Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland (a small gland in the brain) that is available as a supplement. As a supplement, it is not regulated as tightly as prescription or non-prescription medications. Most melatonin supplements on the market today are synthetic versions of this naturally occurring hormone. Melatonin is often claimed to be helpful for the following uses:
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone. It seems to play an important role in the circadian rhythm (the daily internal rhythm that regulates sleeping, waking, and other functions). Normally, melatonin levels increase at night and decrease during the day. Sometimes, people have low melatonin levels or levels that are a bit mixed up, with high levels during the day and low levels at night. It is thought that such problems can lead to sleep disorders. Taking melatonin at night helps to replicate the natural rhythm, which can help people reestablish normal sleeping patterns.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, which is why it may have some usefulness for preventing cancer or other conditions of aging (such as
Alzheimer's disease). It is not known how melatonin might work for preventing
headaches. For cancer treatment, melatonin seems to work in numerous ways. It may directly inhibit tumor growth, affect hormones that stimulate cancers, and also help prevent or lessen some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
Melatonin appears to be effective for many uses, but further research is needed to establish how to safely and effectively use the product.
Dosing Information for Melatonin
Melatonin is available in a large range of doses. For many uses, the safe and effective dose has not yet been established. However, general dosing information is available based on clinical studies and years of experience with such products.
Side Effects of Melatonin
Many people believe that "natural" products, such as melatonin, have no side effects. However, some natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Melatonin can cause side effects such as:
(Click Melatonin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Melatonin
Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to melatonin. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Melatonin Safety for more information, including any available melatonin warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose of Melatonin?
It is not known exactly what to expect from a melatonin overdose, although there have been reports of the following problems occurring:
- Confusion
- Liver problems
- Eye problems
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Psychotic behavior or thinking.
If you think you may have taken too much melatonin, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Melatonin Be Stored?
Refer to the label of your individual melatonin product for information on how to best store it. Keep melatonin and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
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