{"id":60966,"date":"2023-10-23T14:37:37","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T18:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60966"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:28:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:28:27","slug":"melatonin-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Melatonin side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a popular dietary supplement that is mainly used as a sleep aid. The brain&rsquo;s pineal gland naturally makes melatonin, which signals the brain to sleep. But, some people have low melatonin levels or circadian rhythm problems, like jet lag and shift-work sleep disorder, making falling asleep difficult. In those situations, healthcare providers may recommend melatonin and lifestyle interventions to help patients <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3656905\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep better<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Since melatonin has fewer side effects than other sleep aids, the American Academy of Family Physicians considers it the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2017\/0701\/p29.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-line pharmacological treatment for people who have problems falling asleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&rsquo;s also prescribed to treat other health conditions, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534823\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-traumatic brain injury and some neurodegenerative diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/940.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">additional treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for migraines, endometriosis, and some kinds of cancers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is available over the counter without a prescription. This makes it different from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rozerem\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rozerem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ramelteon\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ramelteon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which is a prescription medication that works on the same brain receptors as melatonin.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of melatonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/melatonin-side-effects\/faq-20057874\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> side effects of melatonin include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daytime drowsiness&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less common side effects of melatonin include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nightmares or vivid dreams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term depression or mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal cramps and diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nighttime urinary incontinence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of falls and seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced alertness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that clinical studies use controlled doses and monitor participants taking the supplement. The doses are varied but often aren&rsquo;t excessive. Outside of clinical studies, melatonin is unregulated. People may decide to take more than the recommended amount or take it for a longer period of time. Taking high doses or using melatonin supplements chronically is more likely to produce higher rates of side effects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-and-weight\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin and weight&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People may gain weight for a variety of reasons, but in general, melatonin doesn&rsquo;t appear to be one of them. In fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8745381\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have shown that melatonin may help support a healthy weight. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4352910\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in particular found that melatonin supplementation led to weight loss in postmenopausal women.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-and-the-digestive-system\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin and the digestive system<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is produced not only in the brain but also in the digestive system, where it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1023\/A:1020107915919\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regulates many important tissue processes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6319589\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased melatonin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the gut may cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or cramps in some people. However, keep in mind that individuals have unique responses to drugs and supplements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-and-daytime-sleepiness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin and daytime sleepiness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9842516\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review of melatonin use in older adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found the most likely side effect was daytime sleepiness. If melatonin supplements cause daytime sleepiness or impairment, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you feel better.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of melatonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While serious side effects are highly uncommon in adults taking melatonin at recommended doses, it&rsquo;s important to be aware of how a drug or supplement affects you individually. Older adults and people who take other medications should be especially cautious if they feel sleepy or dizzy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-melatonin-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do melatonin side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin promotes sleep, so drowsiness and sleepiness are early side effects of the supplement. Healthcare providers suggest that melatonin be taken an hour and a half or two hours before bedtime since side effects like drowsiness peak at one and a half hours after taking it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-melatonin-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do melatonin side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin supplements have a half-life of three and a half hours. That&rsquo;s the amount of time it takes for half a dose of melatonin to be cleared from the body. If taken an hour and a half to two hours before bedtime, side effects like drowsiness should disappear by the time people wake up in the morning. However, sleepiness and drowsiness can persist into the next day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of melatonin?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular daily use of melatonin has no known long-term side effects. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12065466\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one small study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of eight men found that regular use of melatonin decreased sperm concentration and motility in men.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"melatonin-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common effect of melatonin is drowsiness, which is why people take it to promote sleep. For this reason, drugs that cause sedation&mdash;particularly sleep medicines and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/benzodiazepines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&mdash;can increase the risk of excessive sedation when taken with melatonin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, any central nervous system (CNS) depressant can cause excessive sleepiness when taken with melatonin. This includes <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opioids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, alcohol, and over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In addition, hormonal <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/contraceptives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> increases the body&rsquo;s natural levels of melatonin, so taking melatonin supplements may increase the likelihood of related side effects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin does more than just promote sleep. It has many effects throughout the body. For this reason, melatonin may affect the effectiveness of drugs like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diabetes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/immunosuppressant-drug\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunosuppressants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anticonvulsants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticonvulsants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0024320522005665?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood thinners<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using melatonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin has no absolute contraindications. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=53e7d7ac-85e1-4f45-9368-f8a28e06577a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">melatonin drug labels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advise certain people to consult their healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant women<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women who are breastfeeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People taking prescription medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children and adolescents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534823\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other people should be cautious about taking melatonin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or taking high doses of it. This includes people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizure disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin increases immune system activity, so it may increase the risk of flare-ups in people with autoimmune disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-and-children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin and children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the active ingredients in supplements can vary widely, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has issued an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/aasm.org\/advocacy\/position-statements\/melatonin-use-in-children-and-adolescents-health-advisory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">advisory<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the use of melatonin in children. Always talk to a healthcare provider before giving a child or adolescent melatonin supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-during-pregnancy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin during pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&rsquo;s little research on the safety of melatonin during pregnancy, so the risks are unknown. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements if you are or may become pregnant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-while-breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin while breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with pregnancy, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501863\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there&rsquo;s little research on the safety of taking melatonin when breastfeeding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Breast milk already contains natural melatonin, but it&rsquo;s unknown whether taking melatonin supplements increases the amount of melatonin in breast milk. Melatonin supplements may also contain other ingredients, impurities, and contaminants that may not be healthy for an infant. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=53e7d7ac-85e1-4f45-9368-f8a28e06577a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advises women who are breastfeeding to talk to a healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-dependence\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin supplements do not cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects in adults who take large amounts of melatonin are uncommon. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/71\/wr\/mm7122a1.htm?s_cid=mm7122a1_w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">children are at higher risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for serious side effects or death from melatonin overdose. Call a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poison helpline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or get medical attention if you suspect someone has taken too much melatonin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-recalls\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin recalls<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is a popular supplement available in many brand-name and generic products. There have been numerous recalls of individual melatonin products for impurities, poor quality, or incorrect labeling. To date, there has been no industry-wide recall of melatonin supplements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-melatonin-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid melatonin side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is a relatively safe supplement. It has fewer side effects than other sleep aids. Even though most side effects are mild, they can be minimized by following a few simple rules:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-take-melatonin-supplements-as-instructed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take melatonin supplements as instructed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like other dietary supplements, melatonin supplements often come with a few instructions. Most will have a suggested dose and schedule. This should indicate the maximum dose and the time you should take it. If there are concerns about side effects, get medical advice from a healthcare professional.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-start-with-a-small-dose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Start with a small dose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no standardized melatonin doses for any medical condition or sleep issue. Doses can range from very small (0.5 mg) to very large (60 mg), depending on the product. The best advice is to start small. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises low doses&mdash;1 mg taken before bedtime. That&rsquo;s probably a good place to start if side effects are a concern. If that dose doesn&rsquo;t work, increase the dose slowly until an optimal dose is reached. Don&rsquo;t exceed the maximum recommended dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-avoid-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Avoid alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol will not only worsen the sedative effects of melatonin, but it will also decrease sleep quality. As most people know, few wake up feeling refreshed after drinking alcohol. The additional sedation will raise the risk of injuries or accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-avoid-cns-depressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Avoid CNS depressants&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like with alcohol, melatonin increases the sedative effects of other CNS depressants like sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, and sedating antihistamines. Taking melatonin with CNS depressants increases the risk of injuries or accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-dont-make-melatonin-a-habit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Don&rsquo;t make melatonin a habit&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare providers believe melatonin is safe for short-term use to address sleep problems caused by internal sleep clock disruptions. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill and doesn&rsquo;t work instantly. If melatonin supplements are not fixing a sleep problem, talk to a healthcare professional.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-dont-buy-just-any-melatonin-supplement\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Don&rsquo;t buy just any melatonin supplement&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The supplement industry is poorly regulated. Consumers are not always sure of what they&rsquo;re getting in a supplement. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5263083\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that melatonin supplements had anywhere from one-sixth to almost five times the amount of melatonin advertised on the label, even among individual doses in the same bottle. It&rsquo;s even more difficult to figure out whether there are impurities or active contaminants in the supplement. One solution is to look up the supplement on the website of a third-party tester, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.quality-supplements.org\/usp_verified_products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States Pharmacopeia (USP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A USP-verified mark should be the minimum criterion when purchasing supplements. Getting medical advice from a healthcare professional is an even better place to start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of melatonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most side effects of melatonin are temporary and will resolve before a person wakes up. Some can&rsquo;t be helped, like sleepiness, daytime drowsiness, or vivid dreams. The first way to handle these problems is by reducing the dose. If you get a headache from melatonin, OTC pain medications may help. You can prevent potential nausea side effects by taking melatonin with food or using an OTC nausea relief medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-melatonin-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is melatonin safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is considered safe for temporary use in most adults to address sleep issues due to internal clock discrepancies or low melatonin levels. It&rsquo;s not considered effective for general insomnia, but it&rsquo;s not unsafe, either. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Severe side effects are uncommon in adults. There are drug interactions, but none that are contraindications. Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">changes to your bedtime routine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before or along with adding melatonin. And as with every other type of OTC supplement or medicine, if there are any doubts, get medical advice from a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Melatonin is a popular dietary supplement that is mainly used as a sleep aid. The brain&rsquo;s pineal gland naturally makes melatonin, which signals the brain to sleep. But, some people have low melatonin levels or circadian rhythm problems, like jet lag and shift-work sleep disorder, making falling asleep difficult. In those situations, healthcare providers may [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":60970,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-60966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Melatonin side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sleepiness is the most common melatonin side effect, and there are few uncommon side effects. 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