Liquid Melatonin Reviews, Dosage Chart & Side Effects

Liquid melatonin is a popular supplement option for adults who do not like swallowing pills, children and pets. Melatonin drops may be consumed on their own or with calming teas, such as Valerian Root tea.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the brain’s pineal gland. This hormone serves several different purposes in the body, including the regulation of circadian rhythm and the release of female reproductive hormones.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, melatonin may also strengthen the immune system. Because some people don’t produce enough melatonin, aren’t producing it at the right time or don’t process it properly, the hormone is available in the form of a supplement.

Using a liquid melatonin supplement approximately one hour before bedtime can reduce sleep latency, which is the time it takes to get to sleep. This natural sleep aid is also safe for most people and does not cause drowsiness the following day.

There are a number of different brands of liquid melatonin supplements available to buy in local health food stores and online. The typical dosage per serving size is 3mg, although some products provide as much as 10mg per serving.

Melatonin

Sleep Supplement

Sleep

Calmness

Daytime Alertness

How It Works:

• Reduces insomnia, jet lag & daytime fatigue
• Promotes restful sleep & calm mood
• Supports brain function, wellbeing & anti-aging

Dosage:

Between 0.5 - 5 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Melatonin Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Liquid Melatonin Supplements

Liquid melatonin supplements contain either natural or synthetic melatonin in the form of a fluid. The supplement is usually taken orally, though there are some topical applications used for skin health.

Liquid melatonin supplements may be used for a number of different purposes. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults may use liquid melatonin to treat:

• Shift Work Sleep Disorder
• Nighttime urination
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Nicotine withdrawal
• Sleep disturbance/Insomnia
• Seizure disorders
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Restless leg syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Memory problems
• Jet lag
• Headache
• Fibromyalgia
• Infertility
• Depression
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome
• Withdrawal from benzodiazepines
• Problems with body temperature regulation
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Please keep in mind that, although liquid melatonin is commonly taken for all of the purposes above, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for any of these medicinal uses.

Liquid Melatonin for Children

Liquid melatonin drops are often used for infants and young children who may not be able to swallow tablets. Before giving melatonin supplements to a child, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.

The Natural Medicines Database states that melatonin is likely safe for children in single doses, but it should not be given for longer periods of time. There is some concern that long-term use of this supplement in children could interfere with gonadal development.
The Mayo Clinic reports that melatonin liquid for kids may be administered in order to treat:

• Insomnia
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome
• Jet lag
• Sleep problems related to metal, developmental or behavioral disorders
• Pre-Operative Anxiety
• Sepsis
• Rett’s Syndrome
• Seizure disorders
• Pain
• Nighttime urination

Liquid Melatonin for Pets

Liquid forms of melatonin products are also preferred for administration to pets, such as cats or dogs.

According to Texas A&M University, melatonin drops may be administered to pets in order to treat sleep disorders related to cognitive dysfunction, senility or hypothyroidism. The Chicago Tribune also reports that melatonin may benefit dogs that suffer from anxiety.

Because pets differ considerably by weight and metabolism, you should always talk to a licensed veterinarian before you give melatonin to your pet. A vet can help you determine the appropriate dosage for your pet.

Recommended Liquid Melatonin Dosage

Recommended dosages vary based on the individual receiving treatment and the goal of the treatment. It is also important to pay attention to the liquid melatonin concentration, as this will determine how many drops or milliliters are required in order to ensure the proper dosage.

In some cases, such as for relaxation before surgery, liquid melatonin may be most beneficial in a single dose.

However, for other problems, such as sleep disturbances related to a disability or condition, you may need to take the supplement for an extended period of time. Some people take melatonin for months or even years at a time.

If you are taking melatonin for the first time, start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount until you get the results you desire. In most cases, you will be able to find a recommended dosage on the supplement’s packaging.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, melatonin is most commonly used in a dosage of between 1 – 5 mg per day, taken before bedtime. One popular supplement brand, Natrol Liquid Melatonin Drops, provides 1 mg of active ingredient per 4 droppers (4 mL) of liquid.

If you still are not sure how much you should take for your needs, talk to your doctor for guidance.

How to Take Liquid Melatonin

Most liquid melatonin supplements will come with “recommended usage” instructions. However, in general, you will take liquid melatonin by mouth in the form of drops.

If you dislike the taste of the medication, you can also mix it with another liquid to mask its flavor.

The packaging will indicate how many milligrams of melatonin are included in each serving of the supplement, which is typically measured in milliliters. The packaging should also tell you how many drops are in each milliliter so that you can determine exactly how much you should take.

Be sure to keep your liquid melatonin out of reach of children, especially if you purchased a flavored version of the supplement.

As you take melatonin, keep in mind that it will affect your sleep patterns. In most cases, it will be best to take the supplement shortly before you plan to go to bed. However, if you are using it for another purpose, such as for the treatment of memory problems, you may take it at a different time of day.

Possible Side Effects of Liquid Melatonin

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, liquid melatonin may cause a number of different side effects. Some of these side effects include drowsiness in the morning, nightmares, seizures, irritability, headache, dizziness, stomach cramps or in rare cases breast enlargement in men.

If you experience significant side effects after taking melatonin, consider reducing your dosage or discontinuing the supplement altogether.

Melatonin may also interact with other medications, including blood pressure pills, birth control, tamoxifen, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood thinners, interleukin-2, immunosuppressants, steroids and NSAIDs.

Fatal overdose of melatonin is rare, but some serious overdoses have been reported. Remember that when using liquid melatonin supplements, there is a greater risk of taking an incorrect dosage, compared to using oral pills. Always follow usage instructions closely to prevent overdose.

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