Melatonin: side effects, overdose and contraindications

Melatonin can cause side effects, such as excessive drowsiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, headache, agitation or mental confusion, for example, especially when used long-term or in high doses, which generally range from 1 to 10 mg.

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body but can be obtained in the form of a dietary supplement or medication to improve sleep quality and help treat insomnia.

Although it is a substance that is also present in the body, the use of medications or supplements containing melatonin can cause some side effects, and therefore, its use should only be done with medical advice, such as doses and treatment time established by the doctor.

Most common side effects

The main side effects of melatonin are:

• Excessive drowsiness during the day;
• Lack of concentration;
• Worsening of depression;
• Headache and migraine;
• Belly pain or diarrhea;
• Nausea or stomach pain;
• Loss of appetite;
• Anxiety and agitation;
• Dizziness, weakness or mental confusion;
• Canker sores or dry mouth;
• Dermatitis, rash and generalized dry and itchy skin;
• Night sweats;
• Chest, joint or back pain;
• Yellow skin or eyes;
• Weight gain.

Furthermore, other side effects of melatonin are the presence of sugar or proteins in the urine or changes in liver function.

Melatonin is generally well tolerated when used in low doses, short term and with medical advice, and side effects that may occur during treatment are very rare.

In general, the intensity of side effects depends on the amount of melatonin ingested. The higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience any of these side effects.

Side effects in children

Melatonin, when used by children, can cause side effects such as:

• Dizziness;
• Involuntary loss of urine during sleep;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Diarrhea.

Additionally, children have a higher risk of developing seizures, especially when they have severe neurological disorders.

Therefore, the use of melatonin by children should only be done if recommended by the pediatrician, who must monitor the entire treatment and the emergence of side effects.

Can melatonin cause overdose?

Melatonin can cause overdose when taken in doses greater than those recommended and without medical advice.

The main symptoms of melatonin overdose are excessive drowsiness, vivid dreams or nightmares at night, agitation, irritability, nervousness, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

In addition, there may also be an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing or a decrease in body temperature.

Symptoms of melatonin overdose can be serious and life-threatening, especially in children.

What to do in case of a melatonin overdose

In the case of a melatonin overdose, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room to start treatment as quickly as possible and avoid complications that could be life-threatening.

Melatonin contraindications

Although it is a generally well-tolerated substance, melatonin should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding or in people with allergies to any of the components of the tablets.

Furthermore, it should be borne in mind that there are several different formulations and doses of melatonin, with drops being more recommended for babies and children and tablets for adults, the latter being contraindicated in children. Furthermore, doses greater than 1mg per day of melatonin should only be administered if prescribed by a doctor, as from this dose onwards, there is a greater risk of side effects.

Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so people who experience this symptom should avoid operating machines or driving vehicles.

How to take melatonin

Melatonin supplementation must be recommended by a doctor, and its use is normally recommended in cases of insomnia, poor sleep quality, migraines or menopause, for example. The dose of melatonin is indicated by the doctor according to the objective of the supplementation.

In the case of insomnia, for example, the dose normally recommended by a doctor for adults over 19 years of age is 0.21 mg of melatonin, once a day, approximately 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and after bedtime. eat. Find out how to take melatonin.

In the case of babies and children, the dose of melatonin should be advised by the pediatrician according to the child’s health condition, and administered in drops at night.