Can you take Melatonin and Lorazepam together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Melatonin and Lorazepam together?
Yes, you can take Melatonin and Lorazepam together but only if recommended by your healthcare provider. The concomitant use of Melatonin and Lorazepam may increase the risk of excess sedation, as they both induce sleep (1,2).
However, they are entirely different chemicals and work in different ways. Melatonin is a hormonal supplement that helps enhance the normal melatonin functions in your body (1).
Melatonin regulates your sleep cycle and prepares your brain for sound sleep when the sun goes down. As melatonin is a supplement and not an actual medication, it doesn’t start to work right away (1).
It can be used with short-term Lorazepam treatment, which is a benzodiazepine and starts to work in about half an hour (2). However, it’s still recommended to talk to your healthcare provider first as each patient is unique in terms of symptoms and drug tolerance.
The combination of Melatonin and Lorazepam may work for some people and may not work for others. If your doctor thinks this combination is the one for you, he/she will recommend it.
Potential side effects of taking Melatonin and Lorazepam together
Combining Melatonin and Lorazepam may lead to several potential side effects.
Since both of them can cause drowsiness and sedation, taking them together may intensify this effect, making you feel extremely sleepy or fatigued during the day. This drowsiness can impair your ability to focus, drive, or operate machinery safely (1,2).
Additionally, the combination may cause dizziness, confusion, and difficulty in coordination. You might experience problems with memory or concentration, making it challenging to perform daily tasks effectively (1,2).
Mixing these medications excessively can also result in a higher risk of respiratory depression, where breathing becomes shallow and slow. This effect can be dangerous, especially in individuals with respiratory conditions or if the medications are taken in higher-than-prescribed doses. (1,2)
Other potential side effects may include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or constipation. In rare cases, allergic reactions might occur, leading to symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
It’s essential to be aware of these potential side effects and to communicate any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
How to ensure the safe and effective use of Melatonin and Lorazepam together?
Ensuring the safe and effective use of Melatonin and Lorazepam together requires caution and proper guidance. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining these medications, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other drugs.
If your healthcare provider approves the combination, follow their prescribed dosages strictly. Never exceed the recommended amounts or use them more frequently than advised.
Melatonin is often used as a sleep aid, so take it at the appropriate time before bedtime, as directed by your healthcare provider. Lorazepam is a medication that can cause drowsiness, so be cautious when using it with other substances that may have similar effects, like alcohol.
Benzodiazepines including Lorazepam, Diazepam, Clonazepam, etc in general, should never be paired with another CNS depressant like alcohol.
Pay close attention to how your body responds to the combination. If you experience any unusual or adverse side effects, seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, the safe and effective use of these medications together requires proper medical guidance and open communication with your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your progress and make adjustments if needed to ensure your well-being.
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References
1.-
Savage RA, Zafar N, Yohannan S, Miller JMM. Melatonin. 2022 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521244. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534823
2.-
Ghiasi N, Bhansali RK, Marwaha R. Lorazepam. 2023 Jan 31. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30422485. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890
