I Smell Some Bias Here =
Because it does not have to be prescribed, and since it is in the public domain, few doctors care to publicize its advantages
sounds like someone has an axe to grind
- I went through the Ambien roller-coaster while combatting chronic insomnia last year. I asked three different doctors about melatonin, and they all recommended me not taking it, but sticking with them on the Ambien train. A fourth doctor actually recommended melatonin, and showed me a couple of websites which cited most of the research and results, and when I began taking it, it was like night and day. After less than three days, my chronic insomnia was under control. It still took me a couple months to recover from the effects of chronic insomnia , but Im still taking just .3 milligrams and am doing fine. Mugaliens 14:30, 22 July 2006
- Scroll down to the bottom comments, theres a number of scientific studies done that show testis shrinkage in animals, as well as a decreased sex drive.Urbanriot 02:41, 22 January 2007
- Very true and a good thing it is, too. Neither the species nor the individuals have anything to gain having young in a season when theyre likely to starve or freeze to death by the age of 2 days. Humans or our ancestors were undoubtedly more seasonal animals in the past than we are now. Hordaland 18:50, 9 November 2007
Its North American bias also, melatonin is prescribed as an unlicensed medication to treat sleep disorders in the UK Waydee 18:07, 8 October 2008
How Much Melatonin Is Too Much Can You Overdose On Melatonin
Taking too much melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm and cause unwanted side effects so yes, you can technically overdose on melatonin.“Signs of melatonin overdose may include but are not limited to excessive sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, lethargy, low blood pressure and confusion,” Dr. Rishi says. Officials at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine also highlight chronic headaches, high blood pressure, vomiting or nausea, as well as increased hair loss as potential symptoms of a melatonin overdose.
It’s important to note that melatonin is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. andis not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which means there are no official safety guidelines on dosage, though the best products abide by the “USP Verified” program that establishes production standards guided by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention.
However, Dr. Rishi advises that adults should not take more than 5mg a night without talking to their doctor or medical provider. Any dosage higher than this threshold is more likely to trigger immediate side effects including headache and dizziness in some individuals, as highlighted in materials published by the Mayo Clinic.
If you believe you’ve taken too much melatonin, you should contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
How Else Can You Improve Your Sleep Quality
“Melatonin works synergistically with other practices,” says Dr. Dow. “You’ll get the best results by combining a melatonin supplement with simple sleep hygiene strategies like keeping a consistent bedtime, exposing yourself to natural light first thing in the morning, and keeping the bedroom very dark and cool.” That includes avoiding blue light, so no scrolling through your phone or staring at the clock.
Most importantly, you’ll want to seek medical guidance to find the root of your insomnia. “As a sleep clinician, I first ask why is this person not sleeping?” Dr. Singh says. “That’s the fundamental thing.” Mental health and quality sleep go hand-in-hand, and melatonin alone can’t fix those kinds of issuesnor can it cure chronic, long-term insomnia. So, if you think you need to take melatonin everyday, don’t. Instead, talk to your doctor about more effective strategies and treatments for long-term relief.
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What Medication Can Interact With Melatonin
Its important to know how other medicines may interact with melatonin. As a general rule of thumb, consult your doctor before taking any new herbs or supplements.
Melatonin can reduce the effectiveness of some prescription drugs, triggering possibly serious complications.
For example, you shouldnt combine an anticoagulant or blood thinner medication with melatonin. Melatonin can increase the risk of bleeding.
Melatonin may also increase blood pressure in people who take medication to control their hypertension.
Other drugs that may interact with melatonin include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Also dont take melatonin if youve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, like lupus.
Autoimmune diseases are the result of an overactive immune system, and inflammation is a classic symptom on these diseases. Melatonin can stimulate immune system activity, increasing inflammation and exacerbating an existing disease.
When Should You Take Melatonin
Natural melatonin production in the body typically starts to increase 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. When taking melatonin to sleep better at night, most people find the best method is to take it within two hours of when they want to fall asleep. People who are taking melatonin for shift work or jet lag must calculate the best time of day to take these supplements in order to regulate their unique sleep-wake cycle.
Ensure that you will be able to sleep long enough for the melatonin to wear off when you wake up, and avoid driving or using heavy machinery within four to five hours of taking melatonin supplements.
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What Is The Right Dosage Of Melatonin: How Much Is Too Much
Knowing how much melatonin to take is tricky, especially since some brands may recommend a dosage thats more than your body actually needs.
As you shop around, youll find that some melatonin supplements contain as much as 5 to 10 milligrams per serving.
Generally speaking, most people produce enough melatonin to sleep well. If you need a little extra to reset your sleep cycle, you probably dont need more than 3 mg. Some people sleep better with as little as 0.3 to 0.5 mg.
Melatonin needs vary from person to person. Since melatonin can have many effects on the body, like all drugs, it should be taken at the lowest dose possible, warns Dr. Jacobowitz.
With that being said, start with a low amount. If you still have problems sleeping, gradually step up your dose until you find an amount that improves sleep without causing side effects.
Less is more with melatonin to avoid sleep inertia. This is a common problem with some sleeping pills. Some people complain of a hungover or groggy feeling in the mornings due to remnants of the sleep aid remaining in their bloodstream.
This effect doesnt typically occur with melatonin, but it can happen if you take too much the night before.
Melatonin is also safe for children. And like adults, some children dont need a lot of the supplement to sleep better.
Again, start your child at a lower dose, and then gradually increase the amount of melatonin as needed. Talk to your doctor for advice on appropriate dosages.
Melatonin Dose For Children
Broadly speaking, Dr. Goldman doesnt have recommendations for children when using melatonin. In most cases with teens or younger children, trouble falling asleep is a behavioral issue or it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. In these cases, Dr. Goldman recommends working with a pediatrician or sleep medicine provider to diagnose the problem before using melatonin.
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Does Melatonin Interact With Other Medications
Melatonin may interact with other medications that are also metabolized by the same liver enzymes, leading to higher plasma melatonin concentrations. It is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider if you are currently on a prescription medication and plan on using melatonin supplements.
âItâs best to start with a low dose of melatonin. If you give your body more than it needs, itâs possible to have the opposite effectâ¦â
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When To Take Melatonin
Everyone reacts differently, but in most cases, youll want to take melatonin about 30 minutes before bed because it takes about 20 to 40 minutes to work.
Its not a sedative, so its not going to knock you out, notes Dr. Roth. Melatonin is like a little dose of nighttime. It tells that melatonin system to turn on.
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Melatonin Dosage For Older Adults
Melatonin levels naturally , disrupting the sleep-wake cycles for many older adults. As a result, older adults may have an increased sensitivity to melatonin.
In a meta-analysis of 16 studies, melatonin dosages between 0.1 and 50 milligrams per kilogram were administered to older adults aged 55 to 77 years old. In all of the studies, the melatonin levels remained higher among the older adults when compared to younger adults and stayed higher for a longer period of time leading to increased daytime drowsiness. The more melatonin the person took, the more pronounced these effects.
As a result, researchers recommend older adults start with the lowest dose of melatonin possible. Lower doses may help older adults sleep better without disrupting their circadian rhythms and causing prolonged drowsiness.
Older adults with dementia should avoid melatonin, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Can Promote Eye Health
Melatonin is high in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy.
In fact, research suggests that melatonin could be beneficial in treating conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration .
In a study in 100 people with AMD, supplementing with 3 mg of melatonin for 624 months helped protect the retina, delay age-related damage and preserve visual clarity .
Additionally, a rat study found that melatonin decreased the severity and incidence of retinopathy an eye disease that affects the retina and can result in vision loss .
However, research is limited and additional human studies are needed to determine the effects of long-term melatonin supplements on eye health.
Summary
Melatonin is high in antioxidants and has been shown to treat eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration and retinopathy in human and animal studies.
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Melatonin has been shown to block the secretion of stomach acids. It also decreases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus .
For this reason, some research suggests that melatonin may be used to treat heartburn and GERD.
One study in 36 people showed that taking melatonin alone or with omeprazole a common GERD medication was effective at relieving heartburn and discomfort .
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What Happens If I Take Melatonin With Another Medication
According to the Mayo Clinic, taking melatonin should be safe for most people, though in some circumstances it can interact with other medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives and others. However, this doesnt mean the interaction will be dangerous, in some cases it may just inhibit melatonins ability to simulate drowsiness.
Before taking melatonin, be sure to discuss your current medications with your doctor to be sure its the right choice for you.
How Much Melatonin Is Too Much
Taken on a short-term basis, melatonin has very few side effects and when they do appear, they tend to be mild. Research shows that some side effects of taking melatonin can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness.3Low dose melatonin can safely be taken for up to 3 months, however doses higher than 5 mg should not be taken for longer than 2 months.
If youre pregnant or nursing, you should consult your physician before taking melatonin. Keep in mind that, like all supplements, melatonin might interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure or blood thinning medicines so best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking melatonin if you are taking prescription medications. In older adults, melatonin may remain active in their bodies longer than it does in younger people and also may cause daytime lethargy.3
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The Bottom Line
If you struggle to fall asleep once your head hits the pillow, you might benefit from taking melatonin to help regulate your bodys sleep cycle. The optimal melatonin dose depends on your age, so start with the lowest dose of melatonin as may be effective to meet your needs. If youre not sure whether takinga melatonin supplement is the right choice for you , talk with your health care professional for guidance and support.
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References
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How Many Melatonin Gummies Can I Take
To estimate the proper dose of melatonin gummies:
Who Can And Cannot Take Melatonin
Melatonin is mainly prescribed for adults aged 55 or over, to help for short-term sleep problems.
It can sometimes be used by adults under the age of 55 and by children, if a doctor recommends it.
It’s not suitable for some people. To make sure melatonin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to melatonin or any other medicines in the past
- have liver or kidney problems
- have rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus, or any other autoimmune condition
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Synthesis And Physiologic Role In Humans
Melatonin is an indole hormone, widely distributed in both plant and animal sources, such as human milk, bananas, beets, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Chemically, melatonin is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, a derivative of serotonin, which in turn is derived from tryptophan. Serotonin is first acetylated by N-acetyltransferase and then methylated by hydroxyindole orthomethyltransferase to form melatonin. Melatonin synthesis depends on intact beta-adrenergic receptor function. Norepinephrine activates the N-acetyltransferase and beta-receptor blockers depress melatonin secretion.
The enzymes of melatonin synthesis are activated and depressed, respectively, by darkness and light. Release of melatonin follows a circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei in response to daylight alterations.
Through melatonin release, the pineal gland maintains the internal clock governing the natural rhythms of body function. This apparent clock-setting property of melatonin has led to the suggestion that it is a chronobiotic substance that alters and potentially normalizes biological rhythms and adjusts the timing of other critical processes and biomolecules that, in turn, exert numerous peripheral actions.
What’s The Most Popular Dose
“Most individuals will do fine on a two to two-and-a-half milligram dose,” says Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, Ph.D., neuroscientist and Head Sleep Specialist at Wesper. “Using more than five milligrams of melatonin per night isn’t recommended unless you’re working closely with your doctor.” Typically, 10 milligram options aren’t available over the counter and would only be recommended for those who suffer from blindness and non-24 hour sleep-wake disorder, explains Dr. Durmer. “Too much melatonin can actually disrupt the circadian rhythm and make sleep more difficult,” Dr. Rohrscheib adds. When you first “start low and go slow,” Dr. Rohrscheib recommends beginning with a half or one milligram one hour before bedtime, then “increasing in small increments until you find a dose that works for you.”
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What Is The Best Time To Take Melatonin
Melatonin is not a sleep aid its a sleep regulator. What this means is that melatonin signals to your body that its time to sleep, but it does not sedate you, like typical sleep medicines.
Because of this distinction, its important to pay attention to timing when taking melatonin.
The best time to take melatonin may in part depend on the situation. For instance, scientists are currently exploring the optimal time to take melatonin for people working overnight shifts. For improving sleep quality at a regular bedtime, however, several reviews recommend taking melatonin between 30 to 60 minutes before sleeping .
Is It Safe To Take Melatonin
For melatonin supplements, particularly at doses higher than what the body normally produces, thereâs not enough information yet about possible side effects to have a clear picture of overall safety. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most people, but information on the long-term safety of supplementing with melatonin is lacking.
Also keep in mind:
-
Interactions with medicines
- As with all dietary supplements, people who are taking medicine should consult their health care providers before using melatonin. In particular, people with epilepsy and those taking blood thinner medications need to be under medical supervision when taking melatonin supplements.
Possible allergic reaction risk
Safety concerns for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Safety concerns for older people
Melatonin is regulated as a dietary supplement
Products may not contain whatâs listed on the label
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How And When To Take It
The dose will vary depending on why you’re taking it. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine if you’re taking melatonin to:
- prevent headaches
If your child is prescribed melatonin, follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Find out more about giving melatonin to children from Medicines for Children.