Melatonin what is too much

For example, a dose as small as 1 to 5 mg could cause seizures. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers more information. Need to talk to someone today? Taking melatonin in any amount can be dangerous if you are also taking certain other medications. Unfortunately, this includes medications that can also make it difficult to sleep. People who use blood pressure drugs, for example, may have a lower amount of naturally occurring melatonin. However, taking melatonin can cause blood pressure spikes, which could be incredibly dangerous.

On the other end of the spectrum, birth control pills can lead to elevated melatonin production. Taking a supplement could push your concentration into dangerous territory. Individuals using anticoagulants may see an increased risk of bleeding if they also use melatonin.

Those on corticosteroids should also avoid the supplement. Both of those substances impact circadian rhythms and natural melatonin production.

If you have trouble sleeping, it is always wise to see a doctor. A doctor can assess your symptoms and determine if a medical condition may be an underlying cause.

If that turns out to be the case, your doctor can then identify treatment options that may also allow you to sleep soundly. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, exercise and digital devices at least a few hours before bed. Keep your dose to no more than 1 to 3 mg per night. You may need to consult a sleep specialist. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. References Melatonin and Sleep.

National Sleep Foundation. Melatonin for Sleep: Does It Work. John Hopkins Medicine. Mayo Clinic. March 30, Byrd F. Can You Overdose on Melatonin. January 23, American Academy of Family Physicians.

January 12, Janjua I, Goldman R. Canadian Family Physician. April Lupus Center — Things to Avoid. Low Blood Pressure: Diagnosis. March 10, Health Topics. Here is what you need to know about the side effects of melatonin and how to determine how much to take.

Low doses of melatonin cause relatively few side effects , but it is possible to take too much, says Nicole Avena , PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

The typical dosage found in stores ranges from about one to five mg but can be found in doses as high as 10 mg. Overdosing on melatonin can lead to side effects , including:. It's hard to say exactly how much melatonin is too much since there is no standardized dose, but it's best to start with the lowest dose possible and work up from there, says Alex Dimitriu , MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California.

There is no known lethal dose of melatonin and no reports of death from taking too much melatonin, Dimitriu says, but taking too much can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm and internal body clock , causing you to actually have more trouble falling asleep. The effects of taking large doses of melatonin don't appear to be lethal, Dimitriu says, but more research is needed to determine the long-term health implications of melatonin use and the effects of doses larger than 30mg.

The right dose of melatonin for you is the lowest possible dose that can help you sleep with minimal side effects, Dimitriu says. This can vary by individual. Melatonin should only be used occasionally unless you have otherwise been instructed by a physician, Avena says. Melatonin is considered safe in low doses for short-term use , but there is little data available on its long-term effects and more research is needed to determine overall safety.

If you find you are relying on melatonin in order to fall asleep every night, Avena recommends lowering your dosage slowly. You may experience a few nights of less than great sleep as your body adjusts. Relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises can help you fall asleep without the help of a melatonin supplement.

Melatonin is not addictive, but taking it every night can cause you to rely on it as part of your bedtime routine.