Melatonin
About Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that helps maintain the sleep cycle. Melatonin is used to treat jet lag and insomnia (sleep disorders). Jet lag is a sleep disorder that occurs in people who travel across multiple time zones. Insomnia is a sleep disorder which causes trouble falling and/or staying asleep.
Melatonin contains ‘Melatonin’ that works by synchronizing the body’s biological day-and-night rhythm. Melatonin acts on the receptors in the body, thereby helping to control the circadian rhythm and increasing the propensity to sleep.
In some cases, you may experience side effects, such as dizziness, abdominal cramps, headache, and nausea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Melatonin causes drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol with Melatonin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Melatonin
Medicinal Benefits
Melatonin is a hormone that helps maintain sleep patterns. Melatonin is used to treat jet lag and insomnia (sleep disorders). Melatonin acts on the receptors in the body, thereby helps in controlling the circadian rhythm and increasing the propensity to sleep.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Melatonin
- Dizziness
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Melatonin if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, depression/mood disorder, bleeding/blood clotting disorder, high/low blood pressure, epilepsy/seizures, autoimmune conditions, or impaired liver or kidney function. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Melatonin causes drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol with Melatonin as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Melatonin may have interaction with a blood thinner (warfarin), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), anti-depressant (duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, alprazolam), and anti-convulsant (pregabalin)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have depression, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or impaired liver or kidney function.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Melatonin as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking Melatonin. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionMelatonin may pass into breastmilk and affect your infant. Hence, consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeMelatonin causes dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine until you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment before taking Melatonin.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Melatonin.
Children
consult your doctorUse this medicine for your child under a doctor's supervision.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try sticking to a sleep schedule. Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent.
- Practise yoga or meditation as it helps in relieving stress.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid doing a strenuous activity before bedtime.
- Try relaxation therapy. Read a book or listen to soothing music.
- Do not consume caffeinated or carbonated products.
- Avoid taking large meals and beverages before bedtime.
- Exercise moderately as it can help in relieving stress.
Special Advise
Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 4 hours after taking Melatonin or until the drowsiness no longer persists.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Insomnia: Insomnia is a sleep disorder which causes trouble falling and/or staying asleep. The causes of insomnia are poor sleeping habits, anxiety, depression, illness, lack of exercise, or certain medications. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling and/or staying asleep and not feeling well-rested due to low quality of sleep.
Jet lag: Jet lag is a sleep disorder that occurs in people who travel across multiple time zones. Jet lag occurs when the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural clock) is disrupted due to travelling between different time zones. It is a temporary condition that affects energy and the state of alertness. Jet lag causes sleep disturbances, fatigue, daytime tiredness, irritability, and digestive system disturbances experienced after flying.
FAQs
Melatonin is used to treat Insomnia and Jet-lag.
Melatonin acts on the receptors in the body, thereby helping to control the circadian rhythm and increasing the propensity to sleep.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps synchronise the body’s biological day-and-night rhythm. The body produces melatonin just after it gets dark, peaking in the early hours of the morning. It helps in controlling the sleep cycle.
Avoid drinking caffeinated products such as coffee, cola or energy drinks along with Melatonin as it has the opposite effect and might affect the working of Melatonin.
