Miya Pearson
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in the form of pills, creams, gargles, gels, and more. While melatonin is generally safe for adults when used for short periods and in low doses, it is possible to overdose on it, especially in the case of children. Overdosing on melatonin can lead to side effects such as excessive sleepiness, vomiting, trouble breathing, gastrointestinal issues, changes in hormone levels, and mood problems. It is important to be cautious when taking melatonin and to consult a healthcare professional to understand the appropriate dosage for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of overdose | Yes |
| Risk groups | Children, adults taking more than 10 milligrams per day |
| Signs of overdose | Excessive sleepiness, vomiting, trouble breathing, stomach problems, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, nightmares, hypotension, tachycardia, hypothermia, blood pressure changes, gastrointestinal problems, changes in other hormone levels, mood problems |
| Action in case of overdose | Wipe children's mouth with a soft, wet cloth, call poison control; for adults, call poison control, 911, or a doctor in case of severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness |
| Preventative measures | Look for USP-verified brands, treat melatonin as seriously as any other drug, consult a healthcare provider before taking melatonin or giving it to children |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin overdose symptoms
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces to help you sleep at night. It is generally safe for adults to take melatonin supplements for short periods, but it is possible to overdose, especially for children. Melatonin poisoning, especially among children, has increased over the past decade. A study of poison control calls in the U.S. found that more than 4,000 teens and children were hospitalized and two died from melatonin poisoning.
The most common symptoms of a melatonin overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, confusion, nightmares, hypotension, tachycardia, and hypothermia. Other possible side effects of a melatonin overdose include vomiting, trouble breathing, gastrointestinal problems, changes in other hormone levels, and mood problems.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after taking melatonin, it is important to seek medical help. Call your doctor or poison control at $(800) 222-1222 in the U.S. They can guide you through the next steps and help manage any symptoms. If a child has taken too much melatonin, wipe their mouth with a soft, wet cloth and call poison control immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
To ensure you are taking a safe dose of melatonin, look for USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) verified brands, which guarantee the product is free of harmful substances and accurately labelled. Additionally, melatonin is meant for short-term use of less than 10 milligrams per day for healthy adults.
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Safe doses for adults
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter as a "natural treatment" for sleep disorders. However, it is important to note that melatonin is not regulated by the FDA in the US and is considered a dietary supplement rather than a medication. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase melatonin from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination with toxic metals or other drugs.
While melatonin is generally safe for adults when taken appropriately, it is possible to take too much, and an overdose may lead to increased side effects. Short-term use of less than 10 milligrams of melatonin per day is generally considered safe for healthy adults. Some sources suggest that adults should not take more than 5 milligrams at a time, while others recommend staying below 3 milligrams. It is recommended that adults start with a low dose of 0.5 to 1 milligram and gradually increase the dose if needed. A typical dose ranges from 1 to 3 milligrams, taken about 30 minutes to four hours before bedtime, with most people rarely needing more than 5 milligrams.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of melatonin is not dependent on the dose. Even very small doses of melatonin can be effective in promoting sleep, and higher doses do not necessarily lead to more significant effects. Additionally, lower doses are associated with fewer side effects. Some people may experience vivid dreams or nightmares while taking melatonin. Other possible side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, confusion, hypotension, tachycardia, and hypothermia.
It is recommended to use melatonin for a short period of time, typically one to two months. After this period, it is advised to stop taking melatonin and assess your sleep quality without the supplement. Regular dependence on melatonin may indicate that it is time to re-evaluate your sleep health and consider alternative solutions.
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Melatonin for children
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally makes to regulate sleep. It is sold over the counter as a sleep aid for adults and children in the form of pills, creams, gargles, or gels. It is generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but it is possible to overdose on melatonin, especially for children. Melatonin poisoning, especially among children, has increased over the past decade. A study of poison control calls in the U.S. found that the number of melatonin poisoning-related calls increased sixfold from 2012 to 2021, with more than 4,000 teens and children hospitalized and two deaths.
Melatonin is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement for children. However, it is not recommended as a stand-alone solution and should always be accompanied by behavioral interventions. These include a consistent nighttime and sleep routine, limiting screen time before bed, and regular bedtime and wake-up times. In addition, creating a sleep-friendly environment, such as a dark and quiet room, can help improve sleep hygiene.
While melatonin can help children fall asleep, it doesn't necessarily keep them asleep. It may even make dreams more vivid, which can worsen sleep for children who have nightmares. Melatonin may be recommended for children with neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it should be managed with routine evaluation and follow-up by their healthcare team.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving melatonin to children to ensure it is used appropriately and at the correct dose for their age. The synthetic melatonin available over the counter mimics the effects of the melatonin naturally produced by our brains. It has a "hypnotic" effect when given in larger doses shortly before bedtime and a "chronobiotic" effect when given in smaller doses, shifting the body's circadian rhythms.
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Melatonin interactions
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep. It is also available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement for adults and children in the form of pills, creams, gargles, or gels. While melatonin supplements are generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults, it is possible to overdose on them, especially in children.
Melatonin interacts with certain drugs, diseases, and even food and alcohol. There are 344 known drug interactions with melatonin, 5 of which are major, 330 are moderate, and 9 are minor. It is important to note that drugs interacting with CYP1A2, an enzyme involved in melatonin metabolism, can slow down the metabolism of melatonin, leading to increased levels in the body. This can result in enhanced or prolonged effects of melatonin. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to assess potential drug interactions before taking melatonin supplements, especially if you are already taking other medications.
Additionally, melatonin has been found to have interactions with three diseases and one food/alcohol interaction. However, the specific details of these interactions are not provided in the source.
Signs of Melatonin Overdose
While melatonin overdose is very rare and not typically fatal, it can cause unwanted side effects. The most common side effects of a melatonin overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, confusion, nightmares, hypotension, tachycardia, and hypothermia. Other possible side effects include excessive sleepiness, vomiting, trouble breathing, gastrointestinal problems, changes in hormone levels, and mood problems. If you suspect an overdose, it is important to seek medical attention or contact poison control for guidance.
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Melatonin side effects
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is also available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement for adults and children in the form of pills, creams, gargles, gels, tablets, capsules, liquids, and gummies. While melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, it is possible to overdose on it, especially in the case of children.
Side Effects of Melatonin Overdose
The side effects of a melatonin overdose can vary depending on dosage, age, size, and individual needs. Some common side effects of melatonin overdose include:
- Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Nightmares or vivid dreams
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Blood pressure changes
- Mood problems
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Other Considerations
It is important to note that melatonin is not regulated by the FDA, and the actual amount of melatonin in supplements may vary significantly from what is listed on the label. Therefore, it is recommended to look for USP-verified brands, which guarantee accurate dosage information and freedom from harmful substances. Additionally, melatonin can interact with certain medications, such as birth control pills, anticoagulant drugs, and corticosteroids, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking melatonin supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking prescription medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to overdose on melatonin sleeping pills. However, melatonin is one of the least toxic medications, and it is very rare that an overdose could be fatal.
Signs of a melatonin overdose include excessive sleepiness, vomiting, trouble breathing, stomach problems, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, nightmares, hypotension, tachycardia, and hypothermia.
If you suspect that you or someone else has overdosed on melatonin, call a poison control center or your local poison control number. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or a loss of consciousness, immediately call your local emergency services or go to the emergency room.
Melatonin overdoses are rare, especially in adults. However, melatonin overdoses among children have been on the rise in recent years, with a study finding that the number of melatonin poisoning-related calls to poison control centers increased six times from 2012 to 2021 in the United States.
To prevent a melatonin overdose, only take the recommended amount of melatonin and be wary of inaccurate dosages on labels. Consult a healthcare provider before taking melatonin, especially if you take prescription medications or have a chronic condition. Look for USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) verified brands, which are free of harmful substances and accurately labeled.
