The most common melatonin side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Other, less common melatonin side effects might include short-lasting feelings of depression, mild tremor, mild anxiety, abdominal cramps, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion or disorientation, and abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension). Because melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, don’t drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement.
In addition, melatonin supplements can interact with various medications, including:
- Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs
- Anticonvulsants
- Contraceptive drugs
- Diabetes medications
- Medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants)
If you’re considering taking melatonin supplements, check with your health care provider first — especially if you have any health conditions. He or she can help you determine if melatonin is right for you.
This article is written by Dr. Brent A. Bauer, Mayo Clinic Staff.
More health and medical information can be found on mayoclinic.org.
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