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How long should one take melatonin?
October 10, 2023
If melatonin is to be used to regulate the sleep cycle, it is important to pay attention to the times of administration, which may vary depending on age.
The benefits of melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the body and found in some foods and supplements, are negated by improper intake and excessive dosages.
In addition to the contraindications and side effects due to an overdose of melatonin, the benefits should be assessed individually in each case.
For example, when it comes to taking it in children, a doctor should always be consulted. This also applies if you are taking any type of medication for various health conditions (such as diabetes, Parkinson's, high blood pressure and more).
The EU has stipulated that the maximum daily intake must not be more than 1 mg.
Melatonin dose for adults
In adults, intake should not last longer than 4 weeks, although in some cases it may be prescribed for 13 weeks. This is reported on the English medicine and medical research website nhs.uk.
The main recommendation is to take melatonin for short-term sleep problems; its application is associated with:
Symptoms of jet lag (intercontinental travel and sleep problems);
difficulty falling asleep in general;
For faster and uninterrupted sleep.
It is a treatment often associated with people aged 55 and over, but it can also be prescribed to children with sleep problems and adults (for example, to prevent headaches).
How is melatonin taken?
The melatonin tablet should be taken about an hour or two before bedtime as it takes about two hours to take effect.
It should be taken after a meal to avoid taking it on an empty stomach and the tablet should be swallowed whole.
Some side effects of melatonin
Yes, among the registered side effects, irritability and fatigue may occur the next day after taking melatonin.
At the same time, smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking it, as these substances could prevent the drug from working properly.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is a risk of melatonin passing to the unborn child and causing drowsiness or other harm, so it should be avoided.
Melatonin as a dietary supplement is not suitable in some cases, including:
If you have had an allergic reaction in the past;
If you have liver or kidney problems;
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis;
In the presence of multiple sclerosis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
The dosage varies depending on the reason for which it is prescribed and is determined by the treating doctor.
The tablets recommended by the doctor are usually slow-release tablets, meaning the amount in the tablet is released into the body throughout the night and then decreases during the day.
As already mentioned, the maximum prescription duration is 13 weeks.
The doctor may also prescribe them only two or three times a week and not every evening.
The most common side effects
The majority of people experience no side effects when taking melatonin.
However, you should watch out for some warning signs.
If these occur, you should stop treatment immediately and consult your doctor.
The most common side effects (1 person in 100)* include:
daytime tiredness;
Headache;
stomach discomfort or nausea;
Dizziness;
irritability or restlessness;
Dry mouth;
pain in the arms or legs;
Dry or itchy skin;
Night sweats and restless sleep.
The advice is to speak to a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms
Severe side effects
In these cases (less than one person in 100)* it would be advisable to consult a doctor:
feeling depressed;
visual disturbances, frequent watering of the eyes;
feeling faint, light-headed, dizzy or vertigo;
Unexplained bruising, bleeding;
In very rare cases, an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to melatonin can also occur.
Find out more about other side effects and contraindications of melatonin.
Do not exceed the established dosages (within 1 mg per day) as established by EU Regulation 432/2012 and always consult a doctor if you are taking medications or have certain health conditions. (German)