Melatonin Supplementation Side Effects

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that signals the body when it's time to sleep. Melatonin pills are a supplement that can be taken instead of prescription sleeping pills or other medications. Like all prescription drugs and hormonal supplements, melatonin has side effects that should be reviewed before ingesting the pills.

Headaches

Headaches are common with melatonin supplementation. However, headaches caused by melatonin will most likely be mild and can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen. However, the headaches can also be migraines. Migraines are severe headaches that can last up to two weeks. Someone experiencing a migraine may also see spots and be sensitive to light or noise. Migraines are sometimes also accompanied by vomiting.

Nausea

Nausea is simply another word for upset stomach. Nausea can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or by adding ginger to your diet. It may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Both vomiting and diarrhea are the body's way of ridding itself from toxins. Watch out for dehydration if nausea and vomiting are prolonged.

Depression

Depression can be a side effect of melatonin use, and can come in many forms. Not all people who experience depression exhibit its emotional signs, and some people experiencing depression may feel fatigued, be unable to focus, feel worthless and/or experience a loss of appetite.

Nightmares and Vivid Dreams

While nightmares and vivid dreams may not be one of the worse side effects, it can make someone lose a lot of sleep. Vivid dreams are dreams that are so clear it seems like a memory or something that has happened previously. They may not necessarily be nightmares, but can give someone a restless night's sleep. This side effect will go away by discontinuing the use of melatonin.

Irritability

Some people using melatonin may feel irritable more often than they normally would. They may experience anger, become annoyed easily or be extra sensitive to things around them. If this is the case, discontinuing melatonin supplementation can eliminate irritability.

Abdominal Cramps

Abdominal cramps can either be mild or severe. Minor cramping and dull stomach pains will go away in a short amount of time. More severe abdominal cramps may last hours or even a few days. One may feel sharp, shooting pains in the stomach as well. The cramps may or may not be accompanied by bloating.

Dizziness

Dizziness can be defined in two ways. Being lightheaded may make someone feel like they are going to faint or pass out. Dizziness can also come in the form of a feeling of vertigo. Vertigo is a feeling of movement when there is no actual movement. Both forms of dizziness usually only last for a few minutes, but can happen numerous times throughout the day. Discontinuing melatonin supplementation will eliminate this side effect.