Melatonin
Melatonin helps you fall asleep if you have trouble falling asleep. It is believed to work by adjusting the body’s internal clock.
Melatonin Overview
Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a role in sleep.
Melatonin is used most often for sleep disorders, such as jet lag, disruptions of the body’s internal “clock,” insomnia, and problems with sleep among people who work night shifts. It has also been studied for dementia symptoms.
Melatonin is thought to work by adjusting the body’s internal clock.
Common side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or nausea.
Melatonin Cautionary Labels
Uses
Melatonin is used most often for sleep disorders, such as jet lag, disruptions of the body’s internal “clock,” insomnia, and problems with sleep among people who work night shifts.
It has also been studied for dementia symptoms.
Melatonin has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Melatonin may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Melatonin
Common side effects of melatonin include the following:
- drowsiness
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
This is not a complete list of melatonin side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Melatonin Interactions
No drug interactions have been listed by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
Melatonin Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
- Melatonin supplements may affect your biological clock.
- In one study, researchers noted melatonin supplements may worsen mood in people with dementia.
- Melatonin appears to be safe when used short-term. It is not know if it is safe for extended use.
Most dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. If you are pregnant or nursing a child, talk to your doctor before taking any medication or supplement, including melatonin.
