Melatonin side effects? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Andrea84 · 05-30-2007, 11:51 PM

I have a big problem falling asleep at night - staying up till 3 in the morning most nights. I've tried melatonin with great success using a very small amount but after a few days of taking it I experienced waves of depression. Later I discovered there were warnings about taking it if you are depressed. I hadn't realized that perhaps I might have an underlying mild depression and maybe this accentuated it. Am thinking of trying it again - giving it one more shot. Has anyone else experienced depression after taking melatonin?

humble percival · 05-31-2007, 07:10 AM

Yes, Melatonin is great for helping to sleep, but in some people it can trigger depression.

just give it a few days, and it will pass...

see if you can lower your dose, or get a time release...

the body creates dopamine, and between these two, it is your day/night cycle.

the tricky thing is to balance the dopamine and melatonin.

The interesting thing about people who have high melatonin, they may be more depressed, but they also have less cancers and health problems to actually be able to complain about,

Melatonin has a great deal of healing properties.

Ariesladi25 · 05-31-2007, 07:24 AM

hello all,

Seen your post and thought i would share my experience with melatonin. It does help me sleep,but i found out that whenever i took it, i have terrible nightmares,they got so bad i had to stop the melatonin. I have heard for some people this happens,but i couldnt tolerate it anymore, so i went back to taking tylenol pm. as far as the depression, i heard from my brother,his friend had taken melatonin and started to get panic attacks as well as depression. so i guess it varies from person to person. a good place to start would be your dr. he/she can really suggests what is best for you. it couldnt hurt to ask! hope you feel better!

take care,

ariesladi25

Andrea84 · 05-31-2007, 09:47 AM

Thanks so much for your replies. Very informative and they give me a lot to think about. I'm also considering going to a sleep disorder doctor to discuss the situation.
It's great to have this board - I feel better just exchanging ideas with helpful people!

angels7113 · 05-31-2007, 10:10 AM

I am currently starting to try melatonin (actual a sleep blend, with valerian and melatonin and a couple other things) anyways, i just started taking it 2 nights ago and so far not much sucess but i read somewhere that it may take 1 - 2 weeks to start working... if this works for anyone is this true? I have tried prescription sleep aids and do not like them and do not want to be hooked on them, which i kinda already am after a month of using them.. anyways, just wondering for people it works for if it takes a bit to have melatonin work, also im kinda on a rebound insomnia from lunesta, hoping that will go away soon cuz some nights i get zero sleep. thanks for any help.