Melatonin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What is the drug Melatonin?

What is melatonin for?

Melatonin is a natural hormone present in the body. This hormone plays a role in helping maintain your sleep-wake cycle (the body's biological clock).

Ideally, the body will produce this hormone automatically around 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. and it will stop at noon. This is why, during the day you will usually be more alert while at night you will feel weak and sleepy.

Unfortunately, the body's ability to produce this hormone decreases with age. On the other hand, lifestyle factors and a history of certain medical conditions can also inhibit the release of this hormone at night. Various factors can cause disruption of the body's biological clock so that a person will find it more difficult to sleep well.

Well, to get around this problem, taking melatonin supplements might be a solution. By taking this supplement, levels of the hormone melatonin in the body can increase so that the elderly or adults who have trouble sleeping can get sleepy faster.

Doctors can also prescribe this supplement for other conditions such as:

• Jet lag
• Adjusting the sleep cycle in the blind
• Treating sleep disorders experienced by shift workers
• General insomnia

Not everyone needs hormone supplements. Therefore, before consuming it, make sure you consult your doctor first.

How do you take melatonin hormone supplements?

If you feel you need to use it, make sure the supplement is taken according to doctor's instructions or the rules of use stated on the product packaging label. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you don't really understand how to use it.

Don't swallow the tablet all at once. Let the medicine dissolve in the mouth without chewing. If this is difficult, you can drink water to help dissolve the tablets.

Each person may get a different dose. Because, the dose is usually adjusted to the health condition and the patient's response to treatment. You are not advised to give this supplement to other people even if they complain of the exact same symptoms.

The doctor can give the dose gradually, starting from a low one and increasing according to the patient's needs. Take supplements before bed.

To treat jet lag, take a supplement before bed and use it for 2 to 5 days, or as directed by your doctor. Meanwhile, if you are using this product to treat other conditions that are not related to sleep disorders, follow the doctor's instructions about when and how best to take it.

It is better to stop using the drug and seek medical attention immediately if your condition does not improve or it gets worse.

How to store melatonin hormone supplements?

This medication is best stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Melatonin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for the melatonin hormone supplement for adults?

In principle, the dosage of drugs for each person may be different. The dosage of drugs is usually adjusted according to the patient's age, overall health condition, and their response to treatment.

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication. This is done to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

What is the dosage of the hormone melatonin supplement for children?

There is no definite dosage requirement for children. This drug can be dangerous for children if used improperly.

Therefore, to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages are melatonin hormone supplements available?

These supplements come in a variety of forms, from oral versions (tablets or pills), creams applied to the skin, and injections.

Melatonin side effects

What are the effects of taking melatonin hormone supplements?

These supplements are generally safe for consumption in the short and long term. However, that does not merely make this supplement completely free from the risk of side effects.

Some of the most common and frequently complained of side effects after using this supplement include:

• Daytime sleepiness and weakness
• Mild headaches
• Stomach cramps
• Mood changes (mood swings)
• Term depression

Apart from minor side effects, there are some risks of more serious side effects that you need to be more aware of.

The more serious side effects of melatonin supplements include:

• Bleeding disorders. This supplement can increase the risk of bleeding, such as bruises and bruises. Especially if you previously had a history of bleeding problems or problems.
• Major depression. In certain cases, using these supplements can actually make depressive symptoms worse.
• Increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should be extra careful when using this supplement. Because, this supplement can increase blood sugar in diabetics. It's good, always monitor and check your blood sugar regularly before or after using this hormone supplement.
• High blood pressure. If you are using hypertension medications, carelessly taking melatonin supplements without your doctor's knowledge can further increase your blood pressure.
• Seizures. When used in excess, this supplement can increase the risk of seizures.

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Melatonin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using melatonin supplements?

Before using this supplement, there are a number of things you need to know and do, including:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have an allergy to melatonin.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have diabetes.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have depression.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you experience bleeding or have a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have low blood pressure or high blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines to prevent rejection reactions to organ transplants.

In addition, this supplement also has side effects of drowsiness and dizziness. You should not drive or operate machinery until the effects of the drug have completely worn off.

In essence, take this supplement as the doctor prescribed it. Don't hesitate to see a doctor immediately if you experience strange or unusual symptoms.

Are melatonin supplements safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Melatonin Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with melatonin supplements?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Taking this drug with other sedative drugs can increase the risk of severe drowsiness side effects. We recommend that you consult your doctor first if you are or will be using sleeping pills, antidepressants, sedatives, pain relievers, muscle sedatives, seizure medications, or herbal supplements that can cause drowsiness (tryptophan, California poppy, chamomile, gotu kola, kava, skullcap, valerian St. John's wort, etc.) regularly.

A number of other drugs that have the potential to cause negative side effects with this supplement include:

• Antibiotics
• Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Contraceptive pills
• Insulin or diabetes oral medication
• Pain relievers
• Stomach pain medications, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), ondansetron (Zofran)
• ADHD drugs, such as methylphenidate, Adderall, Ritalin, etc.
• Heart or high blood pressure medications such as mexiletine, propranolol, verapamil
• Blood thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others, or
• Steroid drugs such as prednisone and others

Can food or alcohol interact with melatonin hormone supplements?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with the hormone melatonin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Diabetes
• Depression
• Bleeding disorders or have a blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia
• Low blood pressure or high blood pressure
• Epilepsy or other neurological disorders

Melatonin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you when you go to the hospital to help the doctor with any necessary information.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms that may arise are:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your dosing schedule. Do not use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you continue to miss doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you.

Please consult with your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for a missed dose, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.