Melatonin

Description

Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland that helps to maint

ain the wake-sleep cycle. As a medicine, it is used to treat sleep-related issues such as jet lag, adjust the sleep cycle, and treat shift work disorders and general insomnia. This medicine will help regularize the sleep cycle. You should take it as directed by the doctor for the prescribed duration. It should be taken on an empty stomach. Before starting treatment with this medicine, inform your doctor about your existing medical history along with medications you are currently taking if any. It should not be used in children below 18 years of age.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

It is used to decrease the jet lag, adjust the sleep cycle and treat shift work disorders and general insomnia.

Contraindications

When should one not use Melatonin

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Sleepiness
Headache
Irritability
Restlessness

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Melatonin during pregnancy?

It is not recommended in pregnancy. It may cause adverse effects on the unborn baby and the patient is advised to use contraception if taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Melatonin while breastfeeding?

It passes into breast milk and can cause adverse effects in breastfed babies. The patient is advised not to breastfeed if taking this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Melatonin?

It may cause drowsiness and decreased alertness. It is advised not to take this medicine before driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Melatonin?

Alcohol decreases the effectiveness of this medicine, therefore avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You are lactose intolerance
You have a habit of smoking, as doing so will decrease Melatonin's effectiveness. Components present in tobacco smoke increases Melatonin breakdown in liver
You have liver disease or kidney disease
You are suffering from autoimmune disease

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Melatonin is synthesized from the Amino Acid Tryptophan and released in the blood and Cerebrospinal fluid that sends the message to the Melatonin receptor in the brain and other parts of the body to c...

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Fluvoxamine (used for the treatment of depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) as it may increase the effect of Melatonin
Caffeine
Nifedipine
Estrogens (used in contraceptives or hormone replacement preparations), as it may increase the impact of Melatonin
Quinolones (used in the treatment of bacterial infections), as Quinolones may increase the effect of Melatonin
Benzodiazepines and Nonbenzodiazepine Hypnotics (medicines used to induce sleep, e.g. Midazolam, Temazepam and Zaleplon, Zolpidem, Zopiclone), as Melatonin may enhance the sedative effect of such medi...
Read more
Warfarin (anticoagulants) as Melatonin may influence the outcome of the anticoagulant

Interactions with food items

This medicine should be taken with food. Do not take caffeine with Melatonin as it may reduce its effect.

Dietary Restrictions

No data available.

Dosage

Overdose

If you take more than the usual dose by mistake, consult your doctor. Overdose may cause sleepiness, headache, etc.

Missed a Dose

If you forget to take a tablet at bedtime and wake during the night, you may take the forgotten dose
But do not double the dose to catch up the missed dose

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?

A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Melatonin?

A: Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking this medicine for at least 4 hours. Do not consume alcohol while on Melatonin.

Q: Can this medicine be taken in all cases of sleep related problems?

A: No, this medicine should be taken with doctor’s advice if the cause of sleep problems is related to the natural hormone Melatonin.

Q: What is the correct way to take Melatonin?

A: Timing: Take it 1 to 2 hours before your desired bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking a prolonged-release form (slow-release), your doctor may advise taking it with a small meal. Dosage: Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for your specific condition. More is not always better; very high doses can lead to increased side effects like next-day grogginess. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. Missed Dose: If you forget to take your dose at the correct time, simply skip it and take the next dose the following evening. Do not take a double dose to catch up.

Q: What are the common side effects?

A: Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, but side effects can occur, including: Daytime drowsiness or grogginess. Headache. Dizziness or nausea. Vivid dreams or nightmares. Because it can cause drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 4-5 hours after taking Melatonin, or until you know how the medicine affects you.

References

Last Updated on: 29 Oct 2025 | 08:18 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.