Indications
Melatonin is used for numerous conditions but is showing the most
promise in the short-term regulation of sleep patterns, including jet lag.
Insomnia:
Melatonin helps to induce sleep in people with
·
Disrupted circadian rhythms (such as those
suffering from jet lag or poor vision or those who work the night shift)
·
Low melatonin levels (such as some elderly and
individuals with schizophrenia)
·
Children with learning disabilities who suffer
from insomnia.
Osteoporosis:
Melatonin stimulates cells called osteoblasts that promote bone growth.
In
Menopause: Melatonin helps peri- or postmenopausal women to regulate
sleep patterns.
Eating
disorders: Melatonin levels may play a role in the symptoms of anorexia.
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): it may be effective in managing
sleep disturbances in children with this condition. And Sarcoidosis
Dosage &
Administration
Adult:
Insomnia: 3-6 mg one hour before bedtime
Jet
lag:
·
0.50 to 5 mg one hour prior to bedtime at final
destination or, 1 to 5 mg 1 hour before bedtime for 2 days prior to departure
and for 2 to 3 days upon arrival at final destination.
·
Eastbound travel- Take a preflight early evening
treatment followed by treatment at bedtime for 4 days after arrival.
·
Westbound travel- Take for 4 days at bedtime
when in the new time zone.
Sarcoidosis:
20 mg per day for 4 to 12 months.
Depression:
0.125 mg twice in the late afternoon, each dose 4 hours apart.
Difficulty
falling asleep: 5 mg 3 to 4 hours before an imposed sleep period over a
4-weeks period.
Side Effects
Possible adverse effects include headache and depression.
Drowsiness may be experienced within 30 minutes after taking melatonin and may
persist for 1 hour and thus may affect driving skills