Do you toss and turn when you go to bed at night and can't sleep? Or do you fall asleep during the day and wake up at night after returning from a trip abroad? Melatonin is something that some people use as a solution to sleep problems like this. Since many people use it without knowing exactly what it is, we thought we would talk to you about it in a little more detail. So, today, let's see what melatonin is and what things to be careful about when using it.
What exactly is Melatonin?
Simply put, melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by a gland in our brain. Its main function is to regulate our body's sleep-wake cycle, or 'body clock'. When it gets dark, our bodies start producing melatonin, which is what makes us sleepy.
But sometimes this cycle gets disrupted. For example, in cases like insomnia , or when traveling to another country , this can happen. So, it is at times like these that some people take melatonin externally in the form of pills.
But here's something you should definitely remember. Melatonin is just a supplement. That means it's not a drug approved to cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using these pills
If you are considering using melatonin, it is very important to talk to your doctor first. Especially if you have any of the following health conditions or habits, you should definitely inform your doctor about it.
| The condition or habit you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Cancer | Melatonin may interfere with some cancer treatments. |
| Depression or other mental illnesses | Melatonin can sometimes alter mood. |
| Diabetes | Melatonin can affect blood sugar levels. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Combining alcohol and melatonin may increase drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Hormone-related problems | Because melatonin is also a hormone, it can affect the balance of other hormones. |
| Immune system problems | The functioning of the immune system may be affected. |
| Liver disease | These are removed from the body by the liver. If the liver is weak, the medicine can accumulate in the body. |
| Lung disease or asthma | In some cases, breathing difficulties may occur. |
| If you have had an organ transplant | Melatonin may interact with medications given to people who have received organ transplants. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Medical advice is essential as its safety during pregnancy has not been confirmed. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Melatonin can pass to the baby through breast milk, so you should definitely ask your doctor. |
How exactly should I use this pill?
The type of melatonin we are talking about is the disintegrating tablet. Follow these steps exactly when using it.
1. Take it on time: Take it at the same time every day, as directed on the label. It is usually recommended to take it an hour or two before bedtime .
2. Take on an empty stomach: For best results, take this 1-2 hours after eating, that is, on an empty stomach.
3. How to take the pill: Keep the pill in the sealed package until you are ready to take it. Your hands should be completely dry when taking the pill. Open the package and take out the pill.
4. If the tablet breaks: If the tablet crumbles or breaks when you take it out, do not use it. Throw it away and get a new tablet.
5. Keep in mouth: Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve. Then swallow. Never cut, crush, or chew this tablet.
6. After taking: After taking this pill, limit your activities. Only do the things that will get you ready for bed and then go to sleep.
If you are giving this to children, be sure to talk to a doctor and only do so under their advice. Special care may be required.
What to do if you take too many pills? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay. Do not take this lightly.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
If you miss your usual time, skip the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, take just one pill at the usual time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Things not to use with melatonin
Melatonin can interact with other medications, foods, and supplements, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Warning: Never use melatonin with the following medications.
- Fluvoxamine
- Ramelteon
- Tasimelteon
Additionally, melatonin can interact with many other medications and substances.
| Type of medication/substance that may conflict | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Alcohol and caffeine | Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may increase. |
| Some medications for mental illness | This may affect the effectiveness and side effects of the medication. |
| Some antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin) | It can unnecessarily increase melatonin levels in the body. |
| Estrogen or Progestin hormones | The effects and side effects of melatonin may increase. |
| Blood thinners such as Warfarin | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Other sleeping pills or herbal supplements | Excessive drowsiness and other side effects may occur. |
| Smoking tobacco | Smoking can reduce melatonin levels in the body. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
Be careful about these things when taking pills.
- Avoid driving: This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how it affects you.
- Dizziness: This may cause dizziness. To reduce this risk, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Unusual sleep behaviors: Some people may experience sleepwalking, cooking, eating, or talking on the phone while taking this medication. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor.
- Short-term use: Do not use this for more than two weeks unless specifically advised by your doctor. If your sleep problems do not improve or worsen, talk to your doctor again.
The difference between a supplement and a medication
This is where many people get confused. Medications prescribed by a doctor are approved after rigorous quality control and testing. But supplements like melatonin don't have such strict rules. That means their purity, quality, and quantity can vary.
So when you choose a supplement, think about these things:
- Read the label carefully: Always read the product label and follow the instructions provided.
- Don't be fooled by the word "natural": just because something is natural doesn't always mean it's safe for people.
- Look at the standards: Some good products have the `USP` (US Pharmacopoeia) mark. This means that the manufacturer has made it according to a certain standard.
- Choose a trusted manufacturer: Products made by a nationally recognized company are generally of higher quality.
What side effects can occur?
Like any medication, melatonin can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, anger, suicidal thoughts, increased depression. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Bedwetting in children | This is a side effect seen in children. |
| Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded. |
| Drowsiness that persists into the next day | Feeling sleepy the day after taking the medicine. |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headache. |
| Nausea | Stomach upset or feeling like vomiting. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Melatonin is a supplement that helps regulate the sleep cycle, not a medicine that cures any disease.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before using this, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Follow the instructions for using the orodispersible tablet exactly. Handle with dry hands, do not chew, or crush.
- Avoid driving and operating dangerous machinery after taking this until you know how it affects you.
- If you experience serious side effects (e.g., mental changes, allergies) or sleepwalking, stop taking the pill immediately and inform your doctor.
- This is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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