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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on August 1, 2013, at 16:39:52
What is the current thinking on using melatonin for sleep. At 3mg it works great.
Does it increase depression in the long run? Does it help with depression?
Posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2013, at 18:21:29
In reply to Melatonin + depression?, posted by Sheilac on August 1, 2013, at 16:39:52
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melatonin-side-effects/AN01717
Posted by Tomatheus on August 1, 2013, at 19:00:03
In reply to Melatonin + depression?, posted by Sheilac on August 1, 2013, at 16:39:52
SheilaC,
My anecdotal experience with melatonin is that it worsens the fatigue that I experience during the day (if I've taken melatonin the previous night) and that it also (not surprisingly at all) worsens my hypersomnia. I tend to think based on what I've read that melatonin can worsen depression in some individuals, but it would be my guess that you'd probably know pretty quickly whether or not supplementing with melatonin might worsen your depression.
Having said what I've said that I think melatonin could worsen depression for some individuals, I think it's also conceivable that it might reduce depression in other individuals. Valdoxan (agomelatine) is a melatonin receptor agonist, meaning that it binds to and activates the same receptors that melatonin itself works on, and it's also used to treat depressive disorders in some countries (actually, just Australia, as far as I know). The antidepressant actions of Valdoxan might be explained by the fact that it's a serotonin 5HT2C antagonist, but I think it's possible that some individuals with depression might benefit from Valdoxan's "melatonergic" properties, even though such properties might be detrimental for other individuals with depression.
So, that's my take on melatonin as it relates to depression. I haven't checked to see what scientific studies have been done on melatonin and depression, although I would imagine that there is some data showing that the "melatonergic" Valdoxan is an effective antidepressant.
T.
Posted by linkadge on August 1, 2013, at 19:25:05
In reply to Re: Melatonin + depression?, posted by Tomatheus on August 1, 2013, at 19:00:03
I only remember one study suggesting that melatonin reduced the antidepressant effect of prozac.
As mentioned, it probably depends on the individual.
When I am in a mixed state, melatonin can be very helpful. It doesn't mix well with all medications though.
I found that melatonin + SSRI was yucky, however it seemed to synergize with atypicals to some degree.
Linkadge
Posted by Hugh on August 2, 2013, at 12:24:05
In reply to Melatonin + depression?, posted by Sheilac on August 1, 2013, at 16:39:52
Melatonin supplements affect the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain. An experimental drug called UCM765 affects just the MT2 receptor, and may turn out to be the best sleeping pill ever. It may help to alleviate depression and anxiety too. But it will be years before UCM765 is available.
http://www.mcgilldaily.com/2012/03/melatonin-a-potential-solution-to-make-those-hours-in-bed-count/
I took agomelatine, which is an MT1 and MT2 agonist, for a while a few years ago. It didn't help my depression, but it was a good knockout pill. I'd take it at bedtime and it would knock me out for four or five hours. I belonged to the agomelatine group on Google, which appears to be dead now, but had quite a bit of activity a few years ago. Some people taking agomelatine said it significantly improved their depression, some said it made them feel worse, and some said it did nothing for them.
Posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2013, at 20:21:20
In reply to Re: Melatonin + depression?, posted by Hugh on August 2, 2013, at 12:24:05
Hugh I got some notifications from this site today. Looks like some still posting. Phillipa
Posted by antennastoheaven on August 3, 2013, at 1:43:08
In reply to Re: Melatonin + depression?, posted by linkadge on August 1, 2013, at 19:25:05
> I only remember one study suggesting that melatonin reduced the antidepressant effect of prozac.
I tried looking for an article about the study and couldn't find anything about taking melatonin as a supplement along with fluoxetine. Any idea how I might find it?
I currently take both so it is relevant to my interests.
Posted by antennastoheaven on August 3, 2013, at 2:07:41
In reply to Re: Melatonin + depression? » linkadge, posted by antennastoheaven on August 3, 2013, at 1:43:08
> > I only remember one study suggesting that melatonin reduced the antidepressant effect of prozac.
>
> I tried looking for an article about the study and couldn't find anything about taking melatonin as a supplement along with fluoxetine. Any idea how I might find it?
>
> I currently take both so it is relevant to my interests.I found a post from this site that is interesting: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080412/msgs/823044.html
I had one night of insomnia since I started Prozac a week ago, and I have taken melatonin every night.
This is the end of the thread.
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