What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- depressed mood, irritable, or other changes in moods or behaviors
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- increased blood pressure
- irregular or missed menstrual periods
- signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms light-colored stools loss of appetite nausea right upper belly pain unusually weak or tired yellowing of the eyes or skin
- trouble staying awake or alert during the day
- unusual activities while you are still asleep like driving, eating, making phone calls
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
- dizziness
How To Use Melatonin 3 Mg Tablet Hypnotics
This product is taken by mouth with or without food, usually before bedtime or as directed by the package label. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep after taking this medication.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. If you are taking the extended-release tablets, do not crush or chew them. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
If you are using the chewable form, chew thoroughly before swallowing.
If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Some brands of this medication should be shaken well before each use.
If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before handling the tablet. Some brands are meant to be placed on the tongue, while others are placed under the tongue. Follow your brand’s directions for placing your dose either on or under the tongue. Allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. You do not need to take this medication with water.
Other Possible Melatonin Side Effects
- Melatonin and birth control effects melatonin supplements may not be safe for women trying to get pregnant. It seems that melatonin has similar effects as birth control, making it more difficult for women to reach ovulation and become pregnant. Some evidence shows that lower doses, up to 3mg are safe, but there is not enough research to prove that.
- Melatonin and bleeding disorders it is believed that regular melatonin intake can worsen the symptoms and effects of bleeding disorders. Studies show that melatonin may slow blood clotting or coagulation, which may lead to excessive bleeding and bruising.
- Melatonin and epilepsy studies and current data show that melatonin can trigger or worsen epilepsy and seizure frequency in some people. While some experts argue otherwise, some professionals do not recommend melatonin intake in people who are prone to having epileptic or other types of seizures not even small doses.
- Melatonin and transplant recipients because melatonin can increase the immune function, it might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy used by transplant recipients.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Low Testosterone
Bottom Line: Pros And Cons
Benefits:
- Widely available in the U.S. over-the-counter without a prescription
- Short-term use is relatively safe with little evidence of toxicity
- Inexpensive product with generics or store brands available
- Lower dose and orally-dissolvable products for children are available
- Comes in a variety of dosage forms and doses
Downsides:
- Not approved for any uses by the FDA
- Quality of some products cannot always be assured
- Studies for less common uses are not consistent
- Doses tend to vary between patients always ask a medical professional for dosing advice in children
- Effective lower doses are not always commercially available
- Higher doses used over a prolonged period may lead to rebound insomnia and are not well studied.
What Are The Long
Minimal research exists on using melatonin beyond a few months. Therefore, there is much we dont know about its long-term effects. There is not even agreement on what constitutes long-term melatonin use.
Most of the concern around taking melatonin for extended periods centers around its potential to affect reproductive hormones. While the exact mechanism of action is still unclear, some reports indicate that melatonin may inhibit reproductive hormones.
Don’t Miss: Does Estrogen Cream Help Lichen Sclerosus
Side Effects Of Melatonin: 8 Groups Should Avoid Taking Melatonin
September 28, 2020// by Terry Cralle//
Melatonin, also known as the hormone of darkness is a hormone responsible for the regulation of your sleep-wake cycle. However, promoting and regulating sleep is only one of its physiological functions.
This hormone plays an important role in bodily functions, the functions of organs like the kidney or liver, and helps regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. Melatonin is also shown useful in cases of tumors and cancers, where it prevents oxidative stress to promote the growth of cancerous cells.
Now, all of this sounds rather impressive, and sure enough, because melatonin is a naturally produced hormone coming from the very brain, no one would suspect it harmful. However, melatonin supplements, on the other hand, are raising some eyebrows in the medical community.
Over the past few years, melatonin supplements have been studied concerning their possible side effects. Turns out, melatonin intake can cause a dozen of adverse effects, which can pose a long-term danger. In the following paragraphs, well take a look at the major side effects, every melatonin producing company would hide from you. So, lets get started!
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Melatonin
You should not use melatonin if you are allergic to it.
Before using melatonin, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use melatonin if you have certain medical conditions, especially:
- diabetes
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia
- high or low blood pressure
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder or
- if you are using any medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
High doses of melatonin may affect ovulation, making it difficult for you to get pregnant.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
Don’t Miss: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance
Who Should Take Melatonin
*For occasional insomnia and sleeplessness: Short term help for certain insomnia such as delayed sleep disorder or other sleep disorders affecting circadian rhythm. Some report that Melatonin helps reduce the time it takes for them to fall asleep.
*Children with neurodevelopmental disorders
*Shift workers
*Jet lag
What Are Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin supplements help regulate your sleep cycle. And interestingly, melatonin is the only hormone available in the United States without a prescription. You can purchase these supplements from grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food stores.
While people who produce enough melatonin might not have an issue with sleep, melatonin levels can change over time and for different reasons.
One belief is that melatonin levels drop with age. Also, having a circadian rhythm disorder can affect melatonin production. These are sleep disorders that interfere with the timing of sleep, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome , in which a delay in falling asleep leads to difficulty waking up.
Recommended Reading: Can Tubal Ligation Cause Menopause
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Melatonin
Melatonin isnt medicine, but you can experience side effects if youre sensitive to the supplement.
The upside is that side effects of melatonin are usually mild and subside as your body adjusts.
Side effects vary, but include:
- Irritability
- Headache
Melatonin has also been known to exacerbate depressive symptoms, and should be used with caution in those suffering from depression, according to Dr. Politis.
Experiencing side effects doesnt always mean that you should stop taking melatonin. The decision to stop will depend on the severity of your side effects, and whether they improve or continue.
Of course, its all about tolerance, too. If you take melatonin and repeatedly experience cramps or diarrhea the next day, you might be sensitive and need to consider other options for better sleep, perhaps chamomile tea or lavender oil.
To reduce the likelihood of side effects, always start with a low dose of melatonin. Only increase your dose as needed.
Many brands of synthetic melatonin contain 5 to 10 milligrams per serving, which is more than what people often need to regulate their sleep cycle.
Some adults only need a little melatonin, while others need more. Children can typically get by with a lesser amount, too.
This doesnt mean that you cant take 5 or 10 mg every night, but you should discuss this with your doctor first to ensure your body can handle a larger dosage.
Studies Regarding Melatonin And Dementia
Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reviewed the perks of melatonin and the effect of environmental light on seniors with dementia.
The study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that melatonin was useful with sleep issues.
However, it also increased withdrawn dementia-related behavior. The results were enhanced when combined with a bright light environment. The study involved 189 elderly persons.
Most of the participants had dementia. All the participants were living in assisted care facilities.
The seniors were assigned to different groups randomly.
The groups received different treatments and these included:
- Melatonin and dim light exposure
- Melatonin and bright light exposure
- Placebo and dim light
- Placebo and bright light
The researchers discovered that melatonin helped to enhance the onset of sleep as well as sleep duration by 27 minutes.
Side Effects
However, it was also the cause of unwanted side effects of increased depressive and withdrawn behaviour in participants.
Bright light therapy was also linked to improvements in depressive and cognitive deterioration symptoms as well as improved functional abilities and daily living activities.
The experts concluded that a combination of the two therapies produced the best results. This resulted in a decrease in agitation, night-time restlessness, and aggression.
It seemed that a bright light environment countered the negative melatonin effects.
You May Like: Nugenix Estrogen Blocker
Can You Overdose On Melatonin
You can overdose on melatonin if you take too much. The symptoms of melatonin overdose can vary from person to person. If you ingest too much, the number one symptom is excessive drowsiness. However, in some instances the opposite may happen and some people find themselves in a state of enhanced alertness.
The signs of an overdose of melatonin are:
- If you develop a headache
- If you develop an upset stomach
- If you develop diarrhea
- If you develop sudden anxiety
- If you become irritable
Plus, melatonin can spike your blood pressure if you take more than what is recommended. If you already have high blood pressure, then you should talk to your doctor before taking melatonin.
Taking Melatonin When Pregnant
Taking melatonin during pregnancy might help protect the babys brain against damage. However, there is not enough available evidence to confirm this benefit.
A 2016 review of studies did not find any evidence that taking melatonin during pregnancy has protective effects on a fetus.
When it comes to promoting sleep, melatonin may not be the best choice during pregnancy. It might interfere with the sleep cycles of the woman and the baby.
Although melatonin is safe overall, there is not enough research on its effects during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking this supplement.
You May Like: What Causes Breakthrough Bleeding When On Bioidentical Hormones
Why Do We Give Our Dogs Melatonin At Night
Dr. Marie Haynes, a veterinarian in Ottawa, Canada, says shes also seen melatonin help dogs who have thunderstorm anxieties. We use it whenever we need some sort of calming effect, she says. Melatonin is believed to help regulate the internal processes that tell our bodies whether its night or day, time to sleep or time to play.
Is Melatonin Safe For Patients With Dementia
The supplements are generally safe and can be used to treat insomnia in people who have trouble getting quality sleep.
The drugs can improve sleep moderately.
Even though the drugs may be safe for most healthy people, some experts do not recommend melatonin for seniors with dementia.
This view has been backed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
The institution does not advise elderly people with dementia to use melatonin or other sleep-promoting drugs.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Can You Give A Dog Melatonin For Jet Lag
Humans may use melatonin supplements to overcome the insomnia associated with jet lag. It can also help older dogs with cognitive dysfunctions regulate their biorhythms and get a better nights sleep, Morgan says. What I use melatonin most commonly for is the treatment of Cushings disease , Morgan says.
Does Melatonin Work For Shift Workers
Shift work that involves night shifts may cause people to feel sleepy at work and make it difficult to sleep during the daytime after a shift ends.
According to two 2014 research reviews, studies on whether melatonin supplements help shift workers were generally small or inconclusive.
- The first review looked at 7 studies that included a total of 263 participants. The results suggested that people taking melatonin may sleep about 24 minutes longer during the daytime, but other aspects of sleep, such as time needed to fall asleep, may not change. The evidence, however, was considered to be of low quality.
- The other review looked at 8 studies , with a total of 300 participants, to see whether melatonin helped promote sleep in shift workers. Six of the studies were high quality, and they had inconclusive results. The review did not make any recommendations for melatonin use in shift workers.
Read Also: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance
How Much Melatonin Should You Take
For melatonin to be helpful, the correct dosage, method and time of day it is taken must be appropriate to the sleep problem. Taking it at the wrong time of day may reset your biological clock in an undesirable direction.
Keep the dose close to the amount that our bodies normally produce . You should only use the lowest amount possible to achieve the desired effect.
Between 0.5mg to 5 mg about 60 minutes before bedtime is a typical dose for adults, while children should take a smaller dose.
People commonly make the mistake of assuming that taking higher doses of melatonin will lead to better shut-eye. But the opposite is true: Too much taken at once can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or irritability, all of which can disrupt your sleep.
The Melatonin Side Effects You Should Know About
Yes, it could cause insomnia.
If youre like the 88 percent of women regularly not sleeping through the night , youve probably found yourself looking for alternatives to counting sheep.
Last year, the National Institutes of Health reported that 3.1 million Americans used melatonin supplements to fall asleep. Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by your brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, or when your body wants to wake up and go to sleep, says Jocelyn Cheng, M.D., a neurologist at NYU Langone Health.
Studies have actually shown that melatonin can help people with sleep disorders fall asleep anywhere between 27 and 50 minutes faster.
But before you go buy out your local vitamin shop’s stock, remember: A supplement is not a regulated drug, so theres always a question as to whether youre getting what it claims to be, warns Rachel Salas, M.D., a neurologist with a focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
One study actually found that 71 percent of melatonin supplements did not meet the claims on the label, with some listing up to five times the amount of the hormone than it actually contained. Look for supplements displaying seals from the United States Pharmacopeial Convention or NSF International so you know the manufacturers are legit.
Of course, like any drug or supplement, melatonin can come with some side effects.
Recommended Reading: Does Tubal Ligation Cause Hormonal Imbalance
How Long Does It Take For Melatonin To Kick In
With the recommended dose of melatonin , it takes around one to two hours to induce sleep. Hence, you should take melatonin supplements two hours before your bedtime.
If you want to take melatonin to avoid getting jetlag, you need to start taking the pills a few days before you make your trip. Once you reach the new time zone, take the melatonin sleeping aid two hours before you go to bed.
Consider Melatonin Sleep Help For Occasional Insomnia
Even sound sleepers have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once in a while, Buenaver says. You may want to try melatonin for sleep if you have difficulty for more than a night or two. Research shows that a supplement may help people with insomnia fall asleep slightly faster and may have bigger benefits for those with delayed sleep phase syndromefalling asleep very late and waking up late the next day.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone