Side Effects of Taking Melatonin

Known as the "hormone of the dark," melatonin is produced at night by the pineal gland to bolster immunity and to bring healing to cells. It helps promote sleep and may restore natural circadian rhythms to travelers who regularly experience jet lag. Because of its beneficial effects on cells, melatonin has been used in the treatment of cancer and other illnesses. Despite the hormone's usefulness, melatonin supplements do not affect everyone the same way.

Function

• The aging process causes natural stores of melatonin to diminish, which may result in lower immunity, inconsistent body temperatures and difficulty sleeping. This loss of natural melatonin compels some people to take synthetic melatonin supplements.

Side Effects

• Side effects of melatonin are headaches, sleepiness, nightmares, dizziness, depression, panic attacks, stomach cramps, diarrhea and changes in blood pressure. Taking more than 3 mg a day of the hormone might yield symptoms that include nausea, irritability, weakness and fatigue.

Considerations

• Hormonal irregularities may be one long-term effect of melatonin use, even though the effects of longer use are unknown at this time.

Prevention/Solution

• In people with autoimmune disorders, melatonin may cause the condition to worsen. Melatonin should not be used by people with liver disease or by those who suffer from seizures.

Warning

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking melatonin.