Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

How Much Melatonin Is Safe to Take?

Recommended melatonin dosage varies depending on a person’s age. Experts generally recommend adults take between 1 and 5 mg of melatonin to promote better sleep. Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source Talk to your doctor before beginning melatonin supplementation. Start with a low dose of melatonin to see how your body reacts, then gradually increase the dosage if needed. Small doses, such as 1 mg or less, may be just as effective as higher doses. 

Starting with a low dose may be especially important, because some melatonin supplements contain a higher dose Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source than what is listed on the label. In the U.S., dietary supplements are not tested by the government for safety or accuracy prior to being sold. It is also important to note that different formulations of melatonin, such as pill, powder, gummy, or liquid, may be absorbed differently Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source by the body.

“Most people end up taking more melatonin than they actually need because of mislabeling. Many products contain higher doses than what’s actually listed.”

Dr. Dustin Cotliar

Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

Symptoms of a Melatonin Overdose

A life-threatening melatonin overdose is rare, especially in adults. Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source But melatonin supplements with higher doses can cause adverse reactions and side effects.

• Nightmares 
• Headaches 
• Irritability 
• Stomach pain
• Nausea 
• Daytime tiredness  
• Dizziness 
• Short-term depression symptoms

Drug overdose symptoms that require immediate emergency medical attention include difficulty breathing, seizures, or a loss of consciousness.

What To Do If You’re Experiencing Melatonin Overdose Symptoms

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing a melatonin overdose, contact a poison control center. You can talk to a poison expert at PoisonHelp.org or by calling (800) 222-1222 in the U.S. 

If you or someone else is experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or a loss of consciousness, immediately call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room. Ingesting melatonin may be particularly dangerous if you’ve consumed other medications or alcohol.

Long-Term Effects of Taking Melatonin

Melatonin has only been studied for short-term use, so it’s unknown how safe the supplement is when used long term. Most studies have only followed people using melatonin for about a month. Although longer-term studies haven’t found serious adverse events from using melatonin, experts say there isn’t enough research available to conclude that long-term use Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source of melatonin is safe.

Is Melatonin Safe for Children?

Melatonin supplements are sometimes used to treat children who have insomnia, other sleep disorders, or neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or epilepsy. The safety of melatonin in children likely depends on the child’s age and the dosage given. Lower doses are thought to be safer and more effective than higher doses.

Even though melatonin is available without a prescription in the U.S. and is also marketed toward children, you should not give melatonin to a child without discussing it with their doctor first.

“Some melatonin supplements look and taste similar to candy. This makes it important for parents to store all supplements and medications in child-safe bottles and outside the reach of children.”

Dr. Dustin Cotliar

Sleep Medicine Physician, MD

When Should I Talk With a Doctor?

Although melatonin has largely been found to be safe, talk to your doctor before beginning to take it or any dietary supplement. People often assume dietary supplements are safe, but they are not tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for quality or accuracy, like prescription drugs are. Supplements may also cause side effects or interact with prescription drugs.

If you’re taking melatonin and experience serious side effects or are concerned about overdose, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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