Hi Deborah

I have written on this topic a lot...will have to find the links to my posts on this site as well as on the anxiety and ADHD sites.

Yes it is so true...just because it is said to be "natural" doesn't mean that there won't be side effects, interactions with other herbs and supplements, or interactions with prescription medications.  In addition supplements are not FDA regulated which means there could be ineffective or even harmful ingredients in them.

But there is a growing research around many supplements and it is possible to do your homework ahead of time to check things out as to which supplements may actually provide benefit.  Melatonin is actually one supplement I find to be very effective for me...as well as my son who has autism.  It has been my experience that it will get you to sleep but may not keep you asleep. 

I am looking at the medline plus link....and I see this stated:

"Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) can increase the amount of melatonin that the body absorbs. Taking melatonin along with fluvoxamine (Luvox) might increase the effects and side effects of melatonin."

I am not seeing anything else about other antidepressants.  My neurologist and my son's neurologist had no problems with either of us taking Prozac and melatonin.  Is there something more I should know?  I would be interested in seeing any warnings about possible adverse reactions in taking melatonin and specific antidepressants.  Melatonin is such a common supplement taken by so many...it would be good to have all the information.

I have found that you pretty much have to look at multiple sources of information and sometimes what you find is contradictory.

For example...I take SAM-e, a supplement to treat my depression.  Most reports say not to take this supplement with an antidepressant because you may put yourself at risk for serotonin syndrome.  But then there are studies and reports such as this one saying that SAM-e might be a good add-on supplement to take with an SSRI for some people.

I think one should be wary...but not so wary as to be afraid to try any type of supplement.  The bottomline is you have to do your homework and research as best as you can, talk to your doctor, and buy a brand you trust.

Good discussion...I hope other members chime in with their opinions and stories.

mswmommy

5/20/11 7:14pm

I, too, checked your excellent link for information, and see that melatonin shouldn't be taken with CNS (central nervous system) depressants, but don't see anything about anti-depressants. Good article to keep us all thinking about what we put in our bodies for health