Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Mental Health

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 insomnia in dementia,

 insomnia in people with autism,

 “sundowning”/sleep pattern adjustment,

 rapid eye movement behavior disorder,

 seasonal affective disorder,

 drug withdrawal syndrome,

 major depression, and

 adjunctive use.

MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Melatonin is a promising treatment for jet lag and many mild to moderate sleep disorders. All
other potential uses remain to be studied. Risks appear manageable, but caution is appropriate
since melatonin is commonly over consumed, and, absent testing, people should “work up” to a
therapeutic dose.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drug interactions with melatonin have not been sufficiently studied, but appear manageable.
Alcohol, caffeine and aspirin may affect melatonin levels. Psychotropic drugs that affect
norepinephrine or serotonin levels might alter the pattern of melatonin production and that
any drugs that might affect the metabolism of melatonin in the liver, such as valproic acid or
methoxypsoralen, could affect blood serum levels of melatonin. Consultation with the
prescribing physician is essential if any prescription drug is being taken with melatonin. Special
care is appropriate for people taking:

 zolpidem (Ambien),

 benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan), triazolam (Halcion), or diazepam (Valium),

 barbiturates such as phenobarbital,

 narcotics such as codeine,

 antidepressants,

 blood thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin),