Melatonin
Indications
Melatonin is used for:
Disturbed biorhythms, Sleep disorders, Insomnia, Osteoporosis, In menopause to regulate sleep patterns in peri or postmenopausal women, To correct the symptoms of anorexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children,
Adult Dose
Oral
Disturbed biorhythms; Sleep disorders
Adult: Usual dose 3-6 mg at bedtime.
Child Dose
Oral
Disturbed biorhythms; Sleep disorders
Child: 2-3 mg at bedtime, increased after 1-2 wk to 4-6 mg if needed.
Max dose 10 mg.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Pregnancy and lactation.
Precautions
May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Epilepsy
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy: avoid use
Lactation: avoid use
Interactions
Quinolones; carbamazepine, rifampicin; fluvoxamine, 5- or 8-methoxypsoralen, cimetidine, cigarette smoking, oestrogens. Alcohol; zalepon, zolpidem, zopiclone; thioridazine, imipramine.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Melatonin :
Increased seizure activity; drowsiness, headache. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm. May worsen symptoms for individuals with depression.
Mechanism of Action
Melatonin is the hormone secreted by the pineal gland. In humans, the plasma levels of melatonin are high at night and low during the day and it appears to have a role in circardian rhythm regulation.