Melatonin is a hormone your body makes that can help you sleep at night. It is also available as an over-the-counter pill, cream, gargle, or gel for adults and kids. If you use it for short periods, melatonin should be safe. But experts still have a lot to understand about the supplement. In rare cases, a melatonin overdose may happen.
It’s important to understand how to use the sleep aid safely. You should also be aware of the signs of a melatonin overdose.
What Are the Recommended Doses of Melatonin?
In some countries, like Japan, Australia, or the United Kingdom, you can’t get over-the-counter melatonin legally. In the U.S., you can legally buy melatonin in any amount without a prescription. But the FDA regulates the use of melatonin as a supplement and not as a drug. This means the government does not have rules for the largest amount you can take.
Experts generally think that a dose up to 10 milligrams is safe for adults who have a hard time sleeping or falling asleep (insomnia). But the American Academy of Pediatrics says that many children who benefit do not need more than 3-6 milligrams.
Doctors often want to start with a lower dose of about 1-2 milligrams. This is because everyone's body may react differently to the supplement based on their:
- Age
- Gender
- Sleep issues
- Health conditions
- Timing when they take melatonin
The FDA also doesn't regulate how strong or how pure melatonin can be. Studies have also found that sleep aid products may have more or less of the listed melatonin amount. Experts found that certain supplements may have anywhere from under 83% to over 478% of what's listed on the bottle label. This may mean that you've taken more or less of the amount you believe you took.
What Are the Symptoms of a Melatonin Overdose?
Too much melatonin can lead to unwanted side effects. But it's very rare for a melatonin overdose to result in death. Each form of medication has a lethal dose, or LD 50. This term refers to the amount of supplement that would cause 50% of people to die. Experts haven't been able to find an LD 50 for melatonin. Very high doses of melatonin weren't even fatal in animals.
Common melatonin side effects include:
If you take too much melatonin, you might have less common symptoms. These include:
- Short-lasting depression
- Mild anxiety
- Tremors
- Stomach cramps
- Irritability
- Less of an ability to be alert
- Confusion or disorientation
If you take certain medications, you could be at risk of a melatonin interaction. The sleep aid won't mix well with:
- Anticonvulsants (drugs to treat seizures)
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (drugs to prevent blood clots)
- Contraceptive (birth control) drugs
- Diabetes medications
- Immunosuppressants (medications that suppress your immune system)
- Some antidepressants (including SSRIs)
If you want to start melatonin supplements, ask your doctor first. They can tell you if you're on any medications that would interact with the sleep aid.
What Can You Expect With a Melatonin Overdose?
If you think you’ve taken too much melatonin and begin to have unwanted side effects, don’t worry. Melatonin moves through your body relatively fast. Because of this, its effects usually don’t last very long.
But melatonin can affect your cardiovascular (related to your heart), dermatologic (related to your skin), and central nervous systems. If you have a condition related to one or more of these, you might be at risk of other side effects if you take melatonin.
Also, if you are older, you may be more sensitive to the supplement. This is because you have a naturally low level of melatonin. So your doctor may suggest you to start with a lower dose of melatonin.
What Critical Warning Signs Require Emergency Care?
While it's rare to have issues with melatonin supplements, there are some emergency overdose signs to watch out for. These include:
- You can't breathe.
- You have a hard time waking up.
- You're having symptoms of a seizure, such as shaking or jerking.
- You're very confused.
- You have other symptoms, and they're getting worse.
You can also have an allergic reaction to melatonin, but this is rare. In some cases, people may have anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction, after they use melatonin.
Signs of an allergic reaction to melatonin may include:
- A skin rash that may have itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Wheezing
- Tightness in your chest or throat
- Trouble breathing or talking
- A swollen mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
If this happens, go to the emergency room to get treatment right away.
How Can You Get Help for a Melatonin Overdose?
If you or your child develops side effects after taking melatonin, try to wait it out a bit and let your body fully process the supplement. But if the symptoms worsen or you are concerned, it might be a good idea to call your doctor or poison control at (800) 222-1222. They can help you find the next step or guide you through certain symptoms.
Melatonin is also the most common medication that young children up to age 6 take by accident when no adult is watching, sometimes leading to emergency room visits. If you think your child has overdosed on melatonin, follow these steps:
| Do first | Do second |
|---|---|
Get emergency help.
| Call 911 or go to the ER if your child:
|
If you don't see emergency symptoms, stay with your child.
| Wipe their mouth out with a soft, wet cloth. Look for overdose warning signs. Don’t try to make them throw up the melatonin.
|
| Keep the bottle or container away from your child. | Save the bottle or container to know how much your child took. |
Find the dosage label.
| Look at the dosage strength (milligrams). Check how much your child took. Check for other ingredients. |
Get help.
| Call Poison Control. Have your child's age, weight, dosage, and the bottle ready. Do what Poison Control says. |
Prevent future accidents.
| Store melatonin in its original container. Keep it up high and out of sight and reach of children. |
Takeaways
Melatonin can help some people sleep, but different brands can have different amounts. It's important to follow the directions on the label and use the right dose. Taking too much melatonin can cause problems.
While serious overdoses are rare, taking too much melatonin may lead to side effects such as headaches, nausea, confusion, and more. Get medical help if you have severe symptoms. Keep melatonin away from children, and ask a doctor or call Poison Control if your child has taken too much.
FAQs
Can taking too much melatonin cause vivid nightmares or sleep paralysis?
For some people, it can. That's because melatonin can increase your REM sleep, the stage when the most dreams happen. In rare cases, melatonin may trigger sleep disorders such as sleep paralysis.
How long does a melatonin overdose stay in your system?
It usually leaves your body within several hours. Melatonin levels often return close to normal four to eight hours after taking a dose, but the effects of taking too much can last longer, depending on your body and how much you took.
