Melatonin

Melatonin is an over-the-counter dietary supplement used mainly for short-term treatment of sleep problems in individuals above 55 years. However, a doctor can recommend it for children and adults below 55. The hormonal supplement helps improve several other symptoms, including jetlag. Do not consume melatonin above the recommended amount, as this might precipitate overdose effects.

What is Melatonin, and How Does it Work?

Melatonin is a natural chemical (hormone) produced by the body in response to darkness. The hormone controls the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, that lets a person know when to wake, sleep or eat.

The pineal gland produces the highly lipid-soluble melatonin hormone, which is then secreted into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The endogenous hormone acts on a particular part of the brain and controls the sleep-wake cycle. Besides that, it influences other body functions such as immune function, integrity of gut lining, blood glucose regulation, and body weight.

Melatonin dietary supplements, extracted from animals or synthesized in the lab, work similarly to the natural hormone produced by the pineal gland.

What Does Melatonin Treat?

• Jet lag

People travelling by air across multiple time zones might not feel well overall and may struggle with disturbed sleep with daytime tiredness and impaired functioning. Melatonin can help reduce these symptoms of jet lag. 

• Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder

Some people find it difficult to fall asleep before 2-6 AM and prefer to wake up around noon. Melatonin supplements appear to help such people, although further research is needed to ascertain the benefits versus the risks.

• Insomnia

Melatonin reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, but the impact on sleep quality remains unclear. The supplement is recommended for treating general insomnia in adults (55+ years) who are melatonin deficient.

• Sleep disorders in children

Children with certain conditions including ADHD and autism, often have sleep disturbances. Evidence suggests that melatonin can be effective in treating such sleep problems in children.

Other uses of melatonin include lowering anxiety before surgery, alleviating confusion and restlessness in Alzheimer’s disease, and treating shift work disorder.

How to Use Melatonin

Melatonin is available as controlled-release capsules and tablets of 0.125 mg to 10 mg. Take this supplement according to the drug label. It is taken by mouth once daily in the evening, after meals.

For sleep problems, take the drug 1-2 hours before bed, as melatonin requires a few hours to begin working.

Swallow the tablet whole. (Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules).

Dosage

The dose of melatonin varies depending on the indication and age. Take the drug strictly according to medication labels, including the amount and frequency. Mostly, adults use up to 10 mg of melatonin daily, while children should take a maximum of 3 mg per day.

For general insomnia in adults, doctors often prescribe 2 mg prolonged-release tablets that slowly release melatonin in the body at night. These sleeping pills might be taken every night or only a few times a week. The duration of treatment usually lasts 1-4 weeks; however, the doctor might prescribe the drug for up to 13 weeks.

Essentially, follow the provider’s dosage instructions to obtain optimum benefits from the supplement.

Possible Side Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin supplement is relatively safe when used for short-term treatment of insomnia and other conditions. However, some people taking this sleeping pill might experience unwanted effects.

Common side effects occurring in 1 out of 100 melatonin users include;

• Headache
• Nausea and stomach upset
• Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
• Dizziness
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Dry mouth
• Skin dryness or itchiness
• Weird dreams
• Sweating at night
• Pain in the arms or legs

These common side effects usually resolve as the body gets used to the medicine. But if they persist or worsen, inform the doctor promptly.

Some melatonin side effects are rare, affecting less than 1 in 1000 users. However, they are often severe and require immediate medical attention. When they occur, speak to the doctor as soon as possible:

• Signs of depression, such as low mood or feelings of sadness
• Fainting or passing out
• Blurry vision with eyes becoming more teary than normal
• Vertigo (a sense of things spinning around)
• Blood in urine or easy bruising
• Psoriasis (skin scaling and itchiness)

Precautions and Warnings

While melatonin is relatively safe, some groups should avoid or use this medication cautiously.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not enough research exists to support the safety and efficacy of melatonin in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Those trying to get pregnant should also not use this medication because it is thought to have similar effects as contraceptives, making it more difficult to conceive. Melatonin can pass through breast milk in small amounts and cause drowsiness in the infant. Thus, avoid melatonin if pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Children

Daily melatonin dose of up to 3 mg is well tolerated in children if taken in the short term. But it is not known whether long-term use of the supplement is safe in children and adolescents, with a concern that melatonin might interfere with development. For this reason, children should only use melatonin if recommended by a doctor.

Bleeding dyscrasias

People with bleeding disorders are at an increased risk of disease worsening when they use melatonin for sleep or other conditions.

High blood pressure

Taking melatonin might lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, especially in those already using antihypertensive medications.

Depression

People with depression will likely experience more severe symptoms if they take melatonin. Consult your doctor if you have signs of depression, such as low mood, lost interest in daily activities, and feelings of guilt, before using melatonin.

Transplant recipients

Those who have had organ transplants usually receive medications to suppress the immune system and facilitate transplant acceptance. On the other hand, melatonin boosts immune function, dampening transplant medications’ effects. This can precipitate organ rejection.

Neurological disorders

Melatonin can inhibit the effects of antiseizure medications, leading to increased seizure frequencies, especially in children.

Interaction With Other Medicines

Melatonin can interact with different medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, affecting how they work and the severity or frequency of side effects. Potential drug-drug interactions between melatonin and other drugs include;

• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, including warfarin
• Antihypertensive drugs such as carvedilol
• Central nervous system depressants, including alcohol
• Diabetes medicines like metformin
• Fluvoxamine (Fluvoxin)
• Immunosuppressants such as prednisolone
• Antiseizure medications

Melatonin can interact with products besides those listed above. To prevent any adverse reactions, or interactions tell the healthcare provider all the drugs and herbal medicines you are currently using.

Contraindications

Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system.

Do not use melatonin if allergic to the medication.

Alternatives to Melatonin

• Magnesium
• Valerian root
• Lavender essential oil
• Tart cherry
• L-theanine
• Glycine

Buying Melatonin Online

Kiwi Drug offers affordable access to all medications to people on all continents. Subject to industry regulations, Kiwi uses professional pharmacists to ensure the clients receive the best services and maintain optimum quality of life. As an over-the-counter supplement, a prescription is not necessary when buying melatonin. That means, you can order melatonin from Kiwi Drug by simply following the steps below:

• Sign up and add melatonin to the cart
• Click the “Checkout Now” button
• Answer the questions presented on the next page
• Enter payment details and wait for your order to arrive