Can You Overdose On Melatonin?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on melatonin. However, it is very unlikely to die from a melatonin overdose.

Despite being considered a safe dietary supplement, the FDA has no current recommended dosing guidelines for melatonin.

A 2023 study published in JAMA found that melatonin gummies frequently contained significantly more melatonin than their labels indicated. In some cases, they had more than three times the stated dose, which makes it easy to unknowingly consume more than intended.

As a dietary supplement, melatonin is not held to the higher-standard restrictions that over-the-counter medications have.

Symptoms Of Melatonin Overdose

Melatonin is a neurohormone naturally produced in the brain by the pineal gland. As we age, natural melatonin production decreases, so it can be helpful to supplement this hormone.

Extended or excessive melatonin supplementation can also signal prolonged darkness to the body, potentially disrupting circadian rhythm regulation.

Administering large doses of melatonin can induce high concentrations of melatonin and its metabolites in the body, potentially resulting in toxicity.

Melatonin and its metabolites can have harmful effects, such as:

• nightmares and vivid dreams
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• sleep disorders
• abdominal pain

The most common side effects of melatonin overdose include:

• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness
• drowsiness and sleepiness

Less common, serious side effects of melatonin overdose can include:

• mood changes, including low mood in some individuals
• mild tremors
• mild anxiety
• irritability
• reduced alertness
• confusion and disorientation

Even modest amounts of supplemental melatonin can cause unwanted side effects in some individuals, and high levels of melatonin can cause someone to have trouble sleeping.

Is Melatonin Safe?

Melatonin use is generally considered safe. However, high doses of the substance can cause sleep problems.

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults. However, safety guidelines haven’t been established for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Parents should consult a pediatrician before giving melatonin to children, as its effects on hormonal development during childhood are not fully understood.

It is also possible for individuals currently taking medications for other conditions to have adverse effects when they take melatonin.

Melatonin Safety And Medication Interactions

A harmful drug reaction could occur in people who are taking certain medications and ingest a melatonin supplement.

Medications and substances that can result in dangerous drug interactions with melatonin include:

• diabetes medications, including insulin and oral hypoglycemics
• blood pressure medications (antihypertensives)
• blood thinners and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
• immunosuppressant medications (used for autoimmune conditions or post-transplant care)
• anticonvulsants (used to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders)
• benzodiazepines and other anxiety medications
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox), an SSRI used to treat OCD that significantly raises melatonin blood levels
• contraceptives
• any central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol or opioids

Ways To Produce More Melatonin Naturally

Most people take melatonin for sleep-related issues, but there are ways to produce low doses of melatonin without taking a supplement naturally.

A few ways someone can improve their melatonin production include:

• reduce exposure to blue light (from electronics) at least an hour before bed
• dim the lights as they get ready for bed
• keep a set sleep schedule
• set time aside for a relaxing bedtime routine
• try to stay within the same time zone or sleep around the same time while traveling
• get exposure to natural sunlight during the day, which helps regulate the circadian rhythm
• keep the bedroom cool and dark, as temperature and light both influence melatonin production

Treatment For Melatonin Overdose

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment for a melatonin overdose may look different.

In emergencies when someone is experiencing chest pains or struggling to breathe, medical interventions may be needed.

However, most melatonin overdoses are accidental, and the best treatment will be to take lower doses of melatonin or stop taking it altogether.

Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental melatonin overdose. A 2022 study found that calls to Poison Control involving children who ingested melatonin increased by more than 500% over a decade, with most cases involving children under 5 years old.

Melatonin supplements, particularly gummies, should be stored safely out of children’s reach.

If someone needs to stop taking melatonin because they experience side effects, a medical professional may recommend other treatment methods to help them sleep better.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff