Contents
Melatonin is an organic chemical compound whose production is regulated, among others, by through the light. Supplements containing melatonin are used to support sleep and circadian rhythm disorders.
Melatonin LEK-AM (Lek-AM)
| form, dose, packaging | availability category | the active substance |
| tabl. 0,001 g (90 tabl.) | OTC (over-the-counter) | melatonin (melatonin) |
| tabl. 0,003 g (14 tabl., 60 tabl.) | ||
| tabl. 0,005 g (30 tabl.) |
How does Melatonin work?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, retina and some cells of the digestive tract, where it is responsible for slowing down the digestive processes. Melatonin also has a beneficial effect on the immune system. It affects the central nervous system, positively influencing falling asleep and regulating the day-night cycle.
Melatonin dosage
- Sleep disturbance by changing time zones: orally 2-3 mg once a day after dark (from the first day of travel for the next three days).
- Disturbances of circadian rhythm and wakefulness in the blind: orally 0.5-5 mg once a day at bedtime (21.00-22.00).
- Disorders of sleep-wake rhythm caused by shift work: orally 1-5 mg an hour before bedtime.
Melatonin – contraindications and warnings
A contraindication to the use of the supplement is hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation, pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should not take melatonin after drinking alcohol. The drug may impair psychophysical fitness. Combining melatonin with fluvoxamine should be avoided.
Consultation with a doctor is required:
- liver and kidney dysfunction;
- depression, epilepsy;
- immune system dysfunction;
- hormonal disorders;
- use of anticoagulants
Interactions with other drugs
- Melatonin concentration is increased by: methoxypsoralen, cimetidine, estrogens (contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy), fluvoxamine.
- Bioavailability of melatonin is increased by: citalopram, omeprazole, lansoprazole; quinolines can lead to increased melatonin exposure.
- Melatonin levels are decreased by carbamazepine and rifampicin.
- Melatonin may increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepine derivatives and zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone and potentiate the side effects of thioridazine and imipramine.
Melatonin – side effects
After taking melatonin, headache, confusion, fatigue, weakness, drop in body temperature, tachycardia, rash, itching, hives, gynecomastia and an increase in seizure frequency may occur.