Can you overdose on melatonin?
While melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body, taking too much supplementary melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm (also called your sleep-wake cycle). It may also cause other unwanted side effects.
So, yes, you can technically overdose on melatonin.
However, a melatonin overdose can be hard to define since there isn’t an official standard safe dosage for everyone.
Some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of melatonin. A dose that might trigger side effects in one person may have little effect on someone else.
Young children should avoid melatonin unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Doses between 1 and 5 milligrams (mg) may cause seizures or other complications for young children.
In adults, the standard dose used in studies ranges between 1 and 10 mg, although there isn’t currently a definitive “best” dosage. It’s believed doses in the 30-mg range may be harmful.
In general, it’s better to start low and move up slowly and carefully if you see encouraging results. Speak with a doctor if your sleep problems persist.
What Are the Symptoms of a Melatonin Overdose?
Too much melatonin can lead to unwanted side effects. But it’s very rare that an overdose of the supplement could kill you. Each form of medication has a lethal dose, or LD 50. This term refers to the amount of supplement that would cause 50% of people to die. Experts haven’t been able to find an LD 50 for melatonin. Very high doses of melatonin weren’t even fatal in animals.
Common melatonin side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Melatonin poisoning reports in kids soared over last decade
For years, poison control centers across the country have seen a major spike in the number of kids ingesting melatonin. There was another jump during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to one study from the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the number of kids ingesting melatonin has jumped 530% over the past decade.
“Pediatric hospitalizations and more serious outcomes due to melatonin ingestions increased during the study period, primarily related to an increase in unintentional ingestions among children aged ≤5 years,”
Melatonin ingestion by a child is a medical emergency
- when a child ingests melatonin without adult supervision, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate action.
- Symptoms of melatonin ingestion in kids includes abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, excessive tiredness and labored breathing.
Parents should store melatonin out of kids’ reach.
- parents should keep all medications and supplements, including melatonin, out of the reach of kids, even young teenagers.
- Bottle tops should also be kept securely closed
- Teach your children about medicine safety.
- Be prepared in case of an emergency.
References
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/
