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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Melatonin and side effects
        
(Message started by: kayarr on Oct 8^th, 2006, 7:15pm)

Title: Melatonin and side effects
Post by kayarr on Oct 8^th, 2006, 7:15pm

As you may have heard, my honey finally decided to try melatonin. I t seemed to allow him to fall asleep earlier and it also seemed to reduce night time hits even in fall. He has been complaining of dizziness and spaceiness. He says he has been a little depressed too. He is kinda scared to continue taking it.

Does it level off?
Has anyone else had to get used to melatonin?
He was taking 6mg. Should he ease into it a little more?
Thank you in advance.
The only other thing he uses for CH is O2.
He takes vytorin, asprin and plavix.

Kimberly

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by E-Double on Oct 8^th, 2006, 8:02pm

Mild depreesion can be a side effect.
Check with the doc.

I only had grogginess in the beginning and then life was great

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by kayarr on Oct 8^th, 2006, 8:12pm

Thanks for the reply oh, proud Daddy:) Was the groggy period a couple weeks...or so?

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by georgej on Oct 8^th, 2006, 9:05pm

Actually, one of the things I like best about melatonin is that it seems to leave me with no residual grogginess. Then again, I take 9 mg in cycle, and 3 mg at night when I'm out of cycle. So I'm probably pretty used to it.

As for any other side effects, I haven't noticed any. Or no bad ones, anyway.

It seems to have substantially reduced the number of nighttime hits that I get in cycle. Since I get hit almost exclusively at night, it's improved my whole outlook during a cycle.

Best,

George

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by burnt-toast on Oct 9^th, 2006, 6:58am

The FDA has not conducted studies on Melatonin. Most of what we see on the market is a synthetic hormone. Most studies/reports are from the manufacturer and tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about melatonin and its effects.

As our eyes register the fall of darkness, Melatonin is natuarlly secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain. Melatonin is believed to help our bodies regulate sleep-wake cycles and production of Melatonin appears to lessen as we get older.

Some studies suggest Melatonin makes many users feel better, strengthens the immune system, and reduces free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine melatonin's value as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer (primarily in Europe), treating delayed sleep-phase disorders and jet lag.

According to one report, 10 percent of users said the hormone did nothing for them and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression and low sex drive.

In studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses - without identifable toxicity.

Some experts are appalled that many people are toying with such a potent hormone. A concern is that high doses, while causing no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. Even one milligram is three times higher than the normal amount in the body.

It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing because nothing is known about the effect on fetus' or nursing babies. Women attempting to become pregnant should avoid melatonin because it appears to have contraceptive qualitities.

Melatonin may exacerbate severe allergies or autoimmune diseases by stimulating the immune system. People with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia may also be at risk for the same reason. Healthy children who already produce Melatonin in abundance should not be given this hormone. As with any substance introduced into your bodies you should always consult your physician and/or Pharmacist before taking melatonin.

Tom

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by floridian on Oct 9^th, 2006, 1:29pm

Several good points, burnt-toast. There are many unknowns with respect to melatonin.

But one other point worth mentioning - clusterheads do not produce normal amounts of melatonin. That is true for episodics (in and out of cycle) and for chronics. I am assuming that the lack of melatonin is not a good thing, and that it may contribute to CH since taking a melatonin supplement helps so many.

Also, re: the FDA not doing studies, and relying on studies from manufacturers. That is true of most pharmaceuticals as well. The FDA does little research - they mostly review studies submitted by the companies that want something approved.

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by georgej on Oct 9^th, 2006, 1:35pm

on 10/09/06 at 13:29:51, floridian wrote:

Several good points, burnt-toast. There are many unknowns with respect to melatonin.

Welcome back, floridian. You've been missed.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by jon019 on Oct 10^th, 2006, 12:39am

Hi Kimberly,

Mixed results here with melatonin. Take 1/2 hour before bedtime, makes me dizzy and feeling odd (spacieness). Seems to help lessen night hits though. No after effects i can determine. Worth a try, I would say.

Regards

Jon

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by E-Double on Oct 10^th, 2006, 12:09pm

on 10/08/06 at 20:12:27, kayarr wrote:

Thanks for the reply oh, proud Daddy:) Was the groggy period a couple weeks...or so?

a couple of days

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by kayarr on Oct 11^th, 2006, 9:39pm

As usual, you guys are the best. We go to the cardiologist the 20th and will get his blessing. After "the event" dizziness concerns him a lot. (don't blame him)
He feels like the melatonin was starting to lessen his night time hits. It would be a real blessing to get him more uninterrupted sleep.
Bless you all again. I cherish your knowledge.

Kimberly

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by Richr8 on Oct 11^th, 2006, 9:47pm

Any side effect i experienced from taking Melatonin were far outweighed by the benefit of kust a little more sleep.

I'm very interested to hear what the Doc has to say.

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Oct 11^th, 2006, 10:25pm

I personally find that the melatonin makes me get extremely restful sleep, and I wake up completely refreshed. I swear by it and I also take 50mg of benadryl with it.

Dont know about the depression, it's possibe. Hadn't thought about it.

Title: Re: Melatonin and side effects
Post by thomas on Oct 16^th, 2006, 11:54am

I've had a lot better results with taking my melatonin 2 hours before bed.