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Hi Kathie, Several comments on your experience with Ambien. The problem certainly might have been precipitated by the drug itself. While not the rule with this type of medication it certainly does occur. I can think of alternative explanations to consider. Melatonin clearly affects circadian rhythms. The sudden cessation of the drug alone or in combination with Ambien may have been a precipitant. Also your suspicion of the drug certainly did not help its efficacy. The main point is that it did not work for you for whatever reason. Personally I would choose Ambien over melatonin for sleep but if it or something else that the data told me was safe and effective did not work for me I would likely try the melatonin too. Since it works for you and seems to have no negative effects (unless rebound insomnia had actually occurred) continue on the melatonin. Just realize that there probably are not long-term studies for either substance. Also for your info I found this promising report out of Germany published in the British Medical Journal. But FURTHER RESEARCH IS INDICATED. Abstract St John's wort for depression--an overview and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials [see comments] Authors: Linde K , Ramirez G , Mulrow CD , Pauls A , Weidenhammer W , Melchart D Projekt Munchener Modell, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Munich, Germany. BMJ 1996 Aug 3;313(7052):253-8 Article Number: UI96322668 Abstract: OBJECTIVE--To investigate if extracts of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) are more effective than placebo in the treatment of depression, are as effective as standard antidepressive treatment, and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressant drugs. DESIGN--Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials revealed by searches. TRIALS--23 randomised trials including a total of 1757 outpatients with mainly mild or moderately severe depressive disorders: 15 (14 testing single preparations and one a combination with other plant extracts) were placebo controlled, and eight (six testing single preparations and two combinations) compared hypericum with another drug treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--A pooled estimate of the responder rate ratio (responder rate in treatment group/responder rate in control group), and numbers of patients reporting and dropping out for side effects. RESULTS--Hypericum extracts were significantly superior to placebo (ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 4.01) and similarly effective as standard antidepressants (single preparations 1.10; 0.93 to 1.31, combinations 1.52; 0.78 to 2.94). There were two (0.8%) drop outs for side effects with hypericum and seven (3.0%) with standard antidepressant drugs. Side effects occurred in 50 (19.8%) patients on hypericum and 84 (52.8%) patients on standard antidepressants. CONCLUSION--There is evidence that extracts of hypericum are more effective than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderately severe depressive disorders. Further studies comparing extracts with standard antidepressants in well defined groups of patients and comparing different extracts and doses are needed. -- ********************************************************** CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. MADISON, WISCONSIN **********************************************************