Can You Take Melatonin And Ibuprofen Together?

Answer

Thanks for your question! There is no known drug interaction between melatonin and Advil (ibuprofen) but it is important to note that some studies have found that chronic NSAID use (ibuprofen is in this drug class) may reduce melatonin levels, decreasing sleep quality.

So, it is safe to combine ibuprofen and melatonin, but there is a chance that if you take ibuprofen consistently, you may be decreasing your body's natural ability to produce the hormone.

NSAID Use And Melatonin

Ibuprofen is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), which are used for a wide variety of indications, such as to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches.

It works by stopping the body's production of a substance (prostaglandins) that can cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

A number of studies have found that NSAIDs can affect sleep quality in some individuals. One such study concluded the following:

The mechanisms of sleep disruption after NSAID administration may relate to direct and indirect consequences of inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, including decreases in prostaglandin D2, suppression of nighttime melatonin levels, and changes in body temperature.

Another found similar results:

We speculate that NSAID effects on sleep and BT [body temperature] are related to prostaglandin synthesis inhibition and/or suppression of MT [melatonin synthesis].

More studies are needed to determine if NSAIDs truly affect melatonin synthesis, as the ones above are relatively small scale. We also don't know exactly which NSAIDs, at what doses, may cause this problem. Regardless, supplementing with melatonin if you take an NSAID long-term may actually be helpful to replace this deficiency.

As an additional point, some studies even suggest that supplementing with melatonin can help reduce some of the long-term stomach side effects that NSAIDs can cause.

The overall point here is that there does appear to be some sort of interplay between melatonin and NSAIDs, but no clinically significant drug interaction between them.

Final Words

Thanks for your question and reach back out anytime!