Melatonin is a natural hormone that your brain makes in response to darkness. It’s available as a dietary supplement that’s usually made synthetically.
People commonly take melatonin to help with:
It’s not known if melatonin is effective for treating any medical condition. It shouldn’t be used in place of a therapy prescribed by your doctor.
Because melatonin is considered a supplement, it’s not regulated as strictly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. In some countries, melatonin is classified as a prescription drug.
Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDAsk a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner MultumGet emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, melatonin is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time (for up to 2 years in certain people).
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner MultumAsk a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner MultumDo not use different forms of melatonin (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity for at least 4 hours after taking melatonin. Your reactions could be impaired. This product may also affect your sleep-wake cycle for several days if you are traveling through many different time zones.
Avoid using melatonin together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting, seizure, drowsiness, low blood pressure or blood sugar. Using certain products together can increase these risks.
Drinking alcohol with this product can cause side effects.
Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine.
Information Provided and Reviewed by Cerner MultumUse Melatonin (Melatonin Time Release) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
When considering the use of melatonin, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use melatonin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Use the lowest dose of melatonin when you first start taking this product.
Take melatonin at bedtime, or when you are getting ready for sleep. If you use this product to treat jet lag, take the melatonin at bedtime on the day you arrive at your destination and keep using this product for 2 to 5 days.
If you take this product to treat other conditions not related to sleep, follow your healthcare provider's instructions about when and how to take melatonin.
Swallow the capsule or extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, break, or open it.
Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What should I do if I missed a dose of Melatonin (Melatonin Time Release) ?Melatonin is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.