When you arrive at your destination, take melatonin at your normal bedtime but not earlier than Taking melatonin has not been linked to sleepwalking. Melatonin is usually only recommended for short-term sleep problems. If you take it as prescribed, you're unlikely to become addicted to it.
However, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice about stopping melatonin if you have been taking it for a long time or if you're worried about becoming dependent on it. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery if melatonin makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions. This may be more likely when you first start taking melatonin, but could happen at any time.
For example, when starting another medicine. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive.
If you're in any doubt, do not drive. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking melatonin. There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking melatonin will reduce fertility in either men or women.
But speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment. Melatonin does not affect how contraception works, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, your levels of melatonin can increase when taking the combined pill or hormone replacement therapy HRT.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking melatonin if this applies to you. Do not have drinks that contain caffeine including coffee, cola or energy drinks while you're taking melatonin. Alcohol and melatonin together can make you sleep very deeply, so you do not breathe properly and can have difficulty waking up.
In some countries, melatonin is available to buy in health food shops or online. It is sold as a complementary medicine and comes as "immediate-release" capsules, tablets or a liquid that your drink.
However, these supplements are not authorised for sale in the UK. Melatonin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Ordering melatonin online is not recommended. Find out more about the dangers of buying medicines online. Using cannabis, heroin or methadone with melatonin will increase the medicine's sleep-inducing effects. You could go into a very deep sleep and have difficulty waking up. Talk to a doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while you're taking melatonin.
There are a number of things you can do to help yourself beat insomnia , such as:. Some people find sleeping tablets you can buy in a pharmacy helpful. But these do not cure insomnia and can have unwanted side effects.
Do not take any medicines or herbal remedies that make you feel sleepy while taking melatonin. Page last reviewed: 8 November Next review due: 8 November Melatonin - for sleep problems On this page About melatonin Key facts Who can and cannot take melatonin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About melatonin Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. Melatonin is used to treat sleep problems in people aged 55 and over. Melatonin is mainly used to treat sleep problems in adults aged 55 or older. You'll usually take it for 1 to 4 weeks. Some people may get a headache after taking melatonin, or feel tired, sick or irritable the next day. The half-life is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half a drug.
Typically, it takes four to five half-lives for a drug to be fully eliminated. This means melatonin will stay in the body for about 5 hours. But remember, everyone metabolizes drugs differently. The total time it takes to clear will vary for each person. It depends on several factors, including:. If you take it too late, you may feel drowsy or groggy the next day. In general, melatonin is considered safe. It primarily causes sleepiness, but this is its intended purpose and not a side effect.
The most common side effects of melatonin are mild. These may include:. You should avoid melatonin if you:. As with any supplement, talk to a doctor before taking it.
They might want you to take certain safety precautions while using melatonin. In general, you should take melatonin 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It typically takes 30 minutes to start working. Melatonin can stay in your body for about 5 hours, though it depends on factors like your age and overall health status.
Using too much melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm. This article reviews its potential side effects. Also learn about antihistamines, side effects,. Is there anything I need to know?
Can I drive while taking it? Do not drive a car or ride a bike just after you start taking melatonin. Don't worry — most people do these things as normal while taking melatonin. Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnancy and post-natal There is very little information available about the effect of melatonin on a developing or newborn baby. Breastfeeding Natural melatonin is passed to the baby in breastmilk.
For more guidance, talk to your doctor or midwife about your feeding options. Will it affect my sex life or fertility? Sex Melatonin can have side effects that may affect your sex life. These might include: low mood, which makes you feel less like having sex hot flushes and excessive sweating in women increased libido sex drive The good effects of melatonin may have a positive impact on your sex life as your sleep improves, and you can concentrate on your relationships.
Fertility There is no information available about whether melatonin can affect your ability to get pregnant, but it is unlikely as it is a natural hormone. Will it affect my ability to play sports? Melatonin is not a banned substance in sport. Don't worry — most people play sports as normal while taking melatonin. Will it affect my ability to take exams? Try not to take melatonin for the first time just before your exams. Melatonin can cause tiredness, eyesight problems and headaches in some people.
Don't worry — most people take exams as normal while taking melatonin. Your doctor should know. You need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment with melatonin if any of the following apply to you: you have an autoimmune disease like juvenile arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus or type 1 diabetes you have liver or kidney disease you have allergies to melatonin or lactose.
Uses, warnings, safety and side effects. Taking melatonin Warnings and safety Side effects Taking melatonin How long will I need to take melatonin for? Some people may need to take melatonin for longer on the advice of their doctor. To get the best effect from melatonin, it is best not to miss any doses. Keep taking the melatonin until you and your doctor agree that it is no longer needed. You should only take melatonin as agreed with your doctor.
What if I miss a dose? If you remember later during the evening, before you go to bed, take it as soon as possible. If you forget to take it by bedtime, just start again the next evening. Do not take a double dose. What will happen if I forget to take my melatonin?
You do not get discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms if you forget to take melatonin. Stopping the use of melatonin. However, you may get your old symptoms back. Warnings and safety Safety headlines. When to see your doctor. Side effects Side effects. Common side effects affecting up to one in 10 people include: headaches — speak to your pharmacist about pain relief like paracetamol if you experience this side effect occasional muscle pain changes in mood, feeling strange Please look at the leaflet inside your medicine box, or ask a doctor or pharmacist, if you want to know whether you are getting a side effect from your medicine.
If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the Yellow Card Scheme. Taking melatonin Taking melatonin How long will I need to take melatonin for?
Warnings and safety Warnings and safety Safety headlines. Side effects Side effects Side effects. About this information. Take a walk outside or sit beside a sunny window. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. But if he has to work in the evening or answer emails, he uses filters to screen out the blue and green wavelengths of light emitted by his smartphone and computer. A filter can help. Take 1 to 3 milligrams two hours before bedtime.
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