Did I take too much melatonin?

Question

Each pill contains 3 mg. The bottle says to take 1 pill before bed.
I started off taking 1, and it didn't seem to help so I took 3, that barely helped, so I took 10. 10 pills worked great!, but then not at all, so I took 15, and so forth... fast building tolerence.. Last night I took 25 pills, (75mg) and it didn't seem to help, it's 5:38am, but did I take too much? I only did all this because I thought I heard maybe this is a safe drug, or not really even a drug. I know this sounds crazy.

Answer 1

yes, you are OK. I have read they have done tests using using hundreds of times the suggested dose of 3-5 mg and found no problems were caused.

Although I am not saying you should take these high doses necessarily, I have read it is safe into very high doses,


Symptoms of a melatonin overdose may include headache, drowsiness, and upset stomach.

Here are some suggestions and cautions, A Note About Melatonin Dosage

In the case of melatonin, less is sometimes more. The 3 mg. tablet or capsule most commonly sold is meant as an anti-oxidant, not a sleep aid. It helps some people with sleep, but it causes insomnia in many others. I got better results by cutting a 3 mg. (three milligrams) tablet in half. Then I discovered a 300 mcg. (three hundred micrograms, one one-hundredth of the dose most readily available), and found that most effective of all. Three mcg. is about what the pineal gland secretes, the so-called physiological dose. I think it's no accident that this is what works best. Imitating what nature intends is probably the best way of getting the body to cooperate.

Many other people with whom I've discussed this report the same improved results with the smaller dose. I don't know the mechanism that causes this, but I have a theory. There is (or was) a research project at Johns Hopkins University in which women were given 75 mg. for contraceptive purposes. You would think these women would have walked around in a stupor all day, but apparently they did not. I suspect the reason is that overloading the melatonin receptors makes them shut down, eliminating the sleep benefit of a smaller dose.

Melatonin suppresses estrogen. There are melatonin receptors on the ovaries. Women who wish to become pregnant should not take melatonin. Also, people taking MAO inhibitors should avoid it. Finally, anyone with an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis, should discuss melatonin with a well-informed practitioner before taking it.

Although the book I read on melatonin did say it was safe in high doses...online there is some contridictory info..some have overdosed on 35 mg or so..here are some of the signs etc.

http://www.personalhealthzone.com/herbal_medicine/side_effects/melatonin_side_effects.html

Answer 2

Well too much is rather subjective rather you have built up a tolerance to the substance and now it is not nearly as effective on your physiology. Here are some tips to help you sleep at night...

1. Only use your bedroom for sex or sleeping. Don't do other things in there or linger around. Get your brain in the habit of sleeping when you're in that room.

2. Drink lots of water.

3. Exercise.

4. Get up and go to sleep at the same time every day.

5. Eat a light breakfast and eat dinner 3 hours before going to bed.

Now obviously it's impossible to follow all these rules every day but do the best you can and unless you have some other condition actively preventing you from sleeping you'll find yourself sleeping more regularly and better through the night.

Buying a good mattress is a great idea though not on the list because it can get quite expensive. I bought some 1400$ mattress (cant remember the brand) that I love & 2 of those tempurpedic pillows about 6 months ago. Gotta say it's the best sleep I've ever had and it'll last about 10 years before I buy new ones so that works out to be dirt cheap when you think about it, 3650 days & 1300$ equals something around 30 cents a day for great sleep.

Answer 3

Melatonin is a naturaly occuring substance in the body. It is safe. Anything that you take to help you sleep may decrease the quality. I think that melatonin and/or a good lavender tea work the best and have the least effect on the quality of sleep.

Answer 4

you are right it does sound crazy. i really don't know where to start. you should discuss this with your doctor. it is supposedly impossible to overdose on melatonin but then again you have taken alot over a long period of time. ok one thing is what age are you because if you are young the likelyhood is that you didnt need it in the first place as melatonin doesn't need any outside help unless old. Scientists have expressed concern of it causing reduced fertility, sex drive and damage to the retina of the eye when you overdose, these haven't been confirmed. for future reference on any drug no matter what it is stick to the recommended amount and if it doesn't work discuss it with your chemist or doctor as they are the only ones who can tell you if you can up your dosage as they know the side effects and the maximum dosage of a drug. sorry for being harsh but don't mess with your health like that because you won't miss it till it's gone.

Answer 5

Melatonin CAN do the opposite....make you alert....but it does not make you sleeepy.....melatonin "resets" your natural clock....night and day comes back to you naturally...it does not put you to sleep...too much is not a good thing....hits your nervous system...still awake at 538 is the result,

Answer 6

I take 30 milligrams of melatonni and can't sleep what is that

Answer 7

If it said to take one pill,....then I guess u did take too much.
U gotta consult a doctor!