Melatonin Side Effects

Scientifically known as 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone found in all biological organisms. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland that rests inside the brain and is largely responsible for the body’s patterns and rhythms. Released at night, especially in the dark, melatonin assists in treating insomnia, jet lag and other sleep disorders by adjusting the biological clock of the human body. Nevertheless, this useful hormone has its own side effects just like all other hormonal supplements. The most commonly experienced adverse effects of melatonin include headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleepiness and irritability. To know more about the different melatonin side effects, go through the lines below.

Adverse Effects Of Melatonin

People who have been consuming medications to control their blood pressure should avoid melatonin as it can further increase the blood pressure.
While melatonin is used for curing sleeplessness, an overproduction can lead to a type of sleeping disorder, known as sleepwalking. Nonetheless, this side effect can be restricted by controlling its dosage.
Another commonly noticed side effect of melatonin is dizziness which can lead to disability in spatial perception and stability.
Melatonin can largely affect the sexual health of a person when either overproduced or taken in large amounts. This can lead to several sexual disorders, such as a drop in sperm count, reduced sex drive in both men and women, infertility, and so on.
Patients with type I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) can report of increased blood sugar levels on regular consumption of melatonin.
Melatonin may not suit some people. As a result, they may complain of various allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or difficulty in breathing.
Nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, irritability, depression, nightmares and vivid dreams, mental or mood changes, rapid heartbeat, decreased libido and breast enlargement in men (known as gynecomastia) are a few more harmful effects of melatonin supplements.
While adults are the most affected, children too are not left behind from melatonin side effects. They too can complain of bed wetting, morning sleepiness, headaches, seizures and stomach aches.
Since melatonin can interfere with fertility, pregnant and nursing women should avoid consuming melatonin.
People taking certain medications, such as blood-thinning medicines, immunosuppressants, diabetes medicines and birth control pills, should restrict taking melatonin supplements can is can instantly interact with such medications and lead to various complications.

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