Melatonin overdose symptoms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Melatonin Overdose Symptoms: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Melatonin and Its Uses
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It is widely available as an over-the-counter supplement for treating sleep disorders and jetlag. Despite its popularity, concerns about the safety of high doses and potential overdose symptoms have been raised.
Common Symptoms of Melatonin Overdose
Drowsiness and Dizziness
One of the most frequently reported symptoms of melatonin overdose is drowsiness. This is often accompanied by dizziness, which can impair daily functioning and increase the risk of accidents .
Headache and Fatigue
Headaches and fatigue are also common adverse effects associated with excessive melatonin intake. These symptoms can significantly affect an individual's quality of life and productivity .
Confusion and Nightmares
Confusion and nightmares have been documented as less common but notable symptoms of melatonin overdose. These effects can be particularly distressing and may require medical attention.
Cardiovascular Effects: Hypotension and Tachycardia
Melatonin overdose can lead to cardiovascular issues such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These symptoms necessitate careful monitoring and supportive measures to ensure patient safety.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, or a drop in body temperature, is another potential symptom of melatonin overdose. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications .
Safety Profile of High-Dose Melatonin
Adverse Events in Clinical Trials
A systematic review and meta-analysis of high-dose melatonin studies found that while serious adverse events (SAEs) were not significantly increased, there was a higher incidence of mild to moderate adverse events such as drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. This suggests that while melatonin is generally safe, higher doses can lead to more frequent mild adverse effects.
Long-Term Use and Safety Concerns
Long-term use of melatonin, especially in higher doses, has not been extensively studied. However, available data indicate that most adverse events are mild and resolve spontaneously or upon discontinuation of the supplement. Serious adverse events are rare, but the lack of long-term studies limits definitive conclusions about the safety of prolonged melatonin use.
Conclusion
Melatonin is widely regarded as a safe supplement for short-term use in treating sleep disorders and jetlag. However, overdose can lead to a range of symptoms, including drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, confusion, nightmares, hypotension, tachycardia, and hypothermia. While most adverse effects are mild and self-limiting, the safety of long-term, high-dose melatonin use remains uncertain. Future research should focus on long-term safety to provide more comprehensive guidelines for melatonin use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic