Question about Melatonin

Just my two cents, but if the melatonin is not working for you, then you don't need it.  That is why you are not noticing a difference when you take it. 

You might want to try something else to help you sleep.  Some people swear by Valerian, have you ever tried it?  I had to use an RX for awhile, just to get my body used to sleeping again.

I've noticed that my sleep has been even worse than usual for the past few months and I've been thinking about melotonin so I did a little research.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm. Melatonin also helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones.

There are no known serious side effects to regulated melatonin supplementation. Some people may experience vivid dreams or nightmares. Overuse or incorrect use of melatonin could disrupt circadian rhythms. Long-term effects have not been well studied. In rats, melatonin decreases T4 and T3 uptake levels.

Melatonin can cause drowsiness if taken during the day. If morning drowsiness is experienced after taking melatonin at night, reduce dosage levels. In some cases of depression, daytime doses of melatonin can increase depression.

May be contraindicated for those with autoimmune disorders and immune system cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia).

Because melatonin suppresses corticosteroid activity, those who are taking corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory or immune suppressive purposes (e.g., transplant patients) should exercise caution with melatonin supplementation.

Melatonin could interfere with fertility. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Individuals who experience orthostatic intolerance, a cardiovascular condition that results in reduced blood pressure and blood flow to the brain when a person stands, may experience a worsening of symptoms when taking melatonins supplements. Some fibro people also have orthostatic intolerance so be aware of this side effect.

Some common medications affect melotonin levels. I read that certain high blood pressure meds can reduce melotonin including the one I started a few months ago. I knew it was probably responsible but now I know how.

I'm on amlodipine. I'll see if I can find the list of blood pressure meds that reduce melatonin.

Valerian has to be one of the worst smelling things I've ever known a person to injest. I took it many years ago and I don't remember a problem with it. It was in capsule form. My husband was drinking Valerian tea for a while but I made him stop, I couldn't take the smell.

Thats good information about BP meds, thank you Dagger. I do take Metoprolol [Toprol generic] in the morning only, and I take melatonin around 10p. I will rethink the valerian, I am curious if it might work. At this point I am open to anything that has a known high rating of ickiness.
Peace!

melatonin is normally produced by the body's pineal gland. as we get older, we do not produce as much melatonin. the pineal gland is part of the endocrine system and therefore produces a hormone (as does the pancreas produce insulin...the adrenal glands produce adrenaline....ect)

melatonin is also a very powerful antioxidant. i have actually seen people buy large stores of it to combat the anthrax spore (god forbid that we are ever exposed). i would certainly never take more than 6mgs/night....you really shouldn't have to. sometimes less is more ya know? whenever i take more than 25mgs of benadryl, i am restless, but just 25 mgs puts me to sleep pretty quick.

ps. never give melatonin to a child not that you would, just so ya'll know...

Sera Smiles. Melatonin should be taken carefully. Valerian is a wonder herb! It stinks horribly, but does not repeat (lol)!! Taking it in pill ofrm is very helpful. Another way to take it is in Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Extra Tea. Awesome stuff! It tastes, and smells wonderful. One more thign though; NEVER take Valerian if you are taking LYRICA!!!!!

The dosage is right on the bottle~! You're welcome BTW.