Yesterday I just started taking a whole cocktail of meds that my neurologist prescribed.

I'm taking Maxalt, Verapamil, depakote, and methylprednisolone or something like that.

I know this is a question for pharmacist, but I forgot to ask, Is it ok to take Melatonin with drugs listed above? Haven't gotten much sleep lately and was hoping Melatonin could help in that area. Thanks guys

For purposes of SLEEP, an excellent study out of England concluded that a bedtime dose of 1/3mg was better than larger or smaller doses. Since 1mg is standard in the drug store I've compromised at 1/2mg and have found it effective--but must be used regularly, not just occasional, randomly.

Don't use in large doses which are often suggested here for treament of CH. That would compromise the treatment given by your doc and it would make it impossible to know what's working.

demonh8r wrote on Mar 25^th, 2010 at 6:09pm:


Yes.  If it time released, splitting might speed up the release,but that isn't dangerous.  Most melatonin is not time released anyway. I often split 3 mg into halves or fourths.

Lots of people here still take larger doses. Read the caveat above ... a study found that for purposes of improving sleep in the average person, only a small amount is needed. But for effectively treating cluster headaches, many people need 9 mg or more. 

Personally, I take melatonin throughout the year, as studies have shown that episodic clusterheads don't produce much melatonin even when they are out of cycle. If I am feeling ok, I may only take 1/4 a tablet (0.75 mg) a few times a week. If I feel the type of sleep disruptions that are associated with the beast, I will increase the dose and start enforcing a sleep schedule (eg, I take melatonin at 9:30 every night, and in bed with lights out at 10:00 sharp).  For me, 1.5 to 3 mg every night and a strict schedule often get me back to normal ... part of the problem is a disturbance of circadian cycles. Once the beast gets a foothold, larger doses of melatonin may be needed.

For "regular" sleep issues the research states what Bob suggested.

As a preventative for clusters the research is now suggesting upwards of 18-24mg.

I will look for the source.

Regardless of what "We" say, talk to your doctor first.

good luck