Melatonin has been used for short-term treatment of
trouble sleeping (insomnia) due to sleep cycle disorders and time changes
("jet lag"). This product may help you fall asleep faster and decrease the
number of times you awaken during the night. It may also help you sleep for
a longer time. Melatonin is a substance that your body normally makes. It
is thought to help your body's regular daily cycle, hormone production, and
sleep patterns.
Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to
contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist
for more details regarding the particular brand you use.
The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or
effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
This product is taken by mouth with or without food,
usually before bedtime or as directed by the package label. Follow all
directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for
at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep after taking this
medication.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. If you are taking the extended-release tablets, do
not crush or chew them. Doing so can release all of the drug at once,
increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets
whole.
If you are using the chewable form, chew thoroughly
before swallowing.
If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your
dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household
spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Some brands of this
medication should be shaken well before each use.
If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry
your hands before handling the tablet. Some brands are meant to be placed
on the tongue, while others are placed under the tongue. Follow your
brand's directions for placing your dose either on or under the tongue.
Allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. You do not
need to take this medication with water.
This medication may start to work within 30 minutes. If
your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious
medical problem, get medical help right away.
Headache, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or abdominal
cramps may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly. This product may also make you drowsy or
less alert during the day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have
daytime drowsiness.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, confusion)
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking melatonin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other ingredients in this product; or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- immune system disorder
- liver disease
- mental/mood disorder (such as depression)
- seizure disorder (such as epilepsy)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid and chewable forms of this product may contain
sugar or aspartame. Liquid forms may also contain alcohol. Caution is
advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease,
phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to
limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
about using this product safely.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this product, such as changes in sexual development. Consult the doctor for
details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may have an effect on the release of eggs
(ovulation). If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you
may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and
risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product
are:
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin, heparin)
- blood pressure medications (especially nifedipine)
- products that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, some
sodas)
- drugs that may affect your immune system (such as
azathioprine, cyclosporine, prednisone)
- fluvoxamine
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for
sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle
relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such
as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If
you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all
medications and herbal products away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.