Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

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How Much Melatonin Is Safe to Take?

Melatonin is available to purchase in any quantity, without a prescription in the U.S. However, there is currently no formal consensus on the optimal dosing regimen for this supplement.  Studies frequently use doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 milligrams Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , but 1 to 5 milligrams is often considered an appropriate amount to start.

There are many challenges to determining the appropriate amount of melatonin for any one person to take. Individual responses to this supplement can vary considerably due to factors that are not fully understood but can include age, gender, specific sleep issues, other health conditions, and timing of administration.

In addition, not all melatonin supplements are created equal. Differences in preparation can significantly alter Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source melatonin’s impact. Depending on the formulation, taking 1 to 10 milligrams of melatonin can raise the body’s melatonin blood levels anywhere from 3 to 60 times the normal amount.

Melatonin users should also be wary of the dosages listed on supplement labels, which have shown to be alarmingly inaccurate. A random sampling Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source  of 31 brands of melatonin supplements determined that most did not contain the labeled dose, with the actual amount ranging anywhere from less than 80% to nearly 500% as much. Additionally, over one quarter of the supplements contained serotonin.

Despite the lack of data and variability around dosing regimens, with typical use, melatonin is largely considered safe Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and is generally well-tolerated in healthy adults. The risk of side effects Trusted Source National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) NCCIH funds and conducts research to help answer important scientific and public health questions about complementary health approaches. View Source is low, but can include mild headache, dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness.

Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

So far, there is no clinical evidence that short-term melatonin use can cause long-term problems in healthy adults. However, it is important to discuss melatonin supplementation with your doctor, as they can help you determine the proper dosage. Starting with the lowest possible dose is typically recommended. This can help prevent unwanted side effects.

It is also important to note that high-quality studies addressing higher doses of melatonin are lacking. The current body of evidence consists mostly of small studies and case reports.

In one study, 12 adult males were administered intravenous melatonin Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in doses of 10 milligrams, 100 milligrams, or a placebo. There were no reported differences in sedation among the groups, and there were no harmful reactions. A second study gave five patients 1,000 milligrams of oral melatonin Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source for approximately four weeks.  While changes in pituitary hormones were observed, no toxic effects were reported.

What Are the Symptoms of a Melatonin Overdose?

Unwanted or troubling side effects can occur with any supplement, even if it is considered relatively safe. Concerning symptoms have been reported with higher doses of melatonin.

Possible symptoms of too much melatonin include:

• Headache
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Worsening of alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss)

Because melatonin can affect the cardiovascular, dermatologic, and central nervous systems, those with other conditions may be vulnerable to additional risks. Evidence suggests that melatonin supplementation may induce depression Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , particularly in people predisposed to or currently experiencing it. Research on this topic, however, is conflicting, since some studies have demonstrated the potential for melatonin to treat depression Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

People taking blood thinners and benzodiazepines should be careful, as there is a possibility for interaction Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Those with epilepsy should also exercise caution, as melatonin has been associated with increased seizures. People who are currently taking other medications or supplements should discuss potential interactions directly with their doctor before taking melatonin.

Research suggests that elderly people, who have lower natural levels of melatonin Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , may be more sensitive to the effects of melatonin supplements. Therefore, older people are encouraged to check with their doctor before taking melatonin and start with the lowest possible dose.

What Do I Do If I’m Experiencing Symptoms of a Melatonin Overdose?

Compared with most other sleep aids, melatonin clears the body quickly, and its effects are short-lasting. If you are experiencing unwanted symptoms after taking melatonin, you can most likely just wait it out as your body processes the drug. However, when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or local poison control for guidance on managing worrisome symptoms or determining whether you need medical care.

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What Are the Long-Term Effects of Taking Melatonin?

Minimal research exists on using melatonin beyond a few months. Therefore, there is much we do not know about its long-term effects. There is not even agreement on what constitutes long-term melatonin use.

Most of the concern around taking melatonin for extended periods centers around it’s potential to affect reproductive hormones. While the exact mechanism of action is still unclear, some reports indicate that melatonin may inhibit reproductive hormones Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Is Melatonin Safe for Children?

Further research is needed regarding the safety of melatonin Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source for children.

Nearly 25% of children have difficulty sleeping Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and parents increasingly turn to melatonin for help. Between 2007 and 2012, pediatric melatonin use rose seven-fold Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and is now the second most common natural supplement in this age group.

Despite its prevalence, there are reasons for parents to be cautious about using melatonin. It appears that children may be particularly vulnerable to the possible effects of this supplement on reproductive hormones. Melatonin has been associated with puberty delays Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , irregular menstruation, and overproduction of the hormone prolactin.  It is important to note, however, that research on this topic is conflicting Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , and experts agree that the topic is understudied.

Parents should also be aware that melatonin may decrease blood pressure or serum glucose levels Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Children taking other medications or who have illnesses affecting these systems should consult their doctor before starting melatonin.

Melatonin should only be used for children under the guidance of a doctor. Most pediatric sleep disorders can be managed with behavioral changes, such as proper sleep hygiene and cognitive therapy. Melatonin should not be used before trying other measures.

When Should I Talk With a Doctor?

While melatonin is largely viewed as safe, it is not without risk. Perhaps the most significant risk is what we do not know about this supplement. While you are unlikely to cause any serious damage using melatonin, it’s best to proceed with caution. Seeing a doctor for an accurate diagnosis of a sleep condition can help you determine whether melatonin is suitable for your situation.