Expert: Eric Brandt - 2/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: i saw a natural product highly rated for sleep called ambesleep.it contained hops extract,valerian root,l-thoanine ,passion flower, and i think the most dangerous melatonin.all these expensive overated sleep aid have m\melatomim.i have diabetes and mu\y doc said those natural products are pure shit.should i stick with remeron and xanax/or is the snake oil wothh a shot/melatonin and diabetes what say you

ANSWER: Hi Cosmo,
Valerian root is similar in action to benzodiazepines and has been used effectively in Europe for many years. Melatonin is a natural hormone which resets the body's sleep/wake cycle. These are not snake oil. They  have documented effectiveness. They may not be as effective as prescription medications but they do work for many people. You can not stop Xanax abruptly if you have used it for years. Doing so may result in withdrawal symptoms. You need to slowly wean off if you want to try the natural product. The Valerian root, because of its benzo-like action, may make the withdrawal symptoms more bearable. Valerian root and melatonin will not adversely affect diabetes.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: a lot of psychiatridts are using gabitril in non-epilectics as sleep aid.i know they work differental but which of the 2 meds in your opion has less side effects?im mean between gabitril and remeron which is safer?

Answer
Hi Cosmo,
Both drugs are safe if used according to labeled indications. The bottom line is, off label use of a medication is less safe than using as indicated, espeically if te manufacurer warns against it.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm