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Can You Take Hydroxyzine And Melatonin Together For Sleep?

Wrestling with sleepless nights is no fun. When you’re seeking out options to help you get a better night’s sleep, you may feel as though you’d try anything to feel more rested through the night.

Hydroxyzine and melatonin have properties that can sometimes help people drift to sleep more easily. Are there any risks for taking supplements and medication together? Finding out more about each of these drugs can help you see why it’s better to take these separately.

Ultimately, you may be dealing with something bigger than occasional sleepless nights. Let’s learn more about Hydroxyzine and melatonin and determine whether talking to a Mood Health therapist is your next step to feeling better. 

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin already exists in your body. It’s a hormone your pineal gland produces to let your body know it’s time to rest. Factors such as getting outdoors and spending time in the sun can enhance the production of this hormone, while staying in dark spaces for extended amounts of time can diminish its production.

Many people take melatonin supplements when they feel that their body isn’t making enough to help them get to sleep naturally. These supplements are available over-the-counter, so you should exercise caution when taking them with other medications.

Side Effects of Melatonin 

As with many medications and supplements, trying melatonin can come with side effects. Take a look at the possible sensations you may experience under the influence of this supplement:

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Stomach discomfort

  • Headache

  • Anxiety

  • Crankiness

  • A feeling of heaviness

  • Temporary depression

  • Dizziness

Potential Benefits of Melatonin

While there are always adverse effects to consider when it comes to taking supplements, there are a few potential benefits:

  • Falling asleep after jet-lag

  • Resetting your sleep schedule after shift work

  • Helping your body feel calm after a restless day

It’s worth noting that researchers are still looking into the effectiveness of melatonin. Keep that in mind as you consider whether this supplement could enrich your life. 

What Is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine medication that can help adults and children relieve itchiness caused by an allergic skin reaction. 

In some cases, medical professionals may suggest hydroxyzine in tandem with other medications as a sedative. They may also suggest this medication before and after undergoing general anesthesia. 

Side Effects of Hydroxyzine 

When you take hydroxyzine for any reason, you may encounter several side effects. 

As always, keep a record of the side effects you experience and speak with your doctor about your sensations, especially if they do not subside after a reasonable time. Here are the common side effects you may encounter with hydroxyzine:

  • Dry mouth

  • Constipation 

  • Confusion 

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

Some side effects can be more severe:

  • Unintentional trembling

  • Shaking

  • Seizures

Before using this medication, talk to your doctor or health care provider about your allergies and medical history to determine if it’s right for you. 

Potential Benefits of Hydroxyzine 

When taking hydroxyzine, there are also a few benefits you can experience. First, you may experience relief from painful itching due to an allergic reaction. If your doctor suggests you use hydroxyzine as a way to manage anxiety, you may encounter more stable moods and feel a general relief from any tension.

Can You Mix Melatonin and Hydroxyzine? 

You may be wondering if you can mix melatonin and hydroxyzine for sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may feel that you’d try anything to get some rest.

Unfortunately, there can be a moderate level interaction between hydroxyzine and melatonin. Taking these together can cause the nervous system to slow down too much and produce symptoms such as confusion, impaired attention, and weakened psychomotor skills. 

If your doctor suggests you do take hydroxyzine with melatonin, you should do so under careful monitoring to ensure your Central Nervous System and respiratory system don’t undergo excessive depression.

Signs of a Sleep Disorder 

Think about your sleep patterns for a moment. How often do you rely on supplements such as melatonin to get to sleep? Once you’re asleep, do you remain in that state for the night, or do you wake up frequently? 

If your sleep patterns persist and aren’t merely occasional, consider talking to your doctor about whether you may have a sleep disorder. Here are a few common signs of a sleep disorder:

  • Difficulty concentrating during the day

  • Irritability

  • Impaired performance at work

Indicators For Anxiety 

When you’re thinking about your sleep health, you should also know that feeling restless and achieving poor sleep quality can signify something more serious. Lack of quality sleep can be a sign of anxiety and depression. 

Looking at other signs of anxiety may help you to determine whether you’re only dealing with sleeping challenges or if you’re dealing with anxiety. 

Here are a few everyday experiences of anxiety:

  • Excessive worry

  • Difficulty falling asleep

  • Avoidance of people or activities

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Uneasy Stomach

  • Overthinking

Three Actions That Can Help Your Nervous System Settle 

Perhaps as you read a few of the initial anxiety symptoms, you may have felt that your experience aligns with some of those listed.

While speaking to a mental health care provider is one of the best things you can do to help manage your restlessness and anxious thoughts, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to help your nervous system settle. 

1. Turning Off Electronics Before Bed 

Did you know your electronics can keep your nervous system alert far past the appropriate time? When you check your phone at night, you may think you’re catching up on social media for the day.

However, those notifications can trigger your brain’s adrenaline, which can cause you to stay alert and make falling asleep more of a challenge.

2. Meditation 

While researchers still have more work to do to understand meditation, you may experience several positive results from this practice. 

Making meditation a part of your wind-down routine each night can help your nervous system activate the chemicals that let your body know you can rest. Consider adding this to your nighttime ritual to allow your body to calm down before sleeping.

3. Reducing Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is often at work in your system far longer than you finish taking your last sip. If you’re a coffee or caffeinated beverage connoisseur, you may feel that you can’t go without your caffeine each day. 

For example, did you know that some medical experts suggest cutting off caffeine eight hours before going to sleep? Doing this may help aid your sleep quality each night. 

How Speaking To a Mood Health Provider Can Help

Sometimes, talking to a qualified mental health provider is a step that can help you understand what you’re going through. Suppose you want to look more deeply at your sleep patterns and symptoms of anxiety or depression. 

In that case, a Mood Health therapist or psychiatric provider can help you find a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan with you.

Anxiety Management With Mood Health 

All the sleepless nights and dealing with your symptoms can make you feel alone, isolated, and tired. We know it can be challenging to reach out for help when it’s needed. Finding traditional mental health care can be expensive, intimidating, and time-consuming. 

At Mood Health, we knew you needed better options for getting the mental health care you need. While traditional mental health care can cost you upwards of $200 per session, Mood Health offers more affordable psychiatric care and therapy. We do it because we believe you deserve to find mental health care that works with your budget.

Another downside to traditional therapy and psychiatric care is the environment. If you’re in a place where you need help, it can be intimidating to drive to a mental health care clinician’s office. At Mood Health, you can access affordable professional care from the comfort of your home through virtual appointments. 

One more difference between traditional mental health care and Mood Health is the scheduling. When looking for traditional mental health care, you may find that providers have a months-long waitlist for their next availability. We know you don’t have months to wait when you need help managing your symptoms. At Mood Health, you can make an appointment and see your provider within the week. 

Feeling Better Can Happen Sooner Than You Think 

When you’re having sleep difficulties or anxiety symptoms, knowing which medications or supplements will help can be unclear. Consider taking the first step of reaching out to a Mood Health provider to discuss your experiences and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

 

Sources:

The hidden stress of cell phones | UC Health

Calming your nerves and your heart through meditation – Science in the News | Harvard Health

When to stop drinking alcohol, water or caffeine before bed for better sleep | Psychiatry | Michigan Medicine | University of Michigan