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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Stupid Question
        
(Message started by: jillybean on Jan 16^th, 2005, 8:45pm)

Title: Stupid Question
Post by jillybean on Jan 16^th, 2005, 8:45pm

I know I'm gonna feel retarded after I hear the answer, but here goes-

My husband is desperate for a good night's sleep. I bought him melatonin.

It is not measured in mg. It says mcg. I have searched metric sites, etc. The only medical reference to mcg is regarding inhalents for asthema.

Any knowledge here on dosage? The bottle says 2 pills up to 3 x per day.

What is the recommended dose in mg compared to the effective dose for ch?

Jill

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by JoeS on Jan 16^th, 2005, 8:52pm

I'm guessing that mcg stands for micrograms. If that's the case, then 1000 mcg = 1 mg. I typically use 6 - 9 mg per night, so that would be 6000 - 9000 mcg. Does that help? (I hope I didn't misunderstand your question...)

Joe

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by jillybean on Jan 16^th, 2005, 8:57pm

But then he would have to take 30 pills! That can't be right?

I think taking 30 pills is too scary. Can you overdose on melatonin?

Jill

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Jan 16^th, 2005, 8:58pm

Jill - could you call a pharmacy and ask them? It's not a stupid question by the way - there are no stupid questions in this game. There are sometimes stupid answers! ;)

In Canada, Melatonin is measured in mg. The bottle I have is with a 3mg. capsule.

Maybe someone else will jump in that will be able to give you a "for sure" answer.

Good Luck
Carol

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by E-Double on Jan 16^th, 2005, 9:08pm

Hi Jill,

First of all NO STUPID QUESTIONS!!!.........

MCG stands for microgram.The question is how many mcg's?

Joe is correct as well and I doubt your hubby will have to take 1000 pills ;)

If you feel better I'm sure you can find them in Mg (milligram) and they should have the same effect regardless.

Good luck.

Eric

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by jillybean on Jan 16^th, 2005, 9:18pm

Thanks, I should have gotten the 3 mg bottle. There was one other brand.

I did do the math and it is 30 x 300 mcg for the 9 mg dosage.

I was thinking of calling the pharmacy. But I thought they would probably only recommend the dosage normally given.

Go figure I got the only weird dose measurement in the group. :-[

Well, for tonight, he will take the 600 mcg. (two pills as per the bottle....)

Jill

PS. send zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz vibes his way!

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by E-Double on Jan 16^th, 2005, 9:19pm

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by eddie on Jan 16^th, 2005, 10:46pm

hi jilly mine also has mcg but on the front of the bottle
it says 300 mcg melintonin, it also has a tollfree # it is
1-877-273-9255 mine is rexall brand. i think 3 per night.
please let us know if this helps, or what they said.
i already called they were closed 5:30 eastern time
PFDAN wishes
eddie

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by jillybean on Jan 16^th, 2005, 11:03pm

Thanks Eddie. That is the strength of this bottle. We decided to try 3 tabs.

I also read some take benadryl with as well. He is so desperate for sleep.

Hope none of this is bad with prednisone. I wouldn't think they would cross purposes.

Jill

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jan 17^th, 2005, 12:21am

Sorry your friend has such trouble in the night. Its a side effect of the beast to be waken up every damn night, then be tired as hell the next day.
Sending ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ vibes.
PF wishes
BMonee

PS, BTW, asking if 30 pills may be a little too much is never a dumb question.

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by Mr. Happy on Jan 17^th, 2005, 12:33am

There is no LD-50 for Melatonin. None. People have tried. Over 6,000 mg/night. You'd probably have a better chance overdosing on salt. The additives in the pills might give you a funky stool the next morning, but if you look it up, you can't overdose or cause any serious problem with melatonin......NOT that I'm telling you to eat the whole box.......cheesus.......but everybody read up a tad before ya yell No NO Deadly Check With Your Doc First (or something.) A little research and common sense goes a long way.

9 mg outta be plenty,
RJ

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by Chillrmn1 on Jan 17^th, 2005, 8:55am

I know this has been answered a couple times already, but here it is again: mcg or µg = microgram (1/1,000,000g) . Here is a link for an apothecary equivalency conversion chart: http://www.simetric.co.uk/si_medical.htm.

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 17^th, 2005, 8:08pm

Your question is certainly not stupid!. My question is ... why would any bottle of Melatonin recommend taking a dose up to 3 times/day?!

Would it be because you're having a hard time napping?

Kris

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by E-Double on Jan 17^th, 2005, 8:27pm

Whatta nurse! ;)
Didn't even catch that one.....

Isn't melatonin naturally released at night?.....Our problem being not enough release which is why we take the suppliment.

Title: Re: Stupid Question
Post by jillybean on Jan 18^th, 2005, 10:33pm

I KNOW! Can you belive it? Why in the world would yoy take it 3 x per day.

Thanks so much for all the help.

We are sleeping GOOD! Now.

Yippee! :) [smiley=sleep.gif]

Jill