Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

[BABY1]

The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. Your natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest just before bedtime. But if you're thinking of taking melatonin supplements to treat insomnia, there's little evidence that taking melatonin supplements will help you fall asleep significantly faster or help you stay asleep longer. However, melatonin may be helpful in treating jet lag.
If you choose to take melatonin supplements, melatonin side effects may include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Abdominal discomfort
• Confusion
• Sleepwalking
• Nightmares

Melatonin may interact with various medications, including:

• Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
• Immunosuppressants
• Diabetes medications
• Birth control pills

It's thought that taking melatonin for longer than two months may be harmful, and the best dose of melatonin isn't certain. If you take melatonin, be careful during daytime activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you have any other health conditions.
If you take melatonin, make sure the supplements are made of artificial ingredients, not made from animals. Melatonin from animals can contain viruses or other contaminants.

[Dzone]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

WOW. I honestly had no idea just how serious a supplement melatonin is. Seems to work for me. I use it about 4 nights a week. I'm definitely going to pay closer attention.

[tn94z]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

You and me both! We have been using it for a while. We thought it was like the miracle sleep aid!

[Dzone]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

Products containing melatonin have been available as a dietary supplement in the United States since 1993.[8] Over-the-counter sales of the hormone remain illegal in many other countries, and the U.S. Postal Service lists melatonin among items prohibited by Germany.[9]

Foods may contain trace amounts of melatonin, but no food has been found to elevate plasma melatonin levels.[10]

[BICEPBULG]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

It caused me to break out in whelps. I used it for a while but I started taking a little more and had bad side effects. But it did help with the sleep.

[Michelle Hayden]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

Never had any of the side effects listed above from Melatonin. I take 5mcg a night. You may also want to try 5-htp, but i think melatonin works just as well. Of course id sleep alot better if i had a hot bod next to me in bed haha! I crave body warmth,

[a-bomb83]

Re: Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

i was taking 9mg plus a 10mg ambien for a while, didn't notice any side effects other than sleeping like a baby