|
re:QuestionMelatonin...
Question
Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?I'm considering taking melatonin to help me sleep. What do I need to know about melatonin side effects?
Answer
from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
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.
|
|