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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com; Melatonin; December 2010
- Human Psychopharmacology; Effects of Prolonged-Release Melatonin, Zolpidem, and Their Combination on Psychomotor Functions; S. Otmani; September 2008
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Can You Take Melatonin With Ambien CR?
A sleep disorder exists when you have a lower quality of sleep that results in impaired functioning or abnormal sleepiness. Melatonin and Ambien CR are substances used to promote sleep. Your body naturally produces melatonin, and you can also purchase a synthesized version of the substance. Ambien CR, on the other hand is a purely synthetic substance.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone. The pineal gland is the part of the brain that makes melatonin. Melatonin may help your body determine when it should go to sleep and when it should wake up. Melatonin is, therefore, considered a substance that can modulate your body’s circadian rhythms. Melatonin levels in the body are typically low during the day, but increase during sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, melatonin supplements are often used to treat sleep problems. Examples of sleep problems include jet lag, shift-work disorder, insomnia, and delayed sleep phase disorder.
- The pineal gland is the part of the brain that makes melatonin.
- Melatonin is, therefore, considered a substance that can modulate your body’s circadian rhythms.
Ambien CR
Ambien Vs. Xanax For Sleeping
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Ambien CR is the commercial name of the drug zolpidem. The CR stands for continuous-release. The Food and Drug Administration approved Ambien CR for the treatment of insomnia. According to the prescribing information, unlike benzodiazepines, Ambien CR is more selective, has a shorter half-life and is less addictive 1. Typical side effects of the drug include headaches and next-day fatigue and dizziness. Neither pregnant nor breast-feeding women or children should use Ambien CR.
- Ambien CR is the commercial name of the drug zolpidem.
- According to the prescribing information, unlike benzodiazepines, Ambien CR is more selective, has a shorter half-life and is less addictive 1.
Zolpidem and Melatonin in Daytime Sleep
It is possible that combining melatonin with low doses of zolpidem might take advantage of the unique properties of both. Namely, promoting healthy sleep without enhancing impairments seen with high-dose zolpidem. A study reported in the December 2008 "Human Psychopharmacology" found no somnogenic benefits from combining melatonin 5 mg with low doses of zolpidem (5 and 10 mg) 4. Thus, melatonin 5 mg appears to have some advantages over zolpidem 20 mg in terms of post-sleep performance effects. The study specifically examined reaction times and memory recall in patients the day following intake of zolpidem and melatonin.
- It is possible that combining melatonin with low doses of zolpidem might take advantage of the unique properties of both.
- A study reported in the December 2008 "Human Psychopharmacology" found no somnogenic benefits from combining melatonin 5 mg with low doses of zolpidem (5 and 10 mg) 4.
Zolpidem and Melatonin Interaction
Ambien vs. Ambien CR
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A study reported in the December 2008 "Human Psychopharmacology" also found that the combined use of melatonin and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem may result in the enhancement of sedation and impairment of memory, coordination, and attention. The study further found that a prolonged-release form of melatonin didn’t impair performances on any cognitive tasks. On the contrary, zolpidem significantly impaired psychomotor and driving performance at one hour and four hours post-dosing. These impairments were exacerbated by combining the Ambien CR with melatonin.
- A study reported in the December 2008 "Human Psychopharmacology" also found that the combined use of melatonin and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem may result in the enhancement of sedation and impairment of memory, coordination, and attention.
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References
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Writer Bio
Allison Adams has worked as a registered dietitian since 1996. She began writing professionally in 2000, with work featured in a variety of medical publications such as "Women's Health Magazine" and the "New England Journal of Medicine." Adams holds a Master of Science in nutrition and food sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.