Melatonin

Safety & Contraindications

Doses <8 mg have reportedly induced heavy head, headache, and transient depression. May aggravate depression in patients with psychiatric illness. JAMA cautions that “some studies suggest melatonin may deepen depression in those who have it or induce it in those susceptible to it.” Melatonin in physiological doses causes vasoconstriction and also constricts cerebral arteries”. Melatonin has no LD50. Additional possible adverse effects mentioned in the NIH workshop included inhibition of fertility, suppression of male sexual drive, hypothermia, and retinal damage. Some people taking as little as 3 mg tell me it’s too much and gets them wired, reporting better insomnia protection with smaller doses.