Melatonin use can affect blood sugar levels. Melatonin can potentially interfere with immunosuppressive drugs. Melatonin may make these medications less effective. Epilepsy medications (anticonvulsants).Taking melatonin with blood-thinning medication may increase your risk for bleeding. Melatonin may interact with several different types of medications, including: What medications and substances does melatonin interact with? There are some important things to know about melatonin, its interactions with other substances, and when it’s best to avoid it. When shopping for melatonin supplements, look for products that are “USP verified.” United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is an independent organization that works to ensure proper quality and dosing of dietary supplements.Ĭan melatonin interact with other substances? Additionally, 26 percent of products contained serotonin, which can be potentially harmful even in small doses. For dietary supplements, label claims and product safety don’t have to meet FDA approval before they’re marketed.Ī 2017 study of 31 different melatonin supplements found that the actual melatonin content of 71 percent of the products didn’t match the claim on the label. The FDA classifies melatonin as a dietary supplement, meaning that it’s regulated less strictly than a regular drug. What to know about dietary supplements and safety One 2016 review of sleep aids for older adults suggests a dosage of 1 to 2 mg of immediate-release melatonin 1 hour before bedtime.

Researchers are still looking into the optimal melatonin dosage for older adults. Because of this, melatonin supplements may be helpful for older adults who are having trouble falling asleep. The amount of melatonin your body produces decreases with age. One 2016 review suggests the following age-based dosages 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime:īecause there aren’t clear dosing guidelines regarding melatonin for children, be sure to speak to your child’s pediatrician before giving melatonin to your child. Dosage may also vary depending on a child’s age. Like melatonin for adults, there’s not much information on the optimal, safe dosage for children. Your doctor can help recommend a safe dose for you to start with. If you’re looking to try melatonin for the first time, it may be best to begin with a lower dose. Melatonin typically takes 1 to 2 hours to work, so it’s often taken up to 2 hours before bedtime. One 2017 review defines a typical dose of melatonin to be between 1 and 5 mg. In fact, the doses of melatonin supplements that have been used in various scientific studies vary widely, from 0.1 to 10 milligrams (mg). Because of this, there’s limited information on the optimal, safe dosage of melatonin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate melatonin as a drug.

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