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GENERIC NAME: MELATONIN - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Melatonin has been used for sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia and jet lag). Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth generally 2 hours before bedtime. Results may be seen within 30 minutes. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Full benefit is usually seen after 1 to 3 days of use. If your condition persists or worsens or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache or altered sleep pattern may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, contact your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: mental or mood changes, itching, fast heartbeat, sensation of heaviness in the head. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using melatonin: disorders of immune system, liver or kidney disease, stroke, depression, epilepsy, diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this product. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Melatonin is not recommended for use in children (under 20 years old). Do not use this product if you plan to become pregnant. It may have a contraceptive (birth control) effect. Melatonin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not known if this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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melatonin-oral

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both, despite adequate opportunity and time to sleep, leading to impaired daytime functioning. Insomnia may be due to poor quality or quantity of sleep.

Insomnia is very common and occurs in 30% to 50% of the general population. Approximately 10% of the population may suffer from chronic (long-standing) insomnia.

Insomnia affects people of all ages including children, although it is more common in adults and its frequency increases with age. In general, women are affected more frequently than men.

Insomnia may be divided into three classes based on the duration of symptoms.

  • Insomnia lasting one week or less may be termed transient insomnia;
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