Melatonin

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Ken R. Wells

Few studies have been done on the long-term effects or correct dosing of melatonin. In one study of melatonin, about 10% of patients said they experienced minor side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning hangover, depression, and impaired sex drive.

Melatonin should not be taken by people using certain antidepressants, such as Prozac (a serotonin inhibitor) or Nardil (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Interaction between melatonin and these types of antidepressants can cause a stroke or heart attack . Preliminary symptoms include confusion, sweating, shaking, fever, lack of coordination, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and convulsions.

• Cernaj, Ingborg. Boost Your Vitality With Melatonin: Programming Your Internal Clock for Health & Well Being. Sterling Publications, 1998.
• Olcese, James, ed. Melatonin After Four Decades: An Assessment of Its Potential. Plenum Publishing Corp., 2000.
• Rozencwaig, Roman and Walji Hasnain. The Melatonin and Aging Sourcebook. Hohm Press, 1997.
• Sahelian, Ray. Melatonin: Nature's Sleeping Pill. Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
• Watson, Ronald R., ed. Melatonin in the Promotion of Health. CRC Press, 1998.

• Cupp, Melanie Johns. "Melatonin." American Family Physician. (Oct. 1, 1997): 1421-1426.
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• "Nighttime Hormone Helps Starve Cancers." Science News. (Oct. 2, 1999): 221.
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• Ternus, Maureen. "DHEA, Pregnenolone Hormone Hype Heats Up; But What Do We Really Know?" Environmental Nutrition (Sept. 1997): 1-2.

• National Sleep Foundation. 1522 K St. NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 785-2300. Fax (202) 347-3472. http://www.sleepfoundation.org.