Drug interactions
Melatonin + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Moderate
Melatonin and Sodium oxybate: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Sodium oxybate causes profound CNS and respiratory depression, and melatonin has mild sedative effects that may add to this. The clinical significance is likely modest but the oxybate risk is serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Melatonin and Sodium oxybate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Melatonin belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Counsel on increased sedation and monitor for respiratory depression, particularly at initiation. Avoid other sedatives alongside oxybate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Melatonin
- Fluvoxamine + Melatonin Major
- Alfentanil + Melatonin Moderate
- Belladonna and opium + Melatonin Moderate
- Buprenorphine buccal + Melatonin Moderate
- Butabarbital + Melatonin Moderate
- Butalbital + Melatonin Moderate
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Melatonin with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Melatonin and Sodium oxybate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Sodium oxybate causes profound CNS and respiratory depression, and melatonin has mild sedative effects that may add to this. The clinical significance is likely modest but the oxybate risk is serious.
How serious is the interaction between Melatonin and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on increased sedation and monitor for respiratory depression, particularly at initiation. Avoid other sedatives alongside oxybate.
What other medicines interact with Melatonin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Melatonin with, for example, Fluvoxamine, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Melatonin page.
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