Are there major side effects to using melatonin regularly?
Summary
This topic is well studied and the evidence can be summarized in a few parts. It is important to remember that although melatonin can be obtained over the counter, there are a few forms and varying dosages so you should always consult a doctor.
First, melatonin is effective in reducing sleep latency specifically for instances where sleep habits have changed from regular Circadian rhythm (jet lag, worker shift changes, insomnia). It is also effective in treating forms of insomnia.[Prolonged‐release melatonin improves sleep quality and morning alertness in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and has no withdrawal effects [2007, P. Lemoine]][The effect of prolonged-release melatonin on sleep measures and psychomotor performance in elderly patients with insomnia [2009, Rémy Luthringer]][Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis [2005, Amnon Brzezinski]][Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders [2013, Eduardo Ferracioli-Oda]][Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [2011, Ehud Grossman]][Prolonged-release formulation of melatonin (Circadin) for the treatment of insomnia [2012, P. Lemoine]].
Melatonin for these cases shows no withdrawal issues or adverse side effects although the drug does weaken the effectiveness of some drugs. Generally concerns arise on the weakened effectiveness of melatonin for prolonged periods. [Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders [2013, Eduardo Ferracioli-Oda]]
Some concerns remain regarding use of melatonin for children, but this case appears to have been studied and I don't see any adverse effects shown in conclusions
[The Use of Exogenous Melatonin in Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: A Meta-analysis [2010, Ingeborg M. van Geijlswijk]].
see moreFirst, melatonin is effective in reducing sleep latency specifically for instances where sleep habits have changed from regular Circadian rhythm (jet lag, worker shift changes, insomnia). It is also effective in treating forms of insomnia.[Prolonged‐release melatonin improves sleep quality and morning alertness in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and has no withdrawal effects [2007, P. Lemoine]][The effect of prolonged-release melatonin on sleep measures and psychomotor performance in elderly patients with insomnia [2009, Rémy Luthringer]][Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis [2005, Amnon Brzezinski]][Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders [2013, Eduardo Ferracioli-Oda]][Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [2011, Ehud Grossman]][Prolonged-release formulation of melatonin (Circadin) for the treatment of insomnia [2012, P. Lemoine]].
Melatonin for these cases shows no withdrawal issues or adverse side effects although the drug does weaken the effectiveness of some drugs. Generally concerns arise on the weakened effectiveness of melatonin for prolonged periods. [Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders [2013, Eduardo Ferracioli-Oda]]
Some concerns remain regarding use of melatonin for children, but this case appears to have been studied and I don't see any adverse effects shown in conclusions
[The Use of Exogenous Melatonin in Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: A Meta-analysis [2010, Ingeborg M. van Geijlswijk]].
Sources
Comments
additionally good reading material: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin
An article that sheds some light on the correct dosage amount for melatonin: http://news.mit.edu/2005/melatonin