What is Melatonin?
Melatonin, or N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine, is a hormone produced in the pineal gland in response to dimming light at sunset [1, 2]. Hence it can also be referred to as the 'hormone of darkness' or sleepy hormone [3, 4]. Consistent with this, melatonin production is suppressed in the morning by bright or blue light emitted from screens.
Melatonin is crucial in controlling the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness [1, 2]. Therefore, melatonin is released cyclically every 24 hours, with a peak at 9 p.m. and a trough at 9 a.m. [5]. Your body can maintain a subtle melatonin cycle even without the critical light cues for a few days, but the magnitude of the fluctuation is likely to attenuate.
In addition to sleep and circadian regulation, melatonin has other significant roles throughout the body. For example, it is an antioxidant, helps regulate the cell cycle, affects neuroplasticity, and has even been linked to depression [6].
Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is also available as a synthetic dietary supplement to address difficulty falling asleep, jet lag, and certain circadian rhythm disorders [2]. In most countries they can be purchased without a prescription.
Melatonin supplements themselves, however, do not induce sleep like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or clomethiazone [7].
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. It the most commonly known brand name for the combination of two central nervous system stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine [8].
How Does Adderall Work?
Adderall medication works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These are two critical neurotransmitters that regulate alertness and attention in the midbrain and prefrontal cortex. Branded Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release capsule known as Adderall XR. The immediate-release form releases the drug into your body right away, while the extended-release form slowly releases the drug into your body over a long period of time [8].
Caution
Adderall is a controlled substance that can be highly addictive. It has high abuse potential, and one must not take Adderall unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.
Can You Take Melatonin and Adderall Together?
Yes
Melatonin and Adderall can be combined and may help one fall asleep faster.
Melatonin and Adderall are two different types of medications that serve opposing purposes. Therefore, taking melatonin and Adderall together will counteract the stimulant properties of Adderall.
Reducing Adderall's stimulant effects may be desirable, for example, when falling asleep. Indeed, melatonin can be effective in improving sleep difficulties in children with ADHD who are taking stimulant medications similar to Adderall [9, 10, 11]. In one particular study, melatonin improved sleep problems in 60.8% of children with ADHD who were taking methylphenidate [9].
This is because taking melatonin before bed helps the body feel sleepy, counteracting the stimulant effects of Adderall. As melatonin is available without a prescription, it is easily obtainable and has minimal side effects. Several common side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, agitation, or headaches, which may be exacerbated under drug interactions [9]. Therefore, one must be careful only to combine Adderall and melatonin when one is trying to fall asleep. Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking Adderall and Melatonin can make one fall asleep even during the day, which could be detrimental to a good night's sleep.
If you find you struggle to sleep while taking Adderall, consider first trying behavioral remedies, such as improving sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques or behavioral therapy, taking pharmaceutical substances. This is mainly because behavioral techniques have fewer possible side effects and provide long-term solutions for your sleep difficulties. To find out more about effective treatment options, you may wish to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Melatonin and ADHD
Melatonin is particularly important in managing sleep patterns, which are often disrupted in individuals with ADHD [9]. Research suggests that up to 75% of adults who have had ADHD since childhood experience a delay in their circadian rhythm phase [9]. This means that one tends to go to sleep later and later every day, which leads to difficulties waking up for daily responsibilities and daytime sleepiness. One randomised control trial of chronotherapy, therapy relating to the circadian rhythm, found that low doses of melatonin advanced the circadian rhythm and reduced self-reported ADHD symptoms [12]. In contrast to this, a study in children found no impact of Adderall on ADHD symptoms [10], demonstrating that further research is necessary to establish the exact interaction between Melatonin and ADHD. One likely explanation for the discrepancy in these results is the concurrent treatments received by these groups, where the latter study looked at methylphenidate-treated individuals, whereas the former studied unmedicated individuals.
Combining Adderall with bright light exposure during the early part of the day did not have this positive effect, demonstrating that melatonin has a unique role in regulating both circadian rhythms and possibly even ADHD pathology.
While melatonin can be a useful supplement for managing sleep issues in individuals with ADHD, it should not be considered a standalone treatment for the disorder.
Summary: Melatonin and Adderall
Melatonin is a helpful supplement for treating jet lag and sleeping difficulties. It can be used in conjunction with Adderall without severe side effects or drug interactions. Melatonin can help individuals with ADHD get restful sleep by reducing the stimulating effects of Adderall. As with any prescription drug, make sure to consult your healthcare provider about taking any supplements with your prescription.