The substance melatonin functions as both a hormone and an antioxidant. It is most widely used to treat insomnia, jet lag and other sleep-related disturbances due to its role in regulating sleeping patterns. Research suggests other potential therapeutic applications but not enough evidence exists to confirm benefits. Some research-based dosage guidelines have been established for various conditions. No maximum safe dose has been established per se, and melatonin appears non-toxic even in very high doses, according to Drugs.com. Your doctor can determine the most appropriate dosage for the condition you seek to address.
Dosage for Sleep Disturbances
To treat insomnia, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends starting out with 1 to 3 mg one hour before sleep. If this dose does not prove effective, increase it to 5 to 6 mg. It notes the following doses have been used to address jet lag: .5 to 5 mg one hour before sleep at your final destination or 1 to 5 mg two days before your trip and two three days after you arrive. It recommends starting with the lowest doses for a suggested condition to see if that proves effective and only increasing if it does not work. Your doctor can help determine a graduated dosing schedule if the lowest recommended doses do not work for you.
Other Dosage Guidelines
The University of Michigan Health System notes the following daily doses -- taken at night -- were used in clinical studies for various conditions: cluster headaches: 10 mg night; colon cancer: 20 mg; depression: .25 to 10 mg; hypertension: 2 mg; irritable bowel syndrome: 3 mg; macular degeneration: 3 mg; tardive dyskinesia: 10 mg; age-related cognitive decline: 6 mg; epilepsy: 5 mg to 10 mg; fibromyalgia: 3 mg; glaucoma: .5 mg; lung cancer: 10 mg; migraine: 5 mg.
Contraindicated Uses
While some studies indicate melatonin supplementation might help treat depression, it actually might worsen symptoms in some people. If you suffer from depression, talk to your doctor about the potential risks of using melatonin supplements. The University of Pittsburgh notes it use has also been contraindicated if you suffer from schizophrenia and autoimmune disorders.
Safety Concerns
Melatonin could affect mental function and alertness for several hours after taking it and you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. As a hormone, melatonin can influence various bodily processes and the safety of using it long term has not been established. Some negative effects observed in studies include decreased male and female fertility, exacerbation of nighttime asthma, seizures in children with neurological disorders, decreased insulin sensitivity, interference with blood clotting, inhibition of sex drive, severe headaches and male breast enlargement.
Such findings were gleaned from small studies and whether or not these dangers would translate to larger groups of people remain unknown. The University of Michigan Health System notes it is difficult to determine if it was even the melatonin supplements that caused some of these problems. If you suffer from any sort of health condition, it is especially important to talk to your doctor before using melatonin.
Interactions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the use of melatonin supplements might reduce the effectiveness of the antidepressant medications desipramine and fluoxetine, the blood pressure medications methoxamine and clonidine, steroids and immunosuppressants. It might increase the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin and other anticoagulant medications.
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