Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm of the body. Because melatonin levels are highest at bedtime, it is believed that it is important for healthy sleep patterns. Supplements containing melatonin are available and are often used to treat jet lag, insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. Melatonin is generally thought to be safe when taken in recommended doses for short periods of time; however, there are many side effects it can induce especially if taken for a long period of time or with other medications.
Common Side Effects
The most common melatonin side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, irritability and sleepiness, according to the Mayo Clinic. These effects most often occur when melatonin is taken during the morning hours. Melatonin should be taken in the evening before bedtime as it could interfere with normal sleep patterns if taken at other hours. Until you know how melatonin will affect you take caution when driving or operating any machinery.
Melatonin can also cause disorientation, confusion, sleepwalking, vivid dreams and nightmares especially if taken in larger doses.
Gastrointestinal
Melatonin may induce gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps. Melatonin is also thought to trigger Crohn's disease symptoms that include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping.
Seizures
Melatonin may increase the risk of seizures, especially in children with severe neurologic disorders. Some researchers dispute this and even suggest that it can actually decrease seizures, therefore more studies need to be conducted to gain solid evidence. Either way, any patient with a seizure disorder should be monitored closely by their doctor while taking melatonin.
Mood Changes
Melatonin can induce mood changes, especially in patients with depression or psychotic disorders. Some patients may experience feelings of giddiness, while others, extreme sadness. Any patient diagnosed with a psychosis or depression should be monitored closely while taking it.
Blood Effects
Melatonin can cause a decrease in blood pressure. Anyone taking medications for high blood pressure therefore should be cautious when taking melatonin. Patients with type I diabetes need to be careful when taking melatonin, because it can reduce glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Diabetic patients need to be carefully monitored while taking the supplement so that their medication can be adjusted if necessary.
Hormones
Melatonin can increase or decrease other hormones in the body, according to research performed at Colorado State University, including luteinizing hormone, progesterone, estradiol, thyroid hormone (T4 and T3), growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormone changes can result in an increased breast size in men (known as gynecomastia), decreased sperm count or a decrease in sperm motility.
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