Melatonin Supplements, Cautions

Millions of kids take melatonin but doctors are raising red flags. Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids.

Melatonin may cause drowsiness. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until familiar with the effects of melatonin.

A very small number of people wind up more awake on melatonin supplements. Some have a difficult time waking up, they feel drugged. This indicates a sleep deficit and to reduce melatonin effects get some bright light, go out and look at the sun. The feeling of being drugged passes as sleep deficit passes.

Interactions:

Melatoninmay increase the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines; use together cautiously.

 Melatonin used with cerebral stimulants may have a synergistic effect and exacerbate insomnia; avoid concurrent use.

Melatoninisn't used in diabetic patients due to its effect on blood sugar

 Melatonin used with DHEA may decrease cytokine production; avoid concurrent use.

 Melatoninused with magnesium or zinc increases inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors; avoid concurrent use.

 Melatoninincreases the blocking properties of succinylcholine; avoid concurrent use

Adverse Reactions

Drowsiness, alterations in sleep patterns, altered mental status, disorientation, tachycardia, flushing, pruritus, abdominal cramps, headaches, trouble sleeping, bad dreams, hypothermia.

  Melatonin Madness.

Drug Interactions

Nifedipine: Concomitant administration of melatonin and nifedipine has resulted in elevations in blood pressure and heart rate .

CYP1A2 substrates: Melatonin inhibits CYP1A2 and may increase the bioavailability of substrate drugs, like fluvoxamine.

Anticoagulants: Oral melatonin intake is associated with lower plasma levels of factor VIII and fibrinogen . Therefore, this may increase the risk of adverse effects when used with anticoagulant medications.

Rhubarb: A study using human primary hepatocytes showed that concomitant use can cause metabolic disorder of melatonin.

The natural anthraquinones from Rheum palmatum induced the metabolic disorder of melatonin by inhibiting human CYP and SULT enzymes.

LAB INTERACTIONS

May lower plasma levels of factor VIII and fibrinogen