What happens when you take too much
melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain that helps
regulate sleep and wake cycles. It is often used as a natural supplement to
treat sleep problems or to help with jet lag.
Melatonin is safe to consume for short
periods, but taking too much of it can cause a variety of adverse reactions and
health issues.
When excess melatonin is released into the
body, it disturbs the body’s natural balance and causes side effects:
Disrupted Sleep Patterns: The flip side of this coin is that a melatonin overdose can
also interfere with sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, malaise, and even
making insomnia worse rather than better.
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Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people feel queasy, have diarrhea, or have cramps in their
stomach after taking too much melatonin.
Headaches and Dizziness: Overuse of melatonin supplements may trigger headaches,
migraines, dizziness, or feelings of confusion.
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal balance can also be affected by prolonged high doses,
including reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
Mood Changes: High melatonin levels may cause mood changes, irritability, or
depression in some people.
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Lower Body Temperature: Some studies show that if you take too much melatonin, it can
lower your body temperature. That's something to be aware of, especially if
you're in a hot or cold place.
Impact on Blood Pressure: Melatonin can mess with your blood pressure and cause it to
fluctuate, which could be a problem for people with high blood pressure.
It’s important to remember that the exact
“safe” or “dangerous” dose threshold can vary significantly from person to
person. What’s considered “excessive” for some may not be “excess” for others.
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It’s essential to seek medical advice if
you think you’ve taken too much or if you experience concerning symptoms after
using melatonin.
Your healthcare provider can provide
advice, prescribe appropriate treatment, and monitor you for any complications
that may arise.
While melatonin is usually safe and
effective if taken in the correct doses, over-indulgence can cause serious side
effects.
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Therefore, it is important to follow
recommended dosage regimens, take melatonin supplements on a short-term basis,
and consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen,
especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
FAQs Related What Happens When You Take Too Much Melatonin
How much is too much
melatonin?
10 milligrams for adults.
Is 20mg of melatonin too much?
Healthcare professionals do not recommend
taking more than 10mg per day of melatonin, as this could result in melatonin
overdose.
Is melatonin bad if you take a
lot?
If you take melatonin for an extended
period, it may not work as well as it should and may interfere with your
natural production of melatonin.
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Is it safe to take 10 mg of
melatonin every night?
Overdosing on melatonin is very rare, but
it can lead to headaches, nausea, and even elevated blood pressure.
Can you overdose on 1000 mg of
melatonin?
Melatonin overdose isn't usually
life-threatening, but it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and
drowsiness.
Can you overdose on 300 mg of
melatonin?
An overdose can lead to serious side
effects. Limit your dose to 1 to 3 mg daily.
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Is it OK to take 20 mg of
melatonin at bedtime?
20 mg of melatonin is not recommended
because it can cause an overdose. An overdose of melatonin can lead to daytime
drowsiness, headache, or dizziness. You should never exceed 10 mg of melatonin
to avoid an overdose.
