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6 potential side effects of melatonin that you should know before taking it

Melatonin supplements are widely used as a sleeping pill, but they can cause headache, dizzy and make you feel uncomfortable. Although melatonin is generally considered safe, taking too much can cause unexpected side effects.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

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1. Headache

Although gentle, headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects of the use of melatonin. In studies, this was observed in healthy people and those who took it for certain health problems, such as late dyskinesia (an involuntary movement disorder). You may be more likely to feel headache with higher doses, or more than 10 milligrams (MG), per day.

In the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate food supplements of how it regulates prescription drugs. Consequently, certain supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.

When you choose an additional cost, search for products tested or certified independently by organizations such as NSF, US Pharmacopeia or ConsumerLab.com. For personalized advice, consult your health care provider, your nutritionist dietitian (DR or RDN) or pharmacist.

2. Day Diet

Melatonin promotes sleep, but the effects can last during the day. DIURNE drowsiness is another of the most common side effects that can occur with the use of melatonin supplement. If you take a higher dose for sleep than recommended, like more than 10 milligrams (MG), you are more likely to feel sleep or groggy the next day.

In addition, taking melatonin with certain drugs used for sleep problems, such as Ambien (Zolpidem), can cause excessive drowsiness.

3. Dizzuins

Luries are also commonly indicated in the intake of melatonin supplements. Again, this is more likely to occur with higher doses.

Studies have suggested that melatonin could lower blood pressure. This could lead to a drop in blood pressure too low if it is taken with blood pressure medicines, which can cause dizziness.

4. Nausea

Although gentle, nausea is another potential side effect of taking melatonin supplements. Like other side effects, this can be a sign that you take too much. Nausea can also have other causes, so consider other health problems or illnesses, the drugs you take or diet triggers.

5. Dreams or lively nightmares

Melatonin users sometimes report more frequent or lively dreams or nightmares. Melatonin supplements can increase the time spent in the rapid sleep of eye movements (REM), which is a sleeping stage associated with more lively dreams or nightmares. More time spent in this sleep cycle could mean a more frequent or intense dream.

However, other factors can also affect living dream, such as stress or taking certain drugs.

6. Cardiac rhythm changes

There have been cardiac palpitation reports (changes in heart rate) or premature ventricular contractions (an irregular type of heart rate that starts lower heart chambers) with melatonin in doses ranging from 1 to 8 mg.

The risk of side effects increases when the supplementation is greater than the recommended dose; However, they can also occur even in standard doses.

Long -term side effects

Since most of the melatonin research has focused on short-term effects, we don’t know much about long-term use. A study revealed that long -term use of melatonin would be associated with a higher risk of fractures.

In children, it is possible that the complement of melatonin can affect hormonal development, including puberty and menstrual cycles, or an overproduction of the production of prolactin (A hormone responsible for lactation, breast development and other functions in the body). However, long -term research is necessary.

Is it bad to take melatonin every night?

It is recommended to take melatonin as needed instead of each night. We also do not know the effects of long -term use of melatonin. Few side effects have been reported in studies where melatonin was taken for three to six months.

If you need melatonin every night or have used it for several months, you should chat with your health professional that the taking of melatonin every night suits you, that there are other treatment options available, or if a consultation with a sleep specialist is necessary.

Factors that increase the risk of side effects

Take too much melatonin

Studies have shown that taking more than 10 mg per day can increase your risk of adverse effects.

Experts generally recommend 0.5 to 5 mg of melatonin as a standard dose, depending on age. Some studies have revealed that doses between 1 and 6 mg were effective in improving sleep in the elderly.

However, a recent meta-analysis revealed that the optimal moment and the dosage for adults were 4 mg per day, taken three hours before bedtime. There is no advantage in taking more than 5 mg and this increases your chances of side effects.

If you think you would benefit from melatonin supplementation, discuss the appropriate dosage possibility with your primary care provider.

Drug interactions

Melatonin potentially interacts with several drugs:

  • Selective serotonin inhibitors (ISRS): SSRI can Increase serum melatonin concentrations.
  • Nifedipine calcium channel blocker: Melatonin reduces the effectiveness of nifedipine.
  • Warfarin: The taking of melatonin with warfarin increases prothrombin time and the standard international report (INR). Two blood tests are monitored when taking Warfarin. Increased bleeding has been reported in people taking both melatonin and warfarin.
  • Diabetes drugs: Melatonin can lower blood sugar. Adding when he is already taking medication for diabetes could drop too low blood sugar.
  • Sedatives: Taking melatonin with sedatives can cause excessive drowsiness and difficulty breathing.
  • Contraceptive pills: Taking melatonin with oral contraceptives can increase the effects and side effects of melatonin.

Who shouldn’t take melatonin?

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short -term use in adults, with the exception of people with pre -existing conditions. This includes:

  • Pregnant people or breastfeeding: There is not enough data on the safety of melatonin during pregnancy or during breastfeeding, it is therefore preferable to avoid it.
  • Bleeding disorders: Melatonin can interact with drugs often prescribed for bleeding disorders.
  • Kidney or liver problems: Melatonin may not be metabolized effectively, which can increase the risk of side effects
  • Depression: Melatonin can worsen symptoms of depression and can interact with drugs. Communication with your health care provider is recommended.
  • Immune problems: Melatonin can improve immune function. Anyone with an autoimmune disorder or taking medication on immune removal (organ transplants) should discuss the use of melatonin with their health care provider. Melatonin can interfere with the operation of immune removal drugs.
  • Older adults with dementia: The potential safety risks to take melatonin if you have dementia prevails over the advantages.

Main to remember

  • Melatonin can be a help with useful sleep for some, but it can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness. You may be more likely to experience them if you take more than the recommended dose.
  • Supplementation must be discussed with your health care provider to determine if melatonin is right for you and the appropriate dose.
Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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  5. Frisher M, Gibbons N, Bashford J, et al. Melatonin, hypnotics and their association with fracture: a paired cohort study. Aging. 2016; 45 (6): 801-806. DOI: 10.1093 / Aging / AFW123

  6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Melatonin: What you need to know.

  7. Pierce M, Linnebur SA, Pearson SM, fixen dr. Optimal dose of melatonin in the elderly: a clinical review of the literature. Sr care pharm. 2019; 34 (7): 419-431. DOI: 10.4140 / TCP.N.2019.419

  8. Cruz-Sanabria f, Bruno S, Crippa A, et al. Optimize time and dose of melatonin as a medication promoting sleep: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and a dose-response meta-analysis. J pineal res. 2024; 76 (5): E12985. Doi: 10.1111 / JPI.12985

  9. MEDLINEPLUS. Moulaton.

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