Is melatonin addictive?
There is no evidence to show that melatonin is addictive.
What are the side effects of melatonin and what should I do if I get them?
- Common side effects, If any of these possible side effects become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
- Vivid dreams, morning drowsiness/tiredness following melatonin use (this will usually go away if the dose is decreased)
What precautions should my doctor and I be aware of when taking melatonin?
Melatonin is thought to be very safe. Studies of melatonin in children with sleep problems found that melatonin was well tolerated and only rarely were any side effects reported, even over a long period of time. Melatonin does not appear to cause or worsen epilepsy, cause changes in onset of puberty, or interfere with the body’s production of natural melatonin. Proper diagnosis of the sleep disorder is required prior to starting treatment. Melatonin is only effective in situations where a person has lowered levels of natural melatonin. Special laboratory tests are not necessary for patients taking melatonin.
What special instructions should I follow while using melatonin?
Keep all appointments with your doctor, and inform him or her about your sleep pattern and if you notice any other effects you think may be related to taking melatonin. This medication is not right for everyone, so DO NOT allow anyone else to use your melatonin.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of melatonin?
Unlike with most of the other medications for sleep, sleep difficulties will not worsen (“rebound” effect) if a dose of melatonin is missed. If you take melatonin regularly and you forget to take it, skip the dose and take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time the next day. DO NOT double the dose to attempt to catch up.
What storage conditions are needed for melatonin?
Keep this medication in the original container, stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat (e.g., not in the bathroom). Keep this medication out of reach from children.
Source: www.bcmhas.ca
