Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep patterns. It's also available in synthetic form, often used as a supplement to help manage sleep disorders.

In some cases, individuals with severe sleep problems may end up taking excessive amounts of melatonin supplements. But what happens if someone consumes too much melatonin? Read on for more information.

What Is a Melatonin Overdose?

Melatonin is a hormone that naturally regulates the body's sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. However, in certain situations, individuals may need melatonin supplements to address sleep issues like insomnia or jet lag.

The appropriate dosage of melatonin supplements can vary based on individual needs, age, body size, and their overal health. Some individuals are more sensitive to melatonin, this means even a small dose may be sufficient for them to get the desired effect.

There is no universal standard dose of melatonin that applies to everyone. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose to help you fall asleep without side effects. The usual adult dose ranges from 1-10 mg, and doses over 30 mg are considered too high and potentially harmful.

Though there is no specific standard dose of melatonin, a melatonin overdose occurs when the amount taken exceeds what the body can handle.

Signs of Excessive Melatonin Supplements Intake

While taking too many melatonin supplements is usually not life-threatening, it can lead to undesirable side effects and disrupt your daily life. Some common signs of excessive melatonin intake include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Daytime sleepiness

• Nightmares

• Irritability

• Stomach pain

• Tremors

• Reduced alertness

• Confusion

• Low blood pressure

Excessive melatonin intake can affect the cardiovascular system, skin, and central nervous system. If you notice any of these symptoms while taking melatonin, you may be taking too much or could be experiencing an allergic reaction to the supplement.

How to Handle Excessive Melatonin Intake

Melatonin supplements typically leave the body quickly, meaning side effects tend to dissipate soon after consumption. If you suspect that you’ve taken too much melatonin and are experiencing symptoms, your condition should improve in a short period. To help prevent things from getting worse, it’s a good idea to stop taking melatonin temporarily.

However, if you experience more severe symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, high blood pressure, or persistent dizziness, you should seek immediate medical attention. While these symptoms may not always be related to melatonin or its interactions with other medications, they should never be ignored as they may signal a medical emergency.

While melatonin supplements are generally safe, they can interact with other medications such as birth control pills, blood thinners, and corticosteroids. Therefore, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor before taking melatonin to ensure proper guidance.

If you have any questions about supplements, you can use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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