Melatonin nutritional supplement?

Question

I have irregular sleeping patterns along with afternoon fatigue. I seem to have additional problems during the fall and winter seasons. Also, I take Celexa, and SSRI. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with melatonin as a nutritional supplement for irregular sleep, SAD, or fatigue.

Answer 1

melatonin is a chemical used to make a person sleep better and that is all it does..there are no other benefits.

Answer 2

Yours is more of a rant than a question. "If nutritional supplements are allegedly so "dangerous," as the FDA and news media so often claim, then where are the bodies?" Can you cite where the FDA have published this information or are you just building a straw man? In fact there was a peer reviewed report published last year (look in PubMeb) where a long running study (over 25 years) was conducted in those people who were taking supplements. It was discovered that they had a higher rate of cancers than those who had a well balanced diet and didn't take supplements. It's too easy to demolish a straw-man, you should read real peer-reviewed studies. If you can't produce results in a blinded trial it's quackery. Not that you'll bother going and reading real papers in PubMed, but someone reading my response might do so.

Answer 3

I also take Celexa and sometimes use Melatonin to get a good night's sleep. I was told by my sister, who is a nurse, that you should not use the Melatonin too often. Your body can get used to relying on it and you will never be able to sleep at all without it. So, I just use it periodically. One pill is good for an eight hour's sleep. Do a half for less. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I've been using melatonin for two years with wonderful results. I was taking Remeron for depression and sleep but had started building up an immunity to it. Melatonin occurs naturally in the body so I shouldn't have a problem with immunity and haven't so far.

I'm diagnosed with depression and PTSD; I also exhibit symptoms of SAD. Medication costs a fortune and I knew I'd be paying out of pocket soon, so I switched to melatonin for sleep and St. John's wort for depression. I also take Valerian root for sleep and fish oil capsules which are supposed to help with anxiety/depression. Turned out St. John's wort worked better for me than anything else I've ever tried, I had immediate and dramatic results. And the difference is $120 a month for medication vs. less than $15 a month for supplements with no irritating side effects.

A positive side effect of taking melatonin that was recently discovered is that it helps prevent certain types of cancer; breast and prostrate were two of them.

Answer 5

I tried melatonin . For awhile it worked good, then got to where it wasn't helping I have talked to friends and family that swear by it,so good luck i hope it works for you..

Answer 6

I myself never had any luck with it but my daughters however have used it occasionally and says it helps. You might want to ask your doctor first, considering you're on anti-depressants. I don't know if there are any drug interactions.

Answer 7

It helped my hubby. Ask your doctor before starting any OTC or supplimental medications.

Answer 8

It has helped me, but talk to dr first.