Table of contents:
- Side effects of taking melatonin supplements carelessly
- Not everyone should use the drug melatonin
- How do you use the correct melatonin drug?
Difficulty sleeping soundly is often caused by an imbalance in the hormone melatonin in the body. In fact, the function of melatonin itself is as a hormone that triggers sleepiness and keeps you asleep throughout the night. In older people, in particular, melatonin production decreases naturally as a result of aging. So, it is not uncommon for melatonin supplements to be used as reinforcements to increase the amount of this sleepy hormone in the body.
However, just like other drugs and supplements, melatonin supplements also come with their own risk of side effects. Especially if consumed carelessly without consulting a doctor first. Then, what are the side effects of taking melatonin supplements that you need to know about?
Side effects of taking melatonin supplements carelessly
Melatonin supplements themselves actually come in a variety of forms, from oral versions (tablets or pills), creams that are applied to the skin, and those that are injected. In general, the drug melatonin is safe for adult use - even if it has been used for years.
However, that does not mean that this drowsiness supplement is completely free from the risk of side effects. Some of the common and possibly temporary side effects of melatonin supplements include:
- Headache
- Short term depression
- Sleepy and limp during the day
- Dizzy
- Stomach cramps
- Mood changes (mood swings)
Therefore, you are not advised to do dangerous activities after using this supplement. For example, driving or operating heavy machinery and sharp objects.
Apart from minor side effects, there are some risks of more serious side effects that you need to be more aware of. More serious side effects of melatonin supplements include:
- Bleeding disorders: This supplement can cause you to easily experience bleeding, such as bruises and bruises, especially if you already have certain bleeding disorders or problems before.
- Depression: Melatonin can make depressive symptoms worse if you have it.
- Increased blood sugar: The use of melatonin can increase blood sugar in diabetics. It's good, always monitor and check your blood sugar regularly.
- High blood pressure: If you are on hypertension medications, carelessly taking melatonin supplements without the doctor's knowledge can further increase your blood pressure.
- Seizures: Excess melatonin consumption can increase the risk of seizures.
Not everyone should use the drug melatonin
Melatonin supplements should not be used in people who have recently received organ transplants or received blood transfusions. Melatonin can improve immune function and may interfere with the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy, which is specifically used for people who have received transplants.
Women who are in a pregnant program should also not use this supplement. The hormone melatonin can interfere with ovulation, which can make it harder to get pregnant.
Meanwhile, children should only take the oral version of the melatonin supplement. Provided with a dose that is closely monitored by your pediatrician. The injectable version of the supplement is reported to interfere with the development of children and adolescents.
How do you use the correct melatonin drug?
Ideally, you should first consult with your doctor about your sleep problems. It aims to find out what the exact cause is, and the best way to deal with it. If your doctor approves the use of melatonin supplements, the dosage will be adjusted according to your physical condition and age.
Dosages used to aid sleep are usually between 0.1 mg and 5 mg. It is difficult to determine the right dosage for each person because supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM). The dosage can also vary according to the brand of melatonin you choose.
As a rule of thumb, you are only allowed to take one pill about 30 minutes to 1 hour before your bedtime.
After taking melatonin supplements, avoid activities that expose you to blue lights or lights. These activities include watching television or using cellphones, laptops, or other visual electronic devices. This type of light can cause your body to produce less melatonin, making melatonin supplements ineffective.
