Generic Name: melatonin (meh-lah-TOE-nin)

Brand Names: N/A

Classification: Hormone

Issue Date: 1987

Melatonin is also known as MEL. Melatonin is naturally produced in the body in response to the perception of light. Melatonin has been used to ease insomnia, combat jet lag, protect cells from free-radical damage, boost the immune system, prevent cancer, and extend life.

Melatonin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of melatonin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Melatonin may also have uses other than those listed here.

The use of melatonin derived from animal pineal tissue may carry the risk of contamination or the means of transmitting viral material. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk.

Melatonin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of melatonin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

The use of melatonin in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take melatonin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Melatonin is available in a tablet formulation. Other formulations may also be available.

The use of melatonin derived from animal pineal tissue may carry the risk of contamination or the means of transmitting viral material. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk.

Store melatonin as directed on the package. In general, melatonin should be protected from light and moisture.

Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Melatonin may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take melatonin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether melatonin will harm an unborn baby.

Do not take melatonin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether melatonin will harm a nursing infant.

There is no information available regarding the use of melatonin by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

No information is available regarding a missed dose of melatonin. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• skin rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Other less serious side effects have also been reported. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:

• headache
• drowsiness
• stomach upset

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

No drugs have been reported to interact with melatonin. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/ health supplements.