Side Effects Of Melatonin Supplements

Melatonin, which the pineal gland produces, is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm, blood pressure, and body temperature. Patients often choose to take melatonin supplements to help with insomnia, jet lag, and sleep disturbances, and research indicates these supplements may also be useful for the treatment of seasonal depression, stomach ulcers, heartburn, and tinnitus. Melatonin supplements are available without a prescription, and the suggested dose for adults ranges from one to six milligrams. The supplements can be taken as liquids, tablets, or gummies. Although considered generally safe, patients could experience side effects from melatonin. For example, children could have bedwetting, and the supplements may put them at an increased risk of seizures. Adults have reported irritability, anxiety, daytime drowsiness, and stomach pain while taking melatonin supplements. Melatonin should not be taken with caffeine or alcohol, and patients who take blood thinners, sedatives, or other prescription medicines should check with their doctor to find out if it is safe for them to use melatonin.

The most common side effects of melatonin supplements are discussed below.

Nausea

Some patients have reported nausea while taking melatonin. This side effect is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach, and it can occur with or without the urge to vomit. Nausea may be exacerbated by eating too much or too little, and stress can make it worse as well. If nausea occurs, individuals might find it helpful to go outside to get fresh air, and experts recommend avoiding strong odors and flavors. Soft, bland foods are suggested, and eating smaller meals could help. Some patients find ginger and peppermint help ease nausea, and most cases resolve on their own within a few hours. If nausea persists for several days or occurs in conjunction with diarrhea, the patient should make an appointment with their primary care provider. Urgent medical attention is necessary for nausea accompanied by abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of dehydration such as dry lips and sunken eyes.

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Dizziness

Dizziness is a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness, and it can sometimes develop as a side effect of melatonin use. Patients with dizziness might feel like the room is spinning in circles around them, and they could also experience anxiety. To reduce the risk of a fall, the patient should sit or lie down until the dizziness passes, and it may help to drink a cold drink. Getting sufficient sleep and avoiding alcohol and caffeine could prevent dizziness from getting worse. If dizziness is accompanied by vision changes, hearing loss, or ringing in one or both ears, the patient should see a physician, and a doctor's appointment should also be made if dizziness keeps coming back. Patients who have dizziness along with chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, or a severe headache should receive emergency medical attention. Doctors will ask the patient about when the dizziness began, how long it has been going on, and if anything makes it better. Patients should let the medical team know about all medications they take, including melatonin supplements and other dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, or herbs. MRI scans and CT scans may be ordered to rule out serious causes of dizziness, and patients might need to undergo rotary chair testing, eye movement testing, and posturography testing as well. Dizziness caused by melatonin supplements typically resolves once the supplements are discontinued, and patients who continue to experience dizziness may be offered prescription antihistamines or anticholinergics.

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Headaches

Headaches associated with the use of melatonin supplements are generally mild, and they can occur in both children and adults. Patients with headaches might experience pain on the forehead or sides of the head, and headaches may be worse for those who take high doses of melatonin. To ease headache symptoms, patients may wish to try resting in a dark, quiet area, and it is often helpful to practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen can help reduce the pain from a headache, but some of these are not safe to use while taking melatonin. Patients who want to take a pain reliever should ask a doctor or pharmacist about safe options that can be used with melatonin. Headaches that last more than twenty-four hours or fail to improve with rest should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider, and patients should let their physician know if they get frequent headaches that disrupt their daily activities. Emergency medical attention is required if a headache occurs with sudden pain or with nausea, vomiting, confusion, blurry vision, or a high fever.

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Daytime Drowsiness

Daytime drowsiness is one of the most commonly reported side effects of melatonin. Patients with this side effect may be unable to carry out routine daily activities, and they could have trouble focusing. Some individuals might fall asleep during work meetings or school classes as well. Daytime drowsiness can make it harder to drive and operate machinery, and patients could be at a higher risk of car or workplace accidents. To reduce the risk of daytime drowsiness with melatonin, it may be helpful to start with the smallest recommended dose and to take it sixty minutes before bedtime. Patients who take sedatives or other medications that cause drowsiness should check with their doctor about whether or not they can safely use melatonin. If taken together, these medicines could cause the patient to feel extremely sleepy during the day. Patients who get sufficient sleep and still experience daytime drowsiness may want to see their physician for an evaluation. The physician will need to know the patient is taking melatonin. They might suggest a reduced dose, and some patients could be advised to discontinue this supplement. Blood and urine tests may be performed to investigate potential underlying causes for daytime drowsiness, and some individuals could be asked to have sleep studies or CT scans.

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May Thin The Blood

Melatonin supplements may thin the blood, and they are known to interact with anticoagulants such as acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin, and heparin. Patients who are at risk of stomach bleeding, including adults over sixty-five years old, should check with their doctor about if they can use melatonin. Individuals who take anticoagulants should ask their doctor before starting melatonin, and they should also have their pharmacist check their current medication list for potential drug interactions. If the blood is thinned too much, patients could experience easy bruising or nosebleeds, and it is important to mention these to a doctor. Patients should seek emergency medical attention if they have bleeding they cannot stop or if they notice blood in their stool or vomit.