Melatonin Vitabalans (Melatonin)

Melatonin acts on the melatonin receptor pathway to address disorders of sleep regulation.

• Insomnia: helps reduce sleep onset latency and improve sleep maintenance in adults.
• Circadian rhythm sleep‑wake disorder: assists in aligning the internal clock with desired sleep times.
• Delayed sleep phase disorder: facilitates earlier sleep onset by advancing the circadian phase.

• Melatonin binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, mimicking endogenous melatonin. This activation modulates circadian signaling, reduces neuronal firing that promotes wakefulness, and facilitates the initiation of sleep, thereby helping to synchronize the body's internal clock with the external light‑dark cycle.

Melatonin is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate headache reported after ingestion.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness, especially at higher doses.
• Daytime sleepiness: residual drowsiness if taken too late.
• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea or mild stomach discomfort.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, or swelling indicating hypersensitivity.
• Paradoxical insomnia: worsening of sleep difficulty in a minority of users.
• Mood changes: rare reports of depression or vivid dreams that disturb sleep.

Melatonin should be used with awareness of specific safety considerations.

• Pregnancy: safety not established; avoid unless benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Breastfeeding: limited data; consider possible exposure to the infant.
• Elderly: start with the lowest effective dose and monitor for excessive sedation.
• Concomitant CNS depressants: may increase overall sedation; use caution.
• Store at ambient temperature below 25°C: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and light.

Melatonin can interact with several medicines, requiring attention to avoid reduced efficacy or increased adverse effects.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Fluvoxamine: strong CYP1A2 inhibition can markedly raise melatonin concentrations.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): potential for increased bleeding risk.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine): may diminish melatonin’s therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., smoking, carbamazepine): may lower melatonin levels.
• Sedative CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, antihistamines): additive sedation.
• Oral contraceptives: can increase melatonin plasma concentrations.