Melatin (Melatonin) is an over-the-counter medication that treats sleep problems (insomnia) and sleep cycle disorders due to time changes (“jet lag”).
When you use this product, your problems falling asleep and waking up at night may decrease.
Melatonin is a substance made by our body.
Exactly how it works is unknown, but it is estimated to help our body’s regular daily cycle, hormone production, and sleep patterns.
Melatin is not approved by the FDA.
But some drugs that contain melatin are approved by the FDA.
Although not approved by the FDA, melatin is considered by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) as a first-line pharmacological therapy for the treatment of insomnia.
It is generally safe if used in the right amount, as the likelihood of side effects is very low.
Scientific studies have found that melatin is effective in the following diseases:
- Age-related insomnia
- Jet lag disorder
- Shift work sleep disorder
- Post-traumatic brain injury
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Primary insomnia
We recommend that you read our article to the end because at the end of the article we will talk about some natural home remedies that will help you fall asleep.
What Will We Learn?
How Is Melatin Used?
The use of the drug is indicated on the package label, but your doctor may prescribe this drug differently.
The standard dose of melatin is to be taken orally before or with a meal.
Be sure to follow all directions on the product package, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you have any questions about the use of melatin, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Another point you should pay attention to before using the drug is that you have at least 6 to 8 hours of free time to sleep after using the drug.
Never use risky things such as vehicles or machinery after using melatin.
While driving, you may fall asleep at the wheel and have irreversible accidents.
The dose of medicine may vary depending on your response to treatment, your age, and your symptoms.
If you are using extended-release tablets, do not chew or crush them.
Swallowing the medicine by chewing means that the effect of the medicine is completely released at the same time, which can cause side effects.
Do not split the extended-release tablets unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.
Swallow the divided tablet without chewing, even if your doctor tells you to split the tablets.
If you’re using a chewable formula, it’s best to chew well and then swallow.
If you are using liquid melatin, make sure the measurement is correct with the measuring device on the container.
Do not use a household spoon as you may not get the right dose of melatin or any other liquid medicine.
Some brands of this medicine should be shaken well before use.
Some brands are meant to be put under the tongue, and some brands are meant to be put on the tongue.
Read the contents of the pack thoroughly to know whether you should put your dose on or under your tongue.
Allow the soluble tablets to dissolve completely on your tongue, then swallow with saliva.
Melatin usually begins to take effect within 30 minutes.
Seek medical attention if you are oversleeping or having trouble falling asleep again after using melatin.
What Are The Side Effects Of Melatin?
As every drug can have side effects, melatin also has side effects, but these side effects do not appear in every person.
Listed below are the possible side effects of melatin:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Abdominal cramps
If any of these side effects worsen and persist, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist without waiting.
This medicine may also make you feel sleepy during the day.
If you feel sleepy during the day, let your doctor know.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the rare side effects listed below:
- Mental/mood changes (confusion, depression, etc.)
Melatin has a very low risk of serious allergic reactions.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the allergic reactions listed below:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling (face, tongue, throat)
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
The side effects listed above are not a complete list.
In case of any side effects, contact your doctor without waiting.
You can report any side effects you experience to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions
Before taking melatin, if you are sensitive to other ingredients in the medicine, tell your doctor before using this medicine.
Some people may be sensitive to melatin components and experience allergic reactions (Rare).
Talk to your doctor for more information.
If you have any of the problems listed below, talk to your doctor before using the medicine:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Problem in the immune system
- Liver disease
- Mental/mood disorder
- Seizure disorder
The use of melatin may cause dizziness.
Alcohol or marijuana use during melatin use can worsen this condition.
Therefore, it may be a good idea to abstain from alcoholic beverages.
Chewable forums or liquid products of the product may contain sugar or aspartame.
In some cases, liquid brands of melatin may contain alcohol.
Special care should be taken with the use of melatin if you have diabetes, alcohol abuse, phenylketonuria (PKU), or liver disease.
If it is to be used in children during the sexual development period, it should be discussed with the doctor.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
It should be used during pregnancy only when needed.
It can affect ovulation.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Since melatin is excreted in breast milk, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
In cases of extreme insomnia, your doctor may analyze these risks and recommend this drug for you to use.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Some drugs can interact with melatin and cause serious side effects.
Keep a list of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use and give this list to your doctor when you talk to your doctor.
Do not take any other medication or stop treatment without your doctor’s approval.
The types of drugs that may interact with this drug are listed below:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin)
- Blood pressure medications (nifedipine)
- Products containing coffee
- Drugs that will affect the immune system (cyclosporine, prednisone, azathioprine)
- Fluvoxamine
- Opioid pain or cough suppressants (hydrocodone, codeine)
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Medicines for anxiety and sleep (xanax, alprazolam etc.)
- Products that may cause drowsiness
- Muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine,)
- Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
Check the labels of all the medicines you use because some of these medicines can cause drowsiness.
If you have any questions about medication use, ask your doctor.
Home Remedies For Insomnia
Oat: Oats, which are indispensable in our diets, contain calcium and magnesium minerals, which are important for a quality sleep, and will also help the body to regenerate with a quality sleep thanks to the melatonin hormone it contains.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help prevent insomnia with its calming effect. It can provide sleep by reducing stress and anxiety.
Lavender tea: Lavender tea, which has many health benefits, can also be preferred against insomnia. A glass of lavender tea relaxes the muscles and prepares them for sleep.
Melissa tea: Melissa tea, which has a relaxing effect during stressful and tense periods, is good for insomnia as well as resting the body.
Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea has a regulating effect on the nervous system. Thus, it can also help transition to sleep.
Milk: It helps because of the high quality protein content of the milk we consume, especially due to its calcium content, and being rich in tryptophan amino acid. Since the tryptophan content of warm milk you drink before going to sleep is higher, it will help you fall asleep quickly.
Walnuts: After dinner, 1 tea glass of walnuts can increase the level of melatonin and will help you sleep, but those who want to control weight should be careful.
Banana: In addition to increasing the release of serotonin and melatonin hormones, especially the local banana will help your muscles relax and relax with the magnesium and potassium they contain and will help you sleep a quality sleep.
It may attract your attention in our article about the use of Chlorophyll, which is frequently used, on an empty stomach.
