Melatonin

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Molecule Description

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

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

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

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

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

Alcohol

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 control the wake-sleep cycle.

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 medicines and may enhance specific side effects of Zolpidem (morning sleepiness, nausea, confusion)
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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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