Melatoninsupplements are best known as sleep aids.
It may also have analgesic effects to help reduce painand anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Your body uses the neurotransmitterserotoninto make melatonin.
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People withfibromyalgiaand chronic fatigue syndrome are believed to have dysfunctional serotonin metabolism.
Does that mean these conditions are linked to melatonin problems as well?
It actually may not, but research on that isn’t totally clear.
That lead to a belief that melatonin supplements may be an effective treatment.
However, in later research, melatonin levels were normal or even increased compared to healthy controls.
Still, several studies suggest a potential benefit of melatonin supplementation for symptoms.
Fibromyalgia research is plagued with inconsistency, which complicates the treatment process.
And it’s not just researchmany people with fibromyalgia experiment with melatonin.
Some report that it works well for helping them sleep, while others say it has no effect whatsoever.
Dosage
you might buy melatonin supplements over-the-counter in dosages generally ranging from 3 micrograms to 10 milligrams.
Other dosages may be available as well.
Someside effectsnoted in studies include:
There are also some accounts of short-term depression.
At higher doses, people may feel foggy the day after taking it.
There isn’t any information about melatonin’s safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Although, more research is needed.
Interactions
Melatonin can interact with medications and other substances.
For example, caffeine and prescription antidepressant fluvoxamine may inhibit the metabolism of melatonin.
Always be sure to include your healthcare provider in decisions about supplementation.
Your pharmacist can help you identify potentially dangerous interactions with drugs or other supplements you may be taking.
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Mount Sinai.Melatonin.
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Sleep Foundation.Melatonin side effects.
Poison Control.Potential uses and benefits of melatonin.
St. Luke’s Hospital.Complementary and alternative medicine: possible interactions with melatonin.
