What are the common side effects of melatonin?

The most common melatonin side effects are mild: headache, dizziness, nausea and sleepiness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). In children, bedwetting and agitation have also been reported. Melatonin appears safe for short-term use, but information on long-term safety is lacking, and the amount in a product may not match its label.

NCCIH says people who take blood thinners or have epilepsy need medical supervision when using melatonin. The Sleep Foundation adds that it is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have bleeding disorders, depression, seizures or an organ transplant.

For children, NCCIH reports 11,000 emergency department visits from 2019 to 2022 for unsupervised melatonin ingestion by children 5 and younger, so keep gummies and tablets out of reach. A 2023 study found 22 of 25 gummy products were mislabeled.

If you notice side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Source: NCCIH - Melatonin: What You Need To Know

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Noddie Night is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice.