Individuals prescribed Zoloft may exhibit problems with insomnia or poor sleep schedules. As such, it may seem like a natural course of action to take Melatonin alongside the antidepressant. As with any kind of medication, there may be side effects combining two different treatments. The best course of action in any situation is consulting with your doctor as to what the best direction in combining Melatonin and Zoloft as well as the frequency you can take the two. If you find yourself desperately in need of sleep and wondering can you take Melatonin with Zoloft, the answer is yes for the most part. As mentioned, the best course is consulting a doctor if you have doubts. 

What is Zoloft? 

Zoloft, otherwise known as sertraline, is a form of antidepressant. Often used as a form of treatment for depression, social anxiety and other mental illnesses, Zoloft aims to create a balance of serotonin within the brain. Though some people find Zoloft to help with mood swings, falling asleep, and their energy levels, like any medication it is prone to having side effects. For some, these side effects may take form in the state of insomnia or a difficulty with daily tasks such as falling asleep. Zoloft users being treated for bipolar disorder may find themselves entering a state of mania, leading to a Zoloft insomnia, induced by the medication’s mania creating a decreased urge or need for sleep. This is where Zoloft users may have questions on combining Zoloft and Melatonin. 

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin, unlike Zoloft which needs a prescription, is available over the counter. Considered a supplement rather than a medication, purchasing it is far easier than acquiring Zoloft may be. However, it does not mean you should not consult your doctor before combining it with antidepressants such as Zoloft, as there may still be side effects to mixing the two. 

Melatonin is produced naturally by the human body at night. It allows the human body to fall asleep earlier as night falls or there is a decrease of light in their surroundings. Those who have issues falling asleep may turn to Melatonin supplements in order to help themselves gain a more steady sleep schedule. 

Like any supplement, there are dangers in consuming too much Melatonin. Though it is alright to take in the short term, taking it every night can result in a dependency on it to fall asleep, lessening the user’s ability to fall asleep naturally if they should need to come off Melatonin due to doctor’s directions or run out of it without the ability to purchase more immediately. 

Additionally, just as Zoloft and other medications may come with side effects, the same rings true for supplements. Every body reacts differently to every item it ingests, which in the case of Melatonin may work differently for everyone. Some may find themselves sleeping better while taking it, but some may find it to have the opposite effect. Additionally, if the user is taking medications other than Zoloft they may find Melatonin to have adverse side effects when combined with the other prescriptions. If for any reason a Zoloft user finds themselves or their body incompatible with Melatonin, there are other methods to combat a loss of sleep or improve your sleep schedule without needing to take any supplements. 

Tips for Improving Your Sleep on Zoloft

There are many reasons people may decide not to take sleep supplements such as Melatonin. This may be due to taking a doctor’s advice, having to remain cautious with other medications mixing with Zoloft or other prescriptions, or simply a wish to use more natural methods to combat any issues with their sleep. If you truly can not bring yourself to sleep no matter what, consulting a doctor or professional may help you gain some insight to your issues. The following listed tips may also provide some relief to any individual struggling with falling asleep. Making lifestyle changes have the potential to provide just as much aid in falling asleep as supplements designed to do so such as Melatonin without having as many adverse effects. 

1. Avoid using technology right before bed. Though in this day and age it may be habit for many to scroll through your social media feeds right before bed, or you may have an urge to watch just one more episode of your favourite show, the blue light may actually be making it harder for you to get adequate rest. Instead, try picking up a more relaxing hobby before bed. For example, try picking up reading before bed instead. This will help you relax and lull you into sleep gradually, as well as being easier on the eyes than having your phone or laptop open otherwise would be. The lack of blue light will aid your body in creating Melatonin naturally, rather than needing to take any type of supplement to aid in its creation. If reading does not interest you, picking up a hobby or activity and reserving it for exclusively before bed will eventually make your mind associate it with sleeping, allowing you to use it to aid you sleep more often. 
2. Make dietary changes. In particular, avoiding caffeinated drinks, at least closer to night time. Though many people use coffee as a crutch to get through the day, especially during the work week, it may be negatively affecting your quality of sleep. Additionally, even if you are not drinking coffee before bed you may be consuming caffeine without being aware of it. For example, if you drink soda regularly, especially with dinner, you may be consuming caffeine right before bed without realizing it. 
3. Tire yourself out. Pick up exercising, going to the gym, or playing a sport during the day to physically exert yourself. Regular exercise is not only healthy for the body, but for the mind as well. Your quality of general life will be improved alongside your quality of sleep. 

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