Patient Education: Melatonin

Melatonin is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health conditions. While effective, all medications have potential side effects. It's crucial to be informed about these risks and benefits. It's also important to understand strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. It's vital to know when to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your child's treatment. If you are still unsure, always reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, often referred to as the body’s internal clock. Its production increases when it gets dark and decreases when it’s light, signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep. Melatonin taken as a supplement works in the same way as natural melatonin.

When is Melatonin prescribed to Children & Adolescents? 

Your doctor may prescribe Melatonin for:

• Insomnia: First-line sleep agent for children and adolescents if sleep hygiene is not effective. Melatonin reduces the time taken to fall asleep but does not significantly improve overall sleep time.
• Jet Lag: Aids in adjusting the sleep-wake cycle when traveling across different time zones.
• Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: Helps those who naturally fall asleep very late and have difficulty waking up in the morning.

What is the Dose of Melatonin?

• The dose typically ranges from 1 mg to 10mg, to be given 30 minutes before bedtime

Medication Guidelines: What You Need to Know

• Can be taken on as needed basis for insomnia. 
• The medication is not habit-forming, but regular use can lead to tolerance.
• It does not suppress the body’s ability to make melatonin.
• For your safety, avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after taking Melatonin as it causes drowsiness.

What can be the possible

side-effects from the medication?

Common Side-Effects & their Management Strategies: 

• Tiredness, Drowsiness, Dizziness: Generally occurs after taking the medication. Going to sleep should help. If next-day grogginess or irritability occurs, reducing the dose should help.
• Vivid dreams, Nightmares: Reducing the dosage might help. Consult with your provider if persistent.
• Headache: Reducing the dosage might help. Consult with your provider if persistent.

To learn more about this medication please visit MedlinePlus, a official US government website, part of National Library of Medicine and managed by National Institute of Health by clicking HERE