Melatonin

Common use

Melatonin is promoted for sleep disorders, such as insomnia or jet lag. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep cycle. This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Do not take with food. This medication is usually taken 1 or 2 hours before bedtime. After taking this medication, limit your activities to those needed to prepare for bed. Some products may be chewed or dissolved in the mouth before swallowing. Some tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole; do not cut, crush or chew. Follow the directions on the package labeling, or take as directed by your care team. Do not take this medication more often than directed.

Precautions

See your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Do not take this medication for more than 2 weeks unless your care team tells you to.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Talk with doctor before you use this medication if you are currently being treated for an emotional, mental, or sleep problem. This medication may interfere with your treatment.

Contraindications

Talk with doctor if you have any of these conditions: Cancer; Depression or mental illness; Diabetes; Hormone problems; If you often drink alcohol; Immune system problems; Liver disease; Lung or breathing disease, like asthma; Organ transplant; Seizure disorder; An unusual or allergic reaction to melatonin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; Breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Mood and behavior changes - anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): Bedwetting in children; Dizziness; Drowsiness the day after use; Headache; Nausea.

Drug interaction

Do not take this medication with any of the following: Fluvoxamine, Ramelteon, Tasimelteon.
This medication may also interact with the following: Alcohol; Caffeine; Carbamazepine; Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin; Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances; Cimetidine; Female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections; Methoxsalen; Nifedipine; Other herbal or dietary supplements; Other medications for sleep; Phenobarbital; Rifampin; Smoking tobacco; Tamoxifen; Warfarin.

Missed dose

If you miss taking your dose at the usual time, skip that dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.