Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, but it can be obtained as a dietary supplement or as a drug to improve sleep quality.
Although it is also present in the body, the intake of drugs or supplements that contain melatonin may cause some side effects, which are rare but whose likelihood of onset increases with the amount of melatonin ingested.
- Melatonin is generally well tolerated and side effects that can occur during treatment are very rare.
- However.
- Although this is rare.
- It can happen:.
The intensity of side effects will depend on the amount of melatonin ingested. The higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience any of these side effects.
Although it is a generally well-tolerated substance, melatonin should not be used during pregnancy and lactation or in people allergic to any of the components of the pill.
In addition, it should be noted that there are various formulations and dosages of melatonin, being more recommended drops for infants and children and tablets for adults, the latter being counterinded in children. In addition, doses greater than 1 mg per day of melatonin should only be administered if prescribed by the doctor, since after this dose, the risk of side effects is higher.
Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so people with this symptom should avoid using machines or driving vehicles.
Melatonin supplementation should be indicated by the doctor and is generally recommended for use in cases of insomnia, poor sleep quality, migraine or menopause, for example. The melatonin dosage is indicated by the doctor according to the purpose of the supplementation.
For example, in case of insomnia, the dose normally indicated by the doctor is 1 to 2 mg of melatonin, once daily, approximately 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and after eating. The lowest dose of 800 micrograms appears to have no effect and doses greater than 5 mg should be used with caution. Learn how to take melatonin.
For infants and children, the recommended dose is 1 mg, administered in drops, at night.