Melatonin

Brand Names

Melatonin

What is Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland (a small gland in the brain).It is available only as a supplement. As a supplement, it can be prescription or non-prescription medicines. Most of the supplements on the market today are synthetic versions of this naturally occurring hormone.


Side effects of Melatonin

The most common side effects of melatonin may include:

  • Daytimedrowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Abdominalcramps (stomachcramps)
  • Irritability
  • Nauseaandvomiting
  • Shakiness (tremor)


Indication

Melatonin is often used in:

  • The treatment of sleeping disorders (such as insomnia or jet lag)
  • The prevention of cluster or migraine headaches
  • The treatment of cancer (when used in combination with standard cancer treatment)
  • The prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease
  • The treatment of fibromyalgia
  • The treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome


Precautions

Before taking melatonin you should tell your doctor whether you have any other medical conditions, allergic reactions or if you take any other medicines or herbal supplements.

You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding, because it can be harmful for baby.


Dosage forms

Melatonin dose for adults

Insomnia: 1-3 mg at least 1 hour before going to bed. In some cases, people only need 0.1-0.3 mg of Melatonin to sleep better. If there are no results after 3 days of using this medicine, you should increase your dose to 5-6 mg 1 hour before going to bed.

Jet lag: 0.5-5 mg of melatonin 1 hour before going to bed at final destination. Another approach is to use 1-5 mg 1 hour before going to bed for 2 days before departure and for 2-3 days upon arrival at your final destination.

Seasonal affective disorder: 0.25-5 mg daily

Sleep enhancement: 0.1-6 mg taken 30-60 minutes before going to bed.

Melatonin dose for children

Preoperative anxiety: 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight

Seizure disorder in children: 5-10 mg every night

Sleep Disturbance in Children Suffering from NeuroPyschiatric Disorders: ( autism, mental retardation and other psychiatric disorders ) – 0.5-10 mg every night

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