Melatonin

[VeloVT]

I have been having some serious insomnia lately. I was at the drugstore today and impulsively bought some melatonin (two bottles actually, since they were having a buy one get one free sale). But now I am having second thoughts.

Of course, I have decided that I WILL discuss this with my doctor before I actually take any.

But -- has anyone taken this for sleep problems? if so, what were your experiences? did it work? any side effects? how much did you take? I bought what seemed like the standard (3mg) but after a quick internet search it seems like that's a lot.

Also, this is something I am definitely going to discuss with the doctor, but I thought I"d throw it out here anyway. I am taking Depo Provera for birth control. After getting home I realized that in fact melatonin is a hormone too, and started worrying that maybe it could decrease the effectiveness of the birth control... any thoughts? (For the third time, I will discuss this with a medical professional probably tomorrow, but the office is closed right now).

[kermit]

You can check webMD for side effects but I have taken it and for me it was no big deal. It is a natural supplement and I did not have any weird side effects. It kinda didn't work when I took it.

[OakLeaf]

I've taken it on occasion, mostly when traveling. Basically it replaces the melatonin that your pineal gland is supposed to generate when light is withdrawn. When I'm jet-lagged, or if I'm at a conference or whatever where I can't get natural light during the daytime, it helps me maintain my natural rhythms.

[spokewench]

I don't know about side effects or interactions with other drugs; but my husband started taking it this year for insomnia and he also has trouble sleeping because of ringing in his ears.

He says it does help him have a less disturbed night's rest.

[badger]

I take 1mg about 2-3x/week. I don't have insomnia but I'm a light sleeper and find that when I take it I sleep soundly. I actually give my cat .25mg (I cut the pill in 4s and grind it up and put it in his food). I was told by my vet that it may help with his aggression. Not sure if it's doing that, but he sleeps through the night better, too.

[wackyjacky1]

I used to take it fairly often (3 mg) because I have to go to bed so early, usually around 7:30 p.m. I find it very helpful and haven't had any problems with side effects or drug interactions.

I recently started taking levothyroxine for low thyroid function and haven't taken melatonin since then. I think there's something on the bottle about not using it if you have thyroid issues. I need to ask my doctor about that.

We also give it to the dogs when a storm is brewing. It helps chill them out (they tend to freak at thunderstorms).