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When taken by mouth: Melatonin is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth short-term. Melatonin is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately, long-term. Melatonin has been used safely for up to 2 years in some people. However, it can cause some side effects including headache, short-term feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and irritability. Do not drive or use machinery for four to five hours after taking melatonin.
When applied to the skin: Melatonin is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when applied directly to the skin short-term.
When given by IV: Melatonin is POSSIBLY SAFE when injected directly into the body under the supervision of a health care professional.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Melatonin is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE for women when taken by mouth or injected into the body frequently or in high doses when trying to become pregnant. Melatonin might have effects similar to birth control. This might make it more difficult to become pregnant. There's not enough reliable information to know if melatonin is safe in lower doses when trying to become pregnant. Some evidence suggests that low doses (2-3 mg daily) might be safe, but additional research is needed to confirm. Not enough is known about the safety of melatonin when used during pregnancy. Until more is known, it's best not to use melatonin while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using melatonin when breast-feeding. It is best not to use it.
Children: Melatonin is
POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. Melatonin is usually well tolerated when taken in doses up to 3 mg per day in children and 5 mg per day in adolescents. There is some concern that melatonin might interfere with development during adolescence. While this still needs to be confirmed, melatonin should be reserved for children with a medical need. There isn't enough evidence to know if melatonin is safe in children when taken by mouth, long-term.
Bleeding disorders: Melatonin might make bleeding worse in people with bleeding disorders.
Depression: Melatonin can make symptoms of depression worse.
Diabetes: Melatonin might increase blood sugar in people with diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully, if you have diabetes and take melatonin.
High blood pressure: Melatonin can raise blood pressure in people who are taking certain medications to control blood pressure. Avoid using it.
Seizure disorders: Using melatonin might increase the risk of having a seizure.
Transplant recipients: Melatonin can increase immune function and might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy used by people receiving transplants.
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