Melatonin Side Effects

Melatonin

Deep within the brain, a small gland about the size of a pea, called the pineal gland, regulates our daily hormonal cycles. Like other animals, human physiology reacts to cycles of day and night, sun and darkness.

During periods of darkness, the pineal gland produces melatonin. Melatonin provides numerous benefits, including inducing sleepiness and altering the body’s cycles of sleeping and awakening. Most people begin taking melatonin to treat insomnia or jet lag.

Common Melatonin Side Effects

According to data found on the Mayo Clinic’s website, the percentage of people taking melatonin who report side effects is about equal to those taking a placebo. The most common side effects reported are vivid nightmares or dreams, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Allergic Reactions

A handful of people reported allergic reactions to melatonin supplements. Although melatonin naturally occurs in the body, the higher concentrations of melatonin, or aspects of processing the supplements, may create conditions leading to an allergic response. Any sign of rash, swelling of the throat, tongue or lips, or tightness in the chest may indicate an allergic reaction to the supplement. Seek medical help immediately if you think you are having an allergic reaction to melatonin or any supplement.

Nightmares and Dreams

It comes as no surprise that some of the side effects of melatonin include vivid nightmares and dreams. Melatonin secretion increases during darkness, thus during the time when we are asleep. One of the side effects most frequently reported are more frequently remembered dreams, extremely vivid dreams, dream paralysis and nightmares.

While many people do not find these side effects troubling, those with a history of sleep disorders or psychiatric problems may find it difficult to cope with disturbing visions and dreams. Typical users reported dreams becoming more vivid after about ten days taking melatonin. If nightmares and dreams become problematic, simply stop taking melatonin. This side effect vanishes in a few days.

Headache

Mild melatonin side effects reported by some users is headache and pain. Most reporting this side effect note that it is a different sort of headache than what they’ve experienced in the past, characterized by a dull ache above the eyes and felt deep within the brain. Some hypothesize that the headache is actually the pineal gland at work, responding to the melatonin increase, since the location of the headache corresponds to the actual location of the pineal gland. Again, discontinuing melatonin removes this side effect.

Dizziness

Many individuals feel light-headed when standing up quickly. Sudden shifts in position may cause drops in blood pressure in certain individuals. Melatonin appears to magnify this effect, causing increased dizziness. If you experience frequent bouts of dizziness, seek medical attention and discontinue melatonin.

Psychiatric Symptoms

The rarest of the melatonin side effects includes psychiatric disorders. According to Web MD, these side effects are rare and typically not severe. One should be aware of them in case they occur. While taking melatonin, if you feel confused, disoriented, or have trouble gathering your thoughts, discontinue the product. Some have also reported sudden, uncontrollable outbursts of anger. Again, discontinue melatonin and side effects should dissipate.

Melatonin Cautions and Contraindications

Melatonin should not be taken by pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant. Some evidence suggests that excessive use of melatonin has a contraceptive effect, although no one should rely upon melatonin supplements to prevent pregnancy. Nursing women should also avoid taking melatonin supplements.

Melatonin interacts with several herbs, especially those that treat insomnia, anxiety and depression. Do not take melatonin supplements with valerian, kava kava, or St. John’s Wort.

Melatonin also interacts with some prescription medications. It can alter blood pressure in some individuals, and can interact with medications used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. Anyone on antidepressant medications, especially those affecting serotonin, or SSRI medications, should avoid melatonin supplements. Melatonin also interacts with steroidal medicines, rendering them useless, so do not take melatonin if you are on prescription steroids.

Lastly, if you drink a lot of coffee or other beverages containing caffeine, decrease your consumption while taking melatonin. Caffeine may cancel out the positive benefits of melatonin supplements.