Melatonin Overdose – Symptoms from Taking Too Much

Is it possible to experience an overdose from taking too much melatonin? Many individuals used melatonin supplements as a natural alternative to prescription sleep aids. While safe when used at appropriate dosages, there is an increased risk of side effects if taken in excessive amounts.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pineal gland, located within the brain. Low levels of this neurohormone can result in sleep disturbances, which can have a negative effect on overall health, mood, cognitive function, physical performance and more.

Using a melatonin supplement has been found to improve sleep latency, quality and reduce awakenings during the night in persons with various sleep disorders and insomnia.

The normal dose for taking Melatonin for insomnia is one 2-5 mg tablet, taken about half an hour before going to bed. If you use a higher dosage than this, negative side effects such as drowsiness may occur. Melatonin overdose is not linked to serious adverse side effects, but should be avoided regardless to prevent negative reactions.

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Melatonin Can Improve Sleep Patterns

Melatonin helps improve sleep patterns by affecting part of your brain called the suprachiasmatic center nucleus (SCN). The SCN controls hormone production and sets the circadian rhythm for the body.

It does this by detecting the presence of light in the external environment. When exposed to daylight, the SCN causes an increase in body temperature and reduces the amount of Melatonin the body produces.

In the evening when there is less light in the ambient environment, your eyes send a signal to the SCN that it is time to start synthesizing melatonin. This hormone then helps to prepare the body for sleep by slowing down activity in the Central Nervous System.

This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm and it plays an important role in controlling the different processes that are active in the body. When we are asleep, important functions are initiated to maintain the health of our body and our cells. If these functions are interrupted by poor sleep patterns, it can result in a general deterioration of health.

Melatonin Compared to Prescription Sleeping Pills

Melatonin is considered to be a safer option for improving sleep patterns compared to prescription sleep aids. This supplement has been demonstrated effective for improving sleep in a number of different conditions, including:

• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders in the blind.
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS)
• Sleep-wake cycle disturbances
• Beta-blocker-induced insomnia
• Primary insomnia
• Jet Lag
• Shift work sleep disorder

Research shows that melatonin is safe when used appropriately, with a low risk of serious side effects. Unlike many prescription sleeping pills, melatonin does not interact with GABAergic system in the brain and does not cause dependence, addition or withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

Melatonin may have some sedative effects, but it has a very different mechanism of action compared to sedative drugs such as benzodiazepines that are often used to treat sleep disorders. This makes it safer to take for longer periods of time (up to 6 months) and it means there is a lower risk of overdose compared to prescription sleep aids.

Melatonin Overdose

It is important to closely follow dosage guidelines on melatonin products. Taking too much melatonin could lead to an increased risk of side effects. While there have not been any instances of fatalities or serious negative reactions caused by a melatonin overdose, it could lead to excessive drowsiness.

In one instance, a 2-year-old boy was found to have ingested up to 138 mg of melatonin in one hour. The boy did not experience any negative side effects. He was reported to have slept for a few hours and woke up feeling fine.

In another instance, a 4-year-old girl took a dosage of 39 mg of a liquid melatonin product. The girl did not experience drowsiness or any other adverse effects.

In a third case, a 50-year-old woman intentionally took an overdose of 100 mg of melatonin in a time-release formula. The woman reported feeling drowsiness that persisted for 12 hours and had a slightly elevated pulse rate.

In human research studies, melatonin is well tolerated in large dosages and did not exhibit severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) toxicity. In animal studies, the LD50 of melatonin for mice was found to be greater than 800 mg/kg. This is significantly higher than the dosage required for therapeutic effects.

Side Effects of Too Much Melatonin

How much Melatonin is too much? For most uses, a dosage of between 2-3 mg of melatonin one hour before bedtime is recommended. In some cases, higher dosages of up to 12 mg may be recommended for specific medical conditions. These higher dosages should not be used without a doctor’s supervision.

It is recommended to start with the lowest possible dosage of melatonin and only increase the dose if the desired results are not achieved. Taking too much melatonin is sometimes linked to a “melatonin hangover” effect the following day, whereby the user may feel tired and “foggy” in the morning when they wake up.

If you take an excessive dosage of melatonin early in the day, you may experience daytime drowsiness. In some cases, a melatonin overdose is reported to cause rapid mood swings from sadness to over-excitability.

Some users also report an increase in vivid dreams, nightmares and sleep disturbances such as sleep walking. This is attributed to the fact that Melatonin increases the amount of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase sleep, during which dreaming occurs.

Additional Melatonin Safety Warnings

Excessive use of melatonin could also result in additional side effects. To prevent these negative effects, it is recommended to use the appropriate melatonin dosage and to avoid using it for longer than 6 months at a time.

The following long-term side effects are possible:

1. Hormonal changes such as reduced fertility in both men and women; a lower sex drive for both women and men
2. Hallucinations, paranoia, and disorientation.
3. Physiological changes that affect glucose blood levels, blood pressure changes, and cholesterol.
4. Nausea, stomach cramps, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.
   Increased risk of contracting immune system disorders. If you suffer from autoimmune diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis or Hepatitis talk to your doctor before starting Melatonin.
5. A serious allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, swelling of the lips, face or throat, itching, trouble breathing, and dizziness.
6. Potential increased risk of liver damage.
7. Increased risk of seizures especially if you already have a seizure disorder.

Speak to your doctor before deciding to use melatonin to find out the best dosage for your needs. Your doctor can also inform you of any interactions that could occur with other supplements or prescription medications you are taking.

While a melatonin overdose is not likely to cause serious side effects, it is still recommended to follow dosage guidelines carefully and to only use the lowest effective dosage for your needs

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