Taking Melatonin With Lorazepam

Thanks for reaching out! Lorazepam and melatonin should be used cautiously together.

Using both together increases the risk of additive sedation, although this isn't thought to be clinically significant for most individuals as melatonin doesn't have strong sedating properties. Melatonin is more commonly used to aid in normalizing your sleep-wake cycle after disruption (e.g. jet lag).

Interestingly enough, the use of melatonin supplements may have a place in therapy for many individuals that take benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam. Preliminary studies in animals have shown that benzodiazepines can reduce endogenous melatonin production. Melatonin supplementation may help restore melatonin levels to more normal levels, increasing sleep quality. although more studies are needed.

Melatonin Information

Melatonin is an endogenous (i.e. naturally produced in our bodies) hormone that is produced in the pineal gland and is necessary for the normal functioning of our circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. The release of melatonin in our bodies is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light and has a major role in our sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm.

To generalize, when we get ready to sleep, melatonin levels increase. When we are ready to get up, melatonin levels decrease. Many studies show that melatonin supplementation is effective for certain situations that can lead to disruptions of the sleep-wake cycle such as in jet lag or in night shift workers. There is less evidence for benefit when used for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Nevertheless, there are studies that do show that melatonin can decrease sleep latency (i.e. time to fall asleep) and increase total sleep time, although the effects don't appear to be that profound. The most evidence of the benefit for use of melatonin may be in the elderly, or in those that have diminished melatonin levels or are taking drugs that can reduce melatonin levels.

Lorazepam Information

Lorazepam, brand name Ativan, is a fast acting benzodiazepine. It is often used for the treatment of anxiety as well as insomnia. After taking by mouth, lorazepam will begin to work quickly, in about 30 minutes. Each dose lasts around 8 to 12 hours. When used long-term, lorazepam can cause physical dependence and needs to be slowly tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Taking Melatonin And Lorazepam Togther

As mentioned above, taking melatonin and lorazepam together can theoretically increase the risk of excess sedation but there isn't much evidence that this interaction is major and most individuals will tolerate the combination well. Nevertheless, be sure to use both cautiously, at low doses if necessary.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question and please reach out again in the future with any additional questions!