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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> What Exactly Is Melatonin?
        
(Message started by: Superirish2005 on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:08pm)

Title: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by Superirish2005 on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:08pm

I have seen this word all over the site and was wondering exactly what Melatonin is?

Pill? prescription or over the counter? what does it do?

expensive?

Thanks again and sorry for asking all these basic dumb questions again today.

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by slhaas on Aug 29^th, 2006, 6:24pm

It is an OTC pill you can buy at any drug store, most grocery stores, etc. It is a chemical that helps you sleep and triggers your brain that it's time to sleep. I'm sure that there is a more complicated description of what it all does, but that's the basic idea. You can also get natural and synthetic versions of melatonin. It isn't too expensive, but isn't as cheap as aspirin.

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by burnt-toast on Aug 29^th, 2006, 7:20pm

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by our pineal gland - a pea-sized structure at the center of our brains. Melatonin is produced by our bodies when our eyes register the fall of darkness and is believed to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. This may be why youngsters have less problem sleeping than older people.

Decreasing Melatonin levels at middle age, middle age being a factor often associated with the onset of CH combined with CH's tendency to disrupt our sleep cycles is why Melatonin is sometimes used in treating the disorder. Some report positive results in the form of fewer/less severe attacks and better sleep while others report no benefit.

Synthetic and natural melatonin are available over the counter and side effects appear to be nill but the hormone has not been studied/approved by the FDA.

Natural melatonin is made from animal pineal glands and there is some concern regarding crossover pathogens however nothing of this nature has been confirmed.

Hope this is helpful.

Tom

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by BarbaraD on Aug 30^th, 2006, 5:22am

Taken a few minutes before bedtime, it helps promote natural sleep, getting us thru the REM part (the part that often triggers CH).

I take 9-12mg at bedtime and have almost eliminated the nighttime hits.

By sleeping at night we have the energy to "fight" during the day without the total exhaustion.

Hugs BD

PS: But it doesn't work for everyone. And it took about two weeks before it started working for me.

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by chewy on Aug 30^th, 2006, 8:57am

Quote:

What Exactly Is Melatonin?

A Blessing.

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by LeeS on Aug 30^th, 2006, 1:23pm

'Tis indeed a blessing for many ...

http://www.ouch-us.org/newsletters/08-2006/08-2006-21.htm

http://www.ouch-us.org/newsletters/08-2006/08-2006-22.htm

Where's this month's pay-check nani? ;)

-Lee

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by Superirish2005 on Aug 30^th, 2006, 3:19pm

If I am taking Maxalt would there be any problems taking Melotonin with that. Basically would mixing those two cause any problems and could they work together?

Title: Re: What Exactly Is Melatonin?
Post by thebbz on Aug 30^th, 2006, 10:16pm

Good questions for the doc and pharmacy.
Melatonin=neurotransmitter, and what they said.
all the best
jb