{"id":9814,"date":"2020-03-25T09:00:03","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T13:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9814"},"modified":"2026-07-22T21:13:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T01:13:50","slug":"melatonin-dosage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-dosage\/","title":{"rendered":"A melatonin dosage guide: How much do I need to sleep?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hTDUdUYgqD0?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sleep-statistics\/\">70 million people living with a sleep disorder<\/a>, you\u2019ve probably struggled to find a safe and effective way to get better sleep at night. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sleep-aids-guide\/\">Over-the-counter sleep aids<\/a>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zzzquil\">ZzzQuil <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/unisom-sleeptabs\">Unisom<\/a>, don\u2019t always work and should not be used as a long-term solution. Meanwhile, taking the plunge into prescription sleep medications, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien\">Ambien<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lunesta\">Lunesta<\/a>, carries a risk of dependence (creating another problem instead of a solution!).<\/p>\n<p>For many people with sleep problems, taking a melatonin supplement before bed is the best option. In fact, a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/sleep-survey\/\">\u00a0sleep survey by SingleCare<\/a> found that 20% of respondents reported taking a natural supplement like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin\">melatonin<\/a> to sleep better. Because supplements aren\u2019t prescriptions, they\u2019re available over the counter and often considered a \u201cnatural\u201d or safer way to find relief from sleeplessness. But <i>is<\/i> melatonin safe to take? And how do you know what the right dose is for you? Here\u2019s how to figure it out.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-does-melatonin-help-you-sleep\">How does melatonin help you sleep?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin\/what-is\">Melatonin, which is produced by the <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourhormones.info\/glands\/pineal-gland\/\">pineal gland<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin\/what-is\"> (a small gland in the brain),<\/a> is often referred to as \u201cthe sleep hormone\u201d\u2014and for good reason! Natural melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating your body\u2019s sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Think of your circadian rhythm as the \u201cclock\u201d that tells your body what time of day it is and when it\u2019s time for bed.<\/p>\n<p>So, how does melatonin help you drift off into dreamland? When the sun sets and darkness envelops the environment, your body begins to produce more melatonin. This increase signals to your body that it&#8217;s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1855314\/\">Secretion of the hormone<\/a> peaks between 2-4 a.m., with levels of melatonin decreasing gradually from there. Essentially, melatonin helps to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intechopen.com\/chapters\/87715\">lower your body temperature<\/a> and relax your muscles, making it easier for you to fall asleep.<\/p>\n<p>But being exposed to light too late in the day (or not enough early on) can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountsinai.org\/health-library\/supplement\/melatonin\">interfere<\/a> with melatonin production\u2014and that\u2019s not all. \u201cThe natural release of melatonin can be altered by cellphone screens, TVs, and bright lights throughout the house,\u201d says<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonmethodist.org\/doctor\/anjali-kohli\/\"> Anjali Kohli, MD<\/a>, internist at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. \u201cOther common causes include disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle [like those] caused by jet lag or shift work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Not making enough melatonin can lead to the occasional sleepless night, but it can also cause sleep disorders like insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. For those struggling with insomnia or irregular sleep schedules, melatonin supplements can be a helpful tool. Dr. Kohli says that melatonin doesn\u2019t <i>force<\/i> you to sleep, but if you\u2019re in the right environment\u2014like a dark, quiet, comfortable room\u2014it should help you feel drowsy and make it easier for you to drift off.<\/p>\n<p>Melatonin is a viable option for many people with sleep issues and, though it doesn\u2019t work for everyone, is generally considered effective. Signaling to your body that it&#8217;s time to sleep makes it easier to fall asleep faster and potentially enhances your sleep quality. However, it\u2019s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding melatonin to your wellness routine.<\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Melatonin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMelatonin 5 mg (30 Tablet)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-food-lion.svg\" alt=\"Food Lion\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.83<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.82<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Melatonin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"melatonin-uses\">Melatonin uses<\/h3>\n<p>Melatonin may be used to improve sleep onset, sleep time, or sleep quality. There are several scenarios where you might benefit from taking melatonin for sleep, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/nccih.nih.gov\/health\/melatonin\">National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health<\/a> (NCCIH). These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Experiencing jet lag symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness, during or after a long flight or after traveling through different time zones<\/li>\n<li>Performing shift work that disrupts your sleep cycle (such as overnight work shifts)<\/li>\n<li>Having temporary instances of anxiety related to events in your life<\/li>\n<li>Experiencing the occasional sleepless night<\/li>\n<li>Being diagnosed with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some healthcare professionals also recommend that children who experience difficulty sleeping due to other health conditions, like autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, take melatonin\u2014although experts are still unsure about the overall safety and effectiveness of this approach. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/healthy-living\/sleep\/Pages\/Melatonin-and-Childrens-Sleep.aspx\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP) reminds parents to always discuss supplement use with their child\u2019s pediatrician, especially since melatonin is a hormone and may affect the growth and development of a child who has not fully matured.<\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-for-kids\/\"><b>Is melatonin safe for kids?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-much-melatonin-should-i-take\">How much melatonin should I take?<\/h2>\n<p>Melatonin supplements are available in a wide range of dosages, from 1 milligram up to 10 milligrams, and can be taken in pill form, as dissolvable tablets, liquid drops, or even gummies. (Some manufacturers do make doses higher than 10 milligrams, but doses that high are not recommended.) However you take it, the best time to use melatonin is about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve never taken melatonin before, <a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/melatonin-how-much-should-i-take-for-a-good-nights-rest\">start small<\/a> and gradually work your way up if needed. For adults, Dr. Kohli recommends beginning with a 1 to 2 milligram dose daily before bedtime and increasing the dosage by another 1 to 2 milligrams at a time, if needed. For children, the AAP says the dose should remain low (starting between 0.5 and 1 milligram), capping out at no more than 3 to 6 milligrams of melatonin. The maximum dosage for healthy adults ranges from 5 to 10 milligrams, but many adults do fine with 1 to 5 mg. If that sounds like a wide spectrum, it\u2019s because the \u201cright\u201d dose of melatonin is very individualized. According to University of Missouri Health Care neurologist Pradeep Bollu, MD, while some people respond well to 3 milligrams daily, others may need more or less. If you need more than 5 milligrams, you should talk to your healthcare provider first before trying a higher dose. The more melatonin you take, the more likely you are to have side effects. Melatonin dosage is fixed according to age and does not vary by body weight.<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Melatonin dosage chart by age group <\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>Children 3 years or older<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Adults<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Older adults<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Starting dose<\/b><\/td>\n<td>0.5 mg daily*<\/td>\n<td>1-5 mg daily<\/td>\n<td>0.5-1 mg daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Maximum dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td>3 to 6 mg daily*<\/td>\n<td>5-10 mg daily; ask a doctor before exceeding 5 mg of melatonin<\/td>\n<td>6 mg daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*Only under a healthcare provider\u2019s approval. Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/melatonin\/melatonin-dosage-how-much-should-you-take\">Sleep Foundation<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ajmc.com\/view\/should-lower-doses-of-melatonin-be-used-for-older-adults\">AJMC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-for-kids\/\">SingleCare<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The dosage you take may also depend on your reason for taking melatonin. Its use in the treatment of some types of <a href=\"http:\/\/chicagoheadacheclinic.com\/headaches-and-melatonin\/\">migraine<\/a> and anxiety is still being studied, but many people find that taking melatonin at different doses helps them with these other health issues.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sleep:<\/b> While there is no official melatonin dosage recommendation for sleep, taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/melatonin\/melatonin-dosage-how-much-should-you-take\">1-5 mg<\/a> (although some adults will need to take up to 10 mg) 30 minutes before going to bed appears to be safe in most adults.<\/li>\n<li><b>Adjusting circadian rhythm:<\/b> Melatonin may be useful for people whose schedule doesn\u2019t align with their body\u2019s natural <a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/melatonin-how-much-should-i-take-for-a-good-nights-rest\/\">circadian rhythm<\/a>\u2014for example, night shift workers who go to bed very late or those who go to bed very early. Those who live with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/full\/10.1073\/pnas.0602425103\">seasonal affective disorder<\/a> (SAD, also called winter depression), which is related to an altered circadian rhythm caused by shorter days, may benefit from taking melatonin in the afternoon. In either scenario, it\u2019s a good idea to work with a sleep specialist to determine dosage and duration.<\/li>\n<li><b>Jet lag:<\/b> If you travel often\u2014especially to new time zones\u2014even minimal doses of melatonin may be helpful in minimizing the effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/jet-lag\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20374031\">jet lag<\/a>. Try taking 0.5 mg to 5 mg 30 to 60 minutes before going to sleep until you adapt to the time zone.<\/li>\n<li><b>Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder:<\/b> Melatonin is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2590142720300112\">first-line treatment<\/a> in individuals with this circadian rhythm sleep-wake cycle disorder. However, it\u2019s best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine a dose that\u2019s appropriate for you. Research indicates that a very low dose is usually effective.<\/li>\n<li><b>Premedication for surgery:<\/b> According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8092422\/\">research<\/a>, melatonin may be helpful in reducing anxiety before surgery, but its effectiveness in reducing anxiety after surgery has not been established.<\/li>\n<li><b>Tardive dyskinesia:<\/b> Melatonin may be helpful in controlling tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by repetitive, uncontrollable movements that are common in individuals taking antipsychotic medication. A small <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21950196\/\">study<\/a> showed that 20 mg of melatonin decreased symptoms, but more research is needed.<\/li>\n<li><b>COVID-19: <\/b>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34460132\/\">study<\/a> among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, melatonin administration improved sleep quality and blood oxygen saturation.<\/li>\n<li><b>Cancer, adjunctive therapy: <\/b>In cancer patients, <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/940.html\">melatonin given in high doses<\/a> (orally or intravenously) may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8123278\/\">reduce the size of a cancerous tumor<\/a> and improve a cancer patient\u2019s survival rate, but this depends on the extent and type of cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance.<\/li>\n<li><b>Chemo-related thrombocytopenia:<\/b> Low platelet levels in the blood caused by chemotherapy may be remedied by melatonin. <a href=\"https:\/\/ashpublications.org\/blood\/article\/112\/11\/1241\/59268\/The-Effect-and-Underlying-Mechanism-of-Melatonin\">Research suggests that<\/a> melatonin may enhance platelet and white blood cell recovery.<\/li>\n<li><b>Headache prevention: <\/b>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5012937\/\">review<\/a> of randomized, placebo-controlled trials showed that a 10 mg dose of melatonin taken at night helped prevent cluster headaches. In comparison, a 3 mg dose was effective at preventing migraine.<\/li>\n<li><b>Nicotine withdrawal: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/B9780128153734000228\">Insomnia<\/a> is a clinically verified symptom of nicotine withdrawal. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spandidos-publications.com\/10.3892\/ijmm.2024.5406\">research review and meta-analysis<\/a>, while older research indicated that taking lower-dose melatonin was effective at reducing mood-based withdrawal symptoms, more current research is needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cThere are initial studies looking at melatonin as a therapy for certain headache disorders and anxiety, especially in relation to surgical procedures,\u201d says Dr. Kohli. However, she emphasizes that there is currently no consensus on using it for these issues, and studies about its effectiveness are ongoing.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-overdose-on-melatonin\">Can you overdose on melatonin?<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to assess just how much melatonin is too much. Melatonin overdose appears to carry a low risk; the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/articles\/2011-dec\/melatonin\"> National Poison Control website<\/a> notes that side effects like sleepiness, headache, nausea, or agitation may occur. They reported three cases where children and adults consumed extremely high doses of melatonin and had little or no unwanted side effects (other than acute drowsiness and increased pulse).<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our wellness newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Wellness Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<h2 id=\"is-melatonin-safe\">Is melatonin safe?<\/h2>\n<p>Even staying within the recommended range of melatonin could lead to long-term side effects or changes to your circadian rhythm. In other words, it might be healthier to consider melatonin as a short-term solution to your sleep troubles, used only occasionally (or nightly for a short period) rather than as a permanent Band-Aid.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is always safest to allow your body to fall asleep naturally,\u201d Dr. Kohli says. \u201cTalk to your physician if you are having chronic trouble falling or staying asleep&#8230;insomnia is a very complex problem and can sometimes indicate underlying medical issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-it-safe-to-take-melatonin-every-night\">Is it safe to take melatonin every night?<\/h3>\n<p>Unfortunately, there\u2019s no straight answer here, which you\u2019re probably hoping for. There is no evidence proving that long-term use of melatonin is safe. Though the supplement is generally not associated with dependency, habituation, or hangover symptoms, Dr. Kohli says she doesn\u2019t suggest taking melatonin every night because of the lack of long-term clinical trials evaluating the safety of chronic use.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, there is no evidence proving nightly melatonin use <i>isn\u2019t<\/i> safe. Dr. Bollu points out that melatonin is a natural hormone that fluctuates in our bodies on a daily basis anyway, meaning it may be safer than taking a prescription drug.<\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/otc-sleep-aids\/\"><b>Is it safe to take OTC sleep aids every night?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-melatonin-approved-by-the-fda\">Is melatonin approved by the FDA?<\/h3>\n<p>Because melatonin supplements aren\u2019t medications, they aren\u2019t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There\u2019s no guarantee about the quality of the product you\u2019re purchasing, or the content of ingredients claimed on the label, unlike prescription or over-the-counter drugs. A pharmacist or registered dietitian can help you find a product produced by a reputable manufacturer.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-should-not-take-melatonin\">Who should <i>not<\/i> take melatonin?<\/h2>\n<p>Your provider will also assess your overall health profile when considering the safety of a higher dose. Per the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24802882\/\">National Institutes of Health (NIH)<\/a>, the following populations should take lower doses of melatonin under medical advice or none at all:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Children:<\/b> Before turning to melatonin, work on improving your child\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4830653\/\">sleep hygiene<\/a>. Start with regular sleep and wake times, and make sure your child is sleeping in a cool, dark environment (in their bed). Avoid electronics an hour before bedtime, and avoid eating large meals less than two hours before bed. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/150006\/download\">FDA<\/a>, there is no standard dosage recommendation for melatonin in children. Still, experts recommend starting with a low dose of 0.5 mg daily in children ages 3 years and older. You should consult with your child\u2019s pediatrician first.<\/li>\n<li><b>Older adults:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24802882\/\">Research<\/a> indicates that melatonin levels remain elevated in adults older than 55 for a longer period than in younger individuals when taking a supplement. For this reason, older adults should take the lowest dose of melatonin available in immediate-release form.<\/li>\n<li><b>Pregnant and breastfeeding women:<\/b> Melatonin can reach a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32210911\/\">developing fetus<\/a> through the placenta during pregnancy. Because sufficient research studies have yet to be conducted, it has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/melatonin\/pregnancy\">not been established as safe<\/a>. Supplementation with melatonin should be avoided during pregnancy. Similarly, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501863\/\">no data exists<\/a> on the safety of melatonin while breastfeeding, so it is not recommended.<\/li>\n<li><b>People with epilepsy or other seizure disorders<\/b> should take either low doses of melatonin under medical advice or none at all. Although previously conducted <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23532506\/\">research<\/a> does not indicate consistent improvement or worsening of epileptic seizures from melatonin, further research is needed before it can be deemed safe. The healthcare provider will also need to review potential drug interactions between melatonin and any anticonvulsant drugs the patient takes.<\/li>\n<li><b>People taking certain medications:<\/b> Melatonin may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspharmacist.com\/article\/although-safe-for-most-melatonin-causes-unexpected-interactions-in-others\">interfere with some medications<\/a>, including immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives, and anticoagulants (blood thinners).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"melatonin-interactions\">Melatonin interactions<\/h2>\n<p>Melatonin may cause drug interactions with other medicines you\u2019re taking. It can interact with the following prescription medications, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements-melatonin\/art-20363071\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs or supplements, such as warfarin<\/li>\n<li>Anticonvulsants<\/li>\n<li>Blood pressure medication, such as Procardia XL (nifedipine)<\/li>\n<li>Central nervous system depressants (this includes medicines used for pain, sleep, anxiety, and others)<\/li>\n<li>Diabetes medications<\/li>\n<li>Contraceptives<\/li>\n<li>Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates<\/li>\n<li>Luvox (fluvoxamine)<\/li>\n<li>Immunosuppressants<\/li>\n<li>Drugs that lower the seizure threshold (which can increase the risk of seizures), such as tramadol or bupropion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Caffeine consumption may impair melatonin production. Given its stimulant effects, it\u2019s best to avoid it close to bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances. Taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/alcohol-and-sleep-aids\/\">melatonin with alcohol<\/a> is not recommended as it may cause drowsiness, breathing difficulty, fainting, dizziness, and an increased risk of falling.<\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-side-effects\/\"><b>How to avoid melatonin side effects<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/es\/recursos\/dosis-de-melatonina\">Lea este art\u00edculo en espa\u00f1ol aqu\u00ed.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re one of the 70 million people living with a sleep disorder, you\u2019ve probably struggled to find a safe and effective way to get better sleep at night. Over-the-counter sleep aids, like ZzzQuil and Unisom, don\u2019t always work and should not be used as a long-term solution. Meanwhile, taking the plunge into prescription sleep [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":9447,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[11278,816,812],"coauthors":[8860],"class_list":["post-9814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-singlecare-for-seniors","tag-sleep","tag-supplements","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How much melatonin should I take?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Melatonin dosage for adults starts at 1-2 mg daily. Different melatonin doses are recommended for children and seniors. 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