Do you sometimes have trouble sleeping at night because of things on your mind? Or is your sleep cycle disrupted due to the time difference (jet lag) after returning to Sri Lanka from abroad? At times like these, some people may have heard of a pill called 'Melatonin'. Since these are also available in pharmacies, some may think that this is just like a vitamin. But in fact, there are a few things we need to know before using it. So today, let's talk about what this melatonin is, how exactly to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What exactly is Melatonin?
Simply put, melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by our brain. Its main function is to regulate our body's sleep-wake cycle. Think of it like a natural clock in our body. At night, when it gets dark, our brain increases its production of melatonin. That's what makes us sleepy. In the morning, with light, this production decreases, and we get the signal to wake up.
So, the melatonin you take as a medicine is a synthetic version of this natural hormone. It is used to help with conditions like insomnia or jet lag . But the most important thing to remember is that this is a dietary supplement , not a medicine that cures, prevents, or diagnoses any disease.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking melatonin
If you're considering using melatonin, it's important to talk to your doctor about it, especially if you have any of the health conditions listed below.
- If you have cancer .
- If you have depression or other mental illnesses .
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have hormone-related problems (e.g. thyroid).
- If you are a frequent alcohol user .
- If you have immune system problems .
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have lung diseases such as asthma .
- If you have had an organ transplant .
- If you have a seizure disorder .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to melatonin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor these things.
How exactly do I use this pill?
There are several types of melatonin tablets. This is the disintegrating tablet type.
1. Take it on time: You should take it at the same time every day, usually an hour or two before going to bed .
2. Take on an empty stomach: For best results, take 1-2 hours after eating (on an empty stomach) .
3. How to take out the pill: These pills are very delicate. So keep them in the sealed pack until it's time to take them. With dry hands, slowly open the pack and take out the pill. If the pill breaks or crumbles, throw it away and get a new one.
4. Dissolve in mouth: Hold the tablet in your mouth until it is completely dissolved. Then swallow. Do not chew, break, or crush this tablet.
5. After taking the pill: After taking the pill, do not engage in any other activities except getting ready for bed, as you will start to feel sleepy after a while.
Important: Do not use more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Also, always seek medical advice if giving to children. Special care may be required.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I forget to drink one day?
If you forget to take a pill at the scheduled time, skip it. Take just one pill at the usual time the next day. Never take two pills to make up for a forgotten one.
Other medications and things that may interact with melatonin
Melatonin can interact with other medications and substances, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Do not take melatonin with this medication. | |
|---|---|
| Fluvoxamine | Ramelteon |
| Tasimelteon | |
| Be especially careful when taking melatonin with these things. | |
| Alcohol | Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea) |
| Carbamazepine | Some antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin |
| Some medications for depression and anxiety | Female hormones (e.g., birth control pills, patches) |
| Nifedipine (given for high blood pressure) | Other sleeping pills or herbal supplements |
| Warfarin (blood thinner) | Smoking tobacco |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
Things to be aware of when taking melatonin
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. So do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol: If you are taking melatonin, avoid alcohol completely. The effects of this medication can be severe when taken with alcohol.
- Strange things you do in your sleep: This may sound a little scary, but it's important to be aware of it. Some people may wake up after taking melatonin and do things they don't remember. For example, they may sleep-drive, cook, talk on the phone, or walk in their sleep. These can be serious accidents.
If you notice this happening to you, stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor. This risk is especially high if you take melatonin on the same day you drank alcohol or took other sleeping pills.
Understanding herbal supplements
As we mentioned earlier, melatonin is a dietary supplement. In Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world, these supplements are not manufactured under strict quality control like medicines. This means that their purity and quality can vary. Not everything that is labeled "natural" is safe. Therefore, it is wise to purchase from a trusted manufacturer and seek medical advice before using it.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, melatonin can cause side effects in some people.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Mental changes | Severe anxiety, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, increased depression. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | Daytime drowsiness |
| Headache | Headache |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Children's bedwetting | Bedwetting in children |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Melatonin is a dietary supplement used to help with sleep problems, not a cure-all.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before using this, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- The pill should be taken as prescribed and at the prescribed time. If it is a dissolvable tablet, do not chew or crush it, but let it dissolve in your mouth and swallow.
- Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving. Never take it with alcohol.
- If you experience unusual behavior or severe side effects, such as sleepwalking, seek medical advice immediately.
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