Does trazodone contain melatonin? (7+ precautions)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether trazodone contains melatonin. Furthermore, we will talk about the potential link between trazodone and melatonin, dosage recommendations, associated risks with combination treatment, and how to ensure safe and effective use of trazodone and melatonin.
Does trazodone contain melatonin?
No, trazodone does not contain melatonin. Trazodone may induce sleep in patients using it as an antidepressant and melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates the sleep patterns in the human body. Melatonin is present naturally in the human body and also available as a supplement.
Some patients may think that trazodone might have melatonin in it, but this is not the case. Trazodone is an antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression. Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin modulators. Trazodone inhibits serotonin reuptake in the synaptic regions of the brain (1).
Melatonin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring hormone present in the human body for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and it is more active at night compared to daytime. Melatonin supplements may also help people to resolve sleep issues (2).
Is there any link between trazodone and melatonin?
According to a research study, patients with Parkinson’s disease who had sleep disorders were examined after giving trazodone and melatonin for 4 weeks. The results of this clinical study suggested that trazodone and melatonin supplements, both help induce sleep (3).
In another research study, hospitalised patients were examined for their sleep issues during their stay at the hospital. Their doctors gave trazodone and melatonin to them and their sleep problems got better. Trazodone and melatonin both have almost similar efficacy in improving sleep quality (4).
What are the dosages of trazodone and melatonin?
Trazodone dosage for insomnia ranges from 50mg to 100mg either as divided doses taken twice a day, or extended-release tablets taken once a day at nighttime. Trazodone 100mg has been found as most effective for treating insomnia (1).
On the other hand, melatonin supplements can be taken in the dose of 0.1mg to 10mg depending on the person’s specific needs. Melatonin supplements are available in different dosage forms such as tablets both immediate-release or extended-release, oral solutions, suppositories, and patches. Melatonin can be used for 6 months in adults and 3 months in children (5,6).
What are the risks of trazodone and melatonin combination?
The risks associated with the combination of trazodone and melatonin are increased sedation, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and daytime sleepiness. Do not take any drug combination without consulting your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will make you aware of the safe use of trazodone and melatonin combination. If you are taking this combination treatment, you should avoid driving and doing tasks that require concentration (6).
How to ensure the safe use of trazodone and melatonin?
To ensure the safe use of trazodone and melatonin, you should follow the below guidelines:
- Do not take trazodone or melatonin supplements if you are allergic to it.
- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
- Please make sure your doctor is aware of your family or other medical health problems.
- Both trazodone and melatonin may make you sleepy, therefore avoid driving or any other tasks that might get affected due to sedation.
- You should avoid consuming alcohol as it may worsen the side effects of trazodone.
- Always take trazodone or melatonin supplements as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Do not change the time or dose of trazodone or melatonin on your own.
- If you want to discontinue trazodone, gradual tapering off is recommended, as sudden discontinuation may result in withdrawal effects (6).
From my perspective, trazodone does not contain melatonin. Trazodone is an antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and can also be used to treat insomnia. However, melatonin on the other hand is a hormone present in the human body that regulates body’s sleep patterns.
Melatonin is also available in supplements and can be helpful to induce sleep. If you are using a combination of trazodone and melatonin after being prescribed by your doctor, you must be aware of its increased sedative effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking drugs in combination.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. 2022 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262060. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560
2.-
Pévet P. Melatonin. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2002 Mar;4(1):57-72. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2002.4.1/ppevet. PMID: 22034091; PMCID: PMC3181670. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22034091/
3.-
Hadi F, Agah E, Tavanbakhsh S, Mirsepassi Z, Mousavi SV, Talachi N, Tafakhori A, Aghamollaii V. Safety and efficacy of melatonin, clonazepam, and trazodone in patients with Parkinson’s disease and sleep disorders: a randomized, double-blind trial. Neurol Sci. 2022 Oct;43(10):6141-6148. doi: 10.1007/s10072-022-06188-4. Epub 2022 Jun 6. PMID: 35660990. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35660990/
4.-
Letsinger E, Sickley R, Saum L. Melatonin Versus Trazodone for the Treatment of New Onset Insomnia in Hospitalized Adult Patients. Hosp Pharm. 2023 Apr;58(2):165-170. doi: 10.1177/00185787221123213. Epub 2022 Sep 8. PMID: 36890954; PMCID: PMC9986572. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36890954/
5.-
Savage RA, Zafar N, Yohannan S, Miller JMM. Melatonin. 2022 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521244. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521244/
6.-
Trazodone-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
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