KP. [Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal medication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1998;123:1410-4.
  3. Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
  4. Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
  5. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:84-9. PubMed
  6. Volz HP, Kieser M. Kava-kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders--a randomized placebo-controlled 25-week outpatient trial. Pharmacopsychiatry 1997;30:1-5. PubMed
  7. Heinze HJ, Munthe TF, Steitz J, Matzke M. Pharmacopsychological effects of oxazepam and kava-extract in a visual search paradigm assessed with event-related potentials. Pharmacopsychiatry 1994;27:224-30. PubMed
  8. Munte TF, Heinze HJ, Matzke M, Steitz J. Effects of oxazepam and an extract of kava roots (Piper methysticum) on event-related potentials in a word recognition task. Neuropsychobiology 1993;27:46-53.
  9. Wheatley D. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination. Hum Psychopharmacol 2001;16:353-6. PubMed
  10. Schelosky L, Raffaup C, Jendroska K, Poewe W. Kava and dopamine antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995;58:639-40. PubMed
  11. Norton SA, Ruze P. Kava dermopathy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;31:89-97.
  12. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh:Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
  13. Mathews JD, Riley MD, Fejo L, et al. Effects of heavy usage of kava on physical health: Summary of a pilot survey in an aboriginal community. Med J Aust 1988;148:548-55.
  14. Escher M, Desmeules J, Giostra E, Mentha G. Hepatitis associated with Kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety. BMJ 2001;322:139.
  15. Russmann S, Lauterburg BH, Helbling A. Kava hepatotoxicity [letter]. Ann Intern Med 2001;135:68-9.
  16. Liver Toxicity With Kava. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. January 2001.
  17. Consultation letter MLX 286: Proposals to prohibit the herbal ingredient Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) in unlicensed medicines. Medicines Control Agency, United Kingdom, July 19, 2002.
  18. Meseguer E, Taboada R, Sanchez V, et al. Life-threatening parkinsonism induced by kava-kava. Mov Disord 2002;17:195-6. PubMed
  19. Ruze P. Kava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency? Lancet 1990;335:1442-5. PubMed
  20. Singh YN. Kava: an overview. J Ethnopharmacol 1992;37:13-45.
  21. Bilia AR, Gallori S, Vincieri FF. Kava-kava and anxiety: growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. Life Sci 2002;70:2581-97. PubMed
  22. Wooltorton E. Herbal kava: reports of liver toxicity. CMAJ 2002;166:777.
  23. Mathews JM, Etheridge AS, Black SR. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 activities by kava extract and kavalactones. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:1153-7. PubMed
  24. Logan JL, Ahmed J. Critical hypokalemic renal tubular acidosis due to Sjogren's syndrome: association with the purported immune stimulant echinacea. Clin Rheumatol 2003;22:158-9.
  25. Teschke R, Gaus W, Loew D. Kava extracts: safety and risks including rare hepatotoxicity. Phytomedicine 2003;10:440-6. PubMed
  26. Schmidt P, Boehncke WH. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to kava-kava extract. Contact Dermatitis 2000;42:363-4.
  27. Schulze J, Raasch W, Siegers CP. Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions--a case study. Phytomedicine 2003;10:68-73.. PubMed
  28. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD003383.
  29. Cairney S, Maruff P, Clough AR, et al. Saccade and cognitive impairment associated with kava intoxication. Hum Psychopharmacol 2003;18:525-33. PubMed
  30. Moulds RF, Malani J. Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? Med J Aust 2003;178:451-3. PubMed
  31. Gow PJ, Connelly NJ, Hill RL, et al. Fatal fulminant hepatic failure induced by a natural therapy containing kava. Med J Aust 2003;178:442-3. PubMed
  32. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
  33. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005;77:415-26. PubMed
  34. Weiss J, Sauer A, Frank A, Unger M. Extracts and kavalactones of Piper methysticum G. Forst (kava-kava) inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro. Drug Metab Dispos 2005;33:1580-3. PubMed
  35. Gurley BJ, Swain A, Barone GW, et al. Effect of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans. Drug Metab Dispos 2007;35:240-5. PubMed
  36. Gurley BJ, Swain A, Hubbard MA, et al. Clinical assessement of CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions in humans: Effects of milk-thistle, black cohosh, goldenseal, kava kava, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008;52:755-63.
  37. Li XZ, Ramzan I. Role of ethanol in kava hepatotoxicity. Phytother Res 2010;24:475-80. PubMed
  38. Bodkin R, Schneider S, Rekkerth D, et al. Rhabdomyolysis associated with kava ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 2012;30:635.el-3. PubMed
  39. Donadio V, Bonsi P, Zele I, et al. Myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava. Ginkgo biloba and kava. Neurol Sci 2000;21:124. PubMed
  40. Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ, Byrne G, et al. The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology 2009;205:399-407. PubMed
  41. Hannam S, Murray M, Romani L, Tuicakau M, J Whitfeld M. Kava dermopathy in Fiji: an acquired ichthyosis? Int J Dermatol 2014;53(12):1490-4. PubMed
  42. Huynh JC, Asgari MM, Moore MM. Sebotropic eruption associated with use of oral kava kava supplement. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014;39(7):816-8. PubMed
  43. Teschke R, Sarris J, Schweitzer I. Kava hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern use: the presumed Pacific kava paradox hypothesis revisited. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012;73(2):170-4. PubMed
  44. Scherer, J. Kava-kava extract in anxiety disorders: an outpatient observational study. Adv.Ther. 1998;15(4):261-269.
  45. Humberston, C. L., Akhtar, J., and Krenzelok, E. P. Acute hepatitis induced by kava kava. J Toxicol.Clin Toxicol. 2003;41(2):109-113. PubMed
  46. Schmidt, M. Are kavalactones the hepatotoxic principle of kava extracts? The pitfalls of the glutathione theory. J Altern Complement Med 2003;9(2):183-187. PubMed
  47. Stickel, F., Baumuller, H. M., Seitz, K., Vasilakis, D., Seitz, G., Seitz, H. K., and Schuppan, D. Hepatitis induced by Kava (Piper methysticum rhizoma). J Hepatol. 2003;39(1):62-67. PubMed
  48. Grace, R. Kava-induced urticaria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53(5):906. PubMed
  49. Christl, S. U., Seifert, A., and Seeler, D. Toxic hepatitis after consumption of traditional kava preparation. J.Travel.Med. 2009;16(1):55-56. PubMed
  50. Teschke, R., Genthner, A., and Wolff, A. Kava hepatotoxicity: comparison of aqueous, ethanolic, acetonic kava extracts and kava-herbs mixtures. J.Ethnopharmacol. 6-25-2009;123(3):378-384. PubMed
  51. Jappe, U., Franke, I., Reinhold, D., and Gollnick, H. P. Sebotropic drug reaction resulting from kava-kava extract therapy: a new entity? J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38(1):104-106. PubMed
  52. Gessner B and Cnota P. Extract of the kava-kava rhizome in comparison with diazepam and placebo. Z Phytother 1994;15(1):30-37.
  53. Johnson D, Frauendorf A, Stecker K, and et al. Neurophysiological active profile and tolerance of kava extract WS 1490, A pilot study with randomized evaluation. TW Neurolgie Psychiatrie 1991;5(6):349-354.
  54. Keller F and Klohs M. A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of the constituents of Piper methysticum. Lloydia 1963;26:1-15.
  55. Siegers CP, Honold E, Krall B, and et al. Results of the drug monitoring L 1090 with Laitan capsules. Arztl Forsch 1992;39:7-11.
  56. Chanwai, L. G. Kava toxicity. Emergency Medicine 2002;12:142-145.
  57. Leung, N. Acute urinary retention secondary to kava ingestion. Emerg Med Australas 2004;16(1):94. PubMed
  58. Teschke R. Kava hepatotoxicity: pathogenetic aspects and prospective considerations. Liver Int 2010;30(9):1270-9. PubMed
  59. Toohey TP, Lu BY, Wada C. Toxic effects of psychotropics related to possible p450 enzyme inhibition by kava:report of 2 cases. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2013;15(5). PubMed
  60. Ostermayer D. News: Kava, Popular as Alcohol Alternative, May Cause Toxicity. Emerg Med News. 2016;38(1B).
  61. Kuchta K, Schmidt M, Nahrstedt A. German Kava Ban Lifted by Court: The Alleged Hepatotoxicity of Kava (Piper methysticum) as a Case of Ill-Defined Herbal Drug Identity, Lacking Quality Control, and Misguided Regulatory Politics. Planta Med. 2015;81(18):16 PubMed
  62. Schmidt M. German Court Ruling Reverses Kava Ban; German Regulatory Authority Appeals Decision. HerbalEGram. 2014;11(7).
  63. Wainiqolo I, Kool B, Nosa V, Ameratunga S. Is driving under the influence of kava associated with motor vehicle crashes? A systematic review of the epidemiological literature. Aust N Z J Public Health 2015;39(5):495-9. PubMed
  64. Wainiqolo I, Kafoa B, Kool B, et al. Driving following kava use and road traffic injuries: a population-based case-control study in Fiji (TRIP 14). PLoS One 2016;11(3):e0149719. PubMed
  65. Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common Herbal Dietary Supplement-Drug Interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.
  66. Sarris J, Byrne GJ, Bousman CA, et al. Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2020 Mar;54(3):288-297. PubMed
  67. Aporosa AS, Atkins M, Brunton R. Kava drinking in traditional settings: towards understanding effects on cognitive function. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(2):e2725. PubMed
  68. Sarris J, Ravindran A, Yatham LN, et al. Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety T
  69. Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;291:115080. PubMed
  70. Savage K, Sarris J, Hughes M, et al. Neuroimaging insights: Kava's (Piper methysticum) effect on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GABA in generalized anxiety disorder. Nutrients 2023;15(21):4586. PubMed
  71. du Plessis Nisbet J, Xie D, Thompson R, Wark K, Lamrock E, Scurry J. Kava-induced dermatitis: A detailed histopathological analysis. Australas J Dermatol 2024. PubMed

See these in context on the Kava monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring