The Link Between Melatonin and Depression, What Are The Harmful Risks?

The Connection Between Melatonin and Depression

The use of melatonin supplements is rising among adults despite their adverse side effects and lack of solid evidence of efficacies. Research suggests that melatonin may play a role in other brain and bodily functions, including mood and emotions. However, scientists still do not fully understand these effects. Some people have reported that melatonin supplementation may exacerbate symptoms of depression by lowering their energy levels. However, there is limited evidence to confirm these claims.

As part of a mental disturbance, depressive symptoms can manifest in several conditions, such as unipolar or bipolar mood disorder, substance abuse, and general medical disease. On the other hand, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as defined by international guidelines such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases ICD, is a syndromic construct assembled as a distinct clinical condition. According to the fifth edition of the DSM, at least one of the two cardinal symptoms must be manifested to reach a positive diagnosis: depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities.

Of the nine cognitive (e.g., impaired concentration), emotional (e.g., feelings of worthlessness), and somatic symptoms (e.g., psychomotor agitation or retardation, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances) listed as diagnostic criteria, at least five must be present during the same 2-week period, with the symptoms representing a change from the previous baseline. Of note, other medical conditions that can cause the same symptoms must be excluded.

Depression and Melatonin Statistics

Melatonin is sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in a range of doses. But studies have not consistently shown that taking melatonin supplements helps with insomnia, jet lag, or recovery from shift work. It may provide some benefits for people with less-common sleep disorders caused by problems with the body’s internal clock. But more research is needed to understand how and when it can be used effectively.

Does melatonin make you depressed, or does it help the symptoms of the disorder? Many people diagnosed with depression take melatonin to help them sleep. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most people. However, information on the long-term safety of these supplements, especially for mental illnesses, is lacking. [2]

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Can Melatonin Cause Depression and Worsen It?

The link between melatonin and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, isn’t fully understood. A small 2002 study suggests that people with depression might have higher melatonin levels. And a 2006 review of multiple studies suggest that the brains of people with depression often produce more melatonin at night. [4]

Remember, melatonin helps your body prepare for sleep. It makes you feel less energized, a common symptom of depression. If you experience low energy as a depression symptom, taking melatonin could worsen it.

Can taking melatonin cause depression? While short-term feelings of depression melatonin effects are a rare but possible side effect, it’s unclear if it would cause worsening symptoms in someone already diagnosed with depression. Furthermore, most people who take melatonin — including those with and without depression — don’t always experience this side effect.

Can You Combine Melatonin With Other Depression Treatments?

If you take medication for depression and are trying to explore more natural options, such as melatonin supplements, make sure to do so slowly and under the supervision of your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping medications, especially antidepressants, can cause serious side effects.

If you’re currently being treated for depression, melatonin may be worth trying in addition to other prescribed treatments. However, it may be safer to skip melatonin if you take certain medications, including:

• Central nervous system depressants, including diazepam (Valium)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• immunosuppressive therapy drugs, including prednisone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, and codeine

Other possible drug interactions include:

• Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, herbs, and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs, and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining the use of melatonin with them might increase the risk of bleeding.
• Anticonvulsants. Melatonin might inhibit the effects of anticonvulsants and increase the frequency of seizures.
• Blood pressure drugs. Melatonin might worsen blood pressure in people taking blood pressure medications.
• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Melatonin with these medications might cause an additive sedative effect.
• Diabetes medications. Melatonin might affect sugar levels. If you take diabetes medications, talk to your doctor before using melatonin.
• Contraceptive drugs. Using contraceptive drugs with melatonin might cause an additive sedative effect and increase the possible side effects of melatonin.
• Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and cytochrome P450 2C19 (CPY2C19) substrates. Use melatonin cautiously if you take drugs such as diazepam (Valium, Valtoco, others) and others affected by these enzymes.
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox). This medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder can increase melatonin levels, causing unwanted excessive drowsiness.
• Immunosuppressants. Melatonin can stimulate immune function and interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
• Seizure threshold lowering drugs. Taking melatonin with these drugs might increase the risk of seizures.

Depression Mental Health Treatment

The good news is, among mental health issues, depression is one of the most treatable. Medications like antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy have been proven to improve depression symptoms positively.

The We Level Up FL primary mental health center stands ready to help. The We Level Up FL team can inspire a support system through our mental health treatments to make you feel valuable. You can trust the treatment backed by leading recovery specialists practicing evidence-based therapy. We Level Up FL Treatment Center offers therapy under one roof. Get comprehensive therapy for mind, body & spirit.

Call us now for a free mental health assessment! In addition, for the substance abuse or dual diagnosis approach, our inpatient treatment, inpatient medical detox, and residential primary addiction treatment may be available at our affiliated facility. For more endogenous depression treatment resources, call us about your symptoms, and we can help you determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Popular Melatonin and Depression Frequently Asked Questions