Can You Take Melatonin While On Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, a brand name for bupropion, is an antidepressant medication primarily prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It is thought to work by balancing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood, motivation, and other aspects of mental well-being. In addition to its antidepressant effects, buproprion is sometimes prescribed as a smoking cessation aid, as it can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms (via GoodRx Health).

Wellbutrin can come with side effects such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, racing thoughts, and increased energy that might make it difficult to fall asleep (via RxList). Although you should see a doctor if you experience insomnia or other serious side effects, you might wonder if taking melatonin is okay to help you fall asleep.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by your pineal gland to regulate your sleep/wake cycle. Taking a melatonin supplement could increase depression or anxiety, and it could increase Wellbutrin's side effects, according to Drug Bank Online. However, there are no known drug interactions between Wellbutrin and melatonin, according to Drugs.com.

Drugs.com says 486 medications interact with Wellbutrin and 290 interact with melatonin. Wellbutrin is metabolized in the liver, so any medication that affects your liver enzymes such as Plavix or Norvir might warrant an adjustment of your current dose of Wellbutrin, according to GoodRx Health. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta-blockers, antipsychotics, and some heart medications could also require an adjustment of your medication doses. Wellbutrin could increase your risk of seizures if taking it with any medication that increases seizure threshold such as Benadryl, opioids, or clozapine.

Because Wellbutrin regulates your levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, taking other medications that also increase these brain neurotransmitters can increase your blood pressure. These medications include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that also treat depression or Parkinson's. Other medications like levodopa or amantadine also increase dopamine in the brain to treat Parkinson's and can cause restlessness, dizziness, or poor coordination if taken with Wellbutrin.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin because the interaction could cause suicidal thoughts or affect your ability to concentrate.

According to St. Luke's Hospital, melatonin could reduce the effectiveness of some antidepressants such as desipramine and fluoxetine. If you're taking steroids and other medications to suppress your immune system, melatonin can also weaken their effects. Melatonin also weakens medications for blood pressure like methoxamine and clonidine. Other blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers affect levels of melatonin in your body. Other drugs and substances can reduce your melatonin levels such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. Taking melatonin with blood thinners can also increase your risk of bleeding.

Although using melatonin for the short term is reasonably safe, you could experience headache, dizziness, or drowsiness during the day, according to Mayo Clinic. Some other side effects of melatonin are less common such as having vivid dreams or nightmares, irritability, diarrhea, increased risk of falls or seizures, mood swings, confusion, or nighttime incontinence. It's also not a good idea to get behind the wheel of a car for at least five hours after taking melatonin because it can make you drowsy.