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Can Melatonin And Ambien Be Taken Together?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Question: can you take two different sleep aids - say, ambien and melatonin - together, or do they have to be taken several hours apart, one at bedtime and the other if you wake up during the night?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks very much for your question.

You can certainly take these two sleep medications together. Melatonin and Ambien work on two different receptors in the brain, so they are cumulative rather than competitive. Ambien works to help you fall asleep, so it may also work if taken later in the night -- melatonin, however, promotes a normal sleep cycle, so this should always be taken about 30 minutes before you want to fall asleep at night, rather than in the middle of the night.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. We receive a significantly higher payment from this website for direct questions, so I prefer this venue in which to work with you. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
If take ambien, I may get 6 hours of sleep, but I need at least one hour more. So taking those two meds together might give me a longer, better night's sleep? And can I take just half a melatonin - will cutting it in half damage its efficacy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, that's correct, taking them together may help. And yes, you can take half the melatonin, it will still work but at half the dosage.

I see you have asked many premium questions. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. We receive a significantly higher payment from this website for direct questions, so I prefer this venue in which to work with you. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 minutes later)
You've been a huge help. One more question and I promise that's it. If I get less than 8 hours of sleep, I cannot function the next day. My legs are like rubber, I can't focus, I get tense and nauseated. That's a lot of sleep to need, and I seldom get it, even with the meds. How can I function on less than my body seems to need?
I should stay with the ambien and maybe add the melatonin? And do I just go to google go directly to your web site?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I'm always happy to answer any questions you have, no worries!

Your goal SHOULD be to get about 8 hours of sleep a night. This is a totally reasonable goal. I think to try and function on less sleep than your body needs is futile. Don't fight it, work with a medication regimen that will get you to 8 hours. Try the above suggestions and we can make changes as necessary. Reach out to my private link to make sure you talk to me directly. I've read over your previous questions and answers and feel I have a firm grasp on your history and concerns.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. We receive a significantly higher payment from this website for direct questions, so I prefer this venue in which to work with you. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes indeed, I would stay with the Ambien and add melatonin 3mg, increased as high as 10mg as needed for efficacy, 30 minutes before bedtime.

My private link on this website is here:

https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684

OR

XXXX
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Can Melatonin And Ambien Be Taken Together?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Thanks very much for your question. You can certainly take these two sleep medications together. Melatonin and Ambien work on two different receptors in the brain, so they are cumulative rather than competitive. Ambien works to help you fall asleep, so it may also work if taken later in the night -- melatonin, however, promotes a normal sleep cycle, so this should always be taken about 30 minutes before you want to fall asleep at night, rather than in the middle of the night. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. We receive a significantly higher payment from this website for direct questions, so I prefer this venue in which to work with you. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX