What is melatonin for, side effects, how to take it. Medicines with melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the daily rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. In the human body, this biologically active substance is produced by the pineal gland of the brain (pineal gland). Melatonin is predominantly secreted at night. The peak of hormone production occurs between midnight and 4-6 am.

A modern person often lives in a schedule that is contrary to natural biological rhythms. Working under artificial lighting, night shifts, reading, watching TV and the Internet in the evenings reduce melatonin production.

Hormone preparations can compensate for the lack of a hormone.

Release form

The main drug with this hormone is an analogue of a natural biologically active substance in tablets. This medication is obtained chemically from amino acids of plant origin in pharmaceutical laboratories.

The structure of the hormone analogue is fully consistent with human melatonin.

In addition, there are means of pineal hormones of animal origin. These drugs, in addition to melatonin, contain other indoles and pineal gland peptides. In Russia, an extract of the pineal gland for intramuscular injections is registered.

Composition of tablets and solution for injection

Analogues of the human hormone in the domestic pharmaceutical market - "Melaxen", "Melaxen Balance" and "Circadin".

As part of these tablets, the main active ingredient is melatonin. "Melaxen" and "Melaxen Balance" contain 3 mg of the hormone in one tablet, and "Circadin" - 2 mg.

The excipients of these drugs according to the instructions are magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate.

The extract of the active substances of the pineal gland - the drug of animal origin "Epitalamin". One ampoule contains 10 mg of the drug (mainly peptides of the pineal gland).

Pharmacokinetics

Melatonin in the form of tablets is well absorbed in the digestive tract. The active substance easily penetrates from the blood into the brain tissue. Bioavailability is about 15%.

The analogue of the human hormone is rapidly destroyed in the tissues. There is no accumulation effect of the drug. It can be taken at recommended doses for 14 to 30 days or more.

Epithalamin has similar pharmacokinetics. After intramuscular injection, it penetrates into the blood and further into neurons.

Indications for the use of the hormone

An analogue of human melatonin is prescribed by therapists, neurologists, endocrinologists and doctors of other specialties. Tablets should be taken under medical supervision.

Indications for use:

• insomnia;
• sleep disorders;
• chronic fatigue;
• violations of biological rhythms;
• reduced mood background;
• premenstrual syndrome.

An indication for the appointment of a hormone can also be considered an excessive load of free radicals and early manifestations of aging.

In addition, melatonin has been shown to adapt to different time zones while traveling, to stimulate the immune system and prevent cancer.

A solution of the pineal gland extract, including melatonin, is prescribed by gynecologists, endocrinologists and cardiologists.

The main indication according to the instructions: a disease of the heart muscle associated with menopause. Usually, the complaints of patients with such a pathology fit into the picture of myocardial dystrophy.

Other menopausal disorders are also indications for treatment with pineal hormone extract.

Contraindications for taking melatonin

All preparations of a synthetic analogue of melatonin and an extract of the pineal gland have similar contraindications.

Contraindications for treatment:

• age up to 18 years;
• pregnancy;
• breast-feeding;
• severe violation of the kidneys;
• any autoimmune disease;
• diabetes;
• oncology;
• epilepsy;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Treatment with steroids, cyclosporine and MAO inhibitors is also a contraindication.

Side effects

Side effects from the use of melatonin are quite rare. Patients may experience morning weakness, daytime sleepiness, nausea, indigestion, and edema.

Like any other drug, melatonin can lead to allergic reactions of varying severity.

To reduce adverse events, strict adherence to the instructions for the drug is shown.

Dosage of medicines

For the treatment of insomnia, melatonin analogues in tablets are prescribed half or a whole tablet half an hour before bedtime. This hormone is taken only once a day.

If the hormone is recommended for adaptation to changing time zones, then the course of its use is one week. The first tablet should be taken one day before the flight. Then melatonin is taken for a few more days, one tablet half an hour before bedtime.

The extract of active substances of the pineal gland "Epitalamin" is recommended in courses twice a year. 5-10 mg of the drug dissolved in saline or procaine is administered per day. The course shows 5-10 ampoules of the drug.

special instructions

Melatonin impairs the ability to work that requires concentration. It is not recommended to drive vehicles or perform hazardous activities while being treated with this hormone.

An analogue of human melatonin has a weak contraceptive effect in women.

During therapy with tablets, avoid exposure to bright sunlight. Sleep in dark rooms without artificial lighting is shown.

The combined use of melatonin with glucocorticoids, MAO inhibitors, cyclosporine is contraindicated.

Have you ever wondered why a person is drawn to sleep in the evening, and during the day his body is productive? The hormone melatonin is responsible for the internal biological clock - the main synchronizer of the cyclical sleep and wakefulness, that is, the circadian rhythm.

The signaling substance does not limit its influence to a change in sleep and activity - it has many physiological tasks. The lack of melatonin for many reasons entails serious changes in human life, health problems.

What is melatonin - description

The substance is produced by the pineal gland - the pineal endocrine gland inside the brain. The hormone is leading - the study of its properties confirms that melatonin affects the immune system, as well as other hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland.

The hormone is so important in regulating vital processes that the body does not rely solely on the pineal gland. The ability to synthesize melatonin is inherent in the cells of the gastric epithelium, retina, platelets, leukocytes and blood granulocytes, thymus, cerebellum, pancreas. With age, the ability to produce a signaling substance decreases.

For the production of a signaling substance, the amino acid tryptophan is required, from which serotonin is formed with the involvement of enzymes. Part of serotonin is converted into melatonin under the influence of daily fluctuations.

The concentration of the hormone is directly related to the illumination and the duration of daylight hours. During daylight hours it decreases, and increases at nightfall. Melatonin activity peaks in the middle of the night. 70% of the daily output is during sleep, 30% during physical activity.

In just a full day, the body is able to synthesize approximately 30 micrograms of a substance. The secret penetrates through the blood directly into the hypothalamus, where it is included in the regulation of homeostasis, which ensures our existence. It is excreted through the kidneys in a hydrolyzed form.

By the way, the hormone is present not only in mammals, but also in fish, amphibians, birds, even in the simplest organisms. Its presence has been found in plants.

The role of melatonin in the human body

The hormone is able to integrate into the cell nucleus of receptors to protect DNA. The target cells that melatonin can act on are located throughout the body. This explains its versatile biochemical role as a controlling factor in the leading functions of the body.

We will reveal the main aspects of the work of the signal substance.

• Synchronizes the biological rhythm, replaces wakefulness with sleep.
• Regulates the peaks of mental, physical, sexual activity.
• Slows down metabolism.
• Affects the secretion of a number of endocrine substances.
• Stimulates immune defense, enhances the production of antibodies, phagocytes, T-cells.
• It has an antitumor effect.
• It binds free radicals and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
• Prevents aging.
• Reduces stress, calms.
• Inhibits secretion of pituitary hormones.
• Normalizes pressure.
• Helps to adapt to the rapid change of the time zone.
• Participates in brain activity, digestion.

When studying the role of melatonin, a complex side effect was also found. The substance, when its concentration is increased, prevents the penetration of calcium into the bone tissue, inhibits puberty, and slows down blood clotting.

Symptoms of a Melatonin Deficiency

A lower dose of the hormone for the body significantly affects the well-being. The main symptom is a disruption in the circadian rhythm. A person falls asleep hard and at the wrong time, begins to suffer from insomnia. There is a shift in the phase of sleep, as a result, awakening does not bring cheerfulness. On the contrary, morning weakness is growing. A person does not rest enough during sleep.

Prolonged deficiency of melatonin responds not only to the failure of the sleep pattern, other unpleasant symptoms join:

• premature aging of tissues;
• weakening of the immune barrier;
• frequent infectious diseases;
• depressed mood;
• damage to cells by free radicals;
• high risk of cancer, diabetes;
• increased body weight, up to obesity.

People with a lack of melatonin experience a decrease in sexual activity. Women feel painful menstruation, enter the menopause phase earlier. Mental and emotional retardation occurs, mental activity suffers. Depression grows, decadent moods appear.

Melatonin preparations allow us to fill the need of our body for such an important hormone, they should be taken by people with severe deficiency.

Who and when is the drug melatonin indicated

Indications for the use of the hormone are conditions and pathologies caused by insufficient synthesis of melatonin. It is better if the decision to take the drug is taken by the doctor, but not everywhere melatonin is recognized as a medicine. In the United States, tablets based on this substance are included in the category of dietary supplements, freely sold by retail chains.

• insomnia syndrome;
• sleep mode failures;
• change of time zone for adaptation;
• damage from free radicals;
• weakened immune function;
• hyperactivity;
• the risk of cancer;
• bursts of pressure;
• depressive state;
• age after 40 years.

For preventive purposes, it is good to take melatonin to prevent tissue aging and the appearance of malignant neoplasms. The drug removes anxiety, negative emotional background, allows you to relax in a dream, fully relax.

Instructions for use of melatonin - doses, method of administration

A pharmaceutical preparation or a biologically active agent based on melatonin completely covers the hormonal need for a substance that the body itself does not produce enough. A synthetic hormone is produced from plant amino acids or an animal neuropeptide through complex chemical processes. It is a complete analogue of human melatonin.

On the domestic pharmacy market there are sleeping pills, adaptogenic, antioxidant drugs in the form of ampoules, tablets, capsules, which include the hormone:

• tablets "Circadin";
• ampoules "Epitalamin";
• tablets "Melaxen";
• capsules "Melaxen Balance";
• tablets "Apic melatonin";
• tablets "Vita-melatonin".

As a rule, 1 unit of the product contains 3 mg of the hormone. It is advisable to take 1 - 2 tablets or capsules on the eve of going to bed, preferably at the same time. The tool starts working in an hour, a maximum of two. There is no cumulative effect.

An increased dose of a synthetic substance, in comparison with the physiological need of the body, is justified, since its bioavailability does not exceed 15%. To achieve a tangible therapeutic effect, a dose exceeding the natural minimum by 10 times is required.

Melatonin Precautions

Doctors warn against long-term use of the hormone, even for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. The maximum allowable continuous course is 1 month. If necessary, take a break for 7 days, then continue to take until the clinical indicators improve.

For prevention, the regimen is similar - the same restrictions apply so as not to disrupt the endocrine balance of the body.

Side effects are extremely rare for some patients:

• allergy;
• excessive sleepiness;
• lethargy:
• rapid pulse;
• migraine;
• sweating;
• dry mouth;
• nausea;
• pain in the stomach.

Children under 12 years of age are not prescribed a hormonal remedy - there is a great danger of uncontrolled shifts in hormonal, endocrine activity. For this very reason, melatonin should not be taken by pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning couples.

The hormone reduces the reaction rate, so it is better for drivers to refuse to take it. This also applies to persons whose profession requires composure, concentration.

Overdose and contraindications for taking melatonin

A slight excess of the dose of the substance leads to prolonged sleep, impaired orientation. A significantly exceeded dose of melatonin, up to 30 mg (10 tablets at a time), leads to amnesia, neurotic shifts, and therefore requires medical attention.

Marked for melatonin contraindications:

• hormone intolerance;
• hypotension;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• epilepsy;
• leukemia;
• pregnancy;
• diabetes;
• breast-feeding;
• age up to 12 years.

Uncontrolled intake of the hormone melatonin will do the body more harm than good. Only competent application, a balanced approach to one's own health, consultation with a doctor guarantee a positive effect.

Melatonin - applicability table

• Alzheimer's disease
  On doctor's recommendation
  In a double-blind study, melatonin supplementation significantly improved cognitive function and sleep quality, compared with placebo, in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• cluster headaches
  
  Taking melatonin at bedtime reduces the frequency of headaches.
• Depression
  0.25-10 mg/day under medical supervision
  Melatonin may help relieve depression. However, there is a possibility that it may aggravate depression, so it should only be used for this purpose under medical supervision.
• Hypertension
  Under medical supervision: 2 mg/day at bedtime
  In people who suffer from nocturnal high blood pressure, taking melatonin at night can lower blood pressure.
• insomnia
  Under medical supervision: 0.5-3.0 mg/day 2 hours before bedtime
  Taking melatonin before bed can help reset your body's internal clock.
• irritable bowel syndrome
  
  Melatonin helps regulate gastrointestinal function and sensation. In one trial, people with irritable bowel syndrome who took melatonin experienced significantly less severe abdominal pain.
• Time zone change
  Under medical supervision: 0.5 mg/day at bedtime for 4 days after jet lag
  Taking melatonin before bed can improve sleep quality and daytime activity.
• Macular degeneration
  Under medical supervision: 3 mg/day at bedtime
  In one trial, melatonin improved eye pathologies in most cases. Melatonin is thought to work by regulating eye pigmentation and function as an antioxidant.
• Headache (migraine)
  On doctor's recommendation
  Pineal function and melatonin secretion may be impaired in people with migraine. Taking melatonin as a dietary supplement can correct this problem and reduce headaches.
• Osteoporosis
  On doctor's recommendation
  In a double-blind study, melatonin supplementation increased bone mineral density in the femoral neck and lumbar spine compared to placebo in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (osteopenia).
• Tardive dyskinesia
  Under medical supervision: 10 mg/day at bedtime
  Taking melatonin can help reduce abnormal movements.
• Noise in ears
  Under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime
  Melatonin can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of tinnitus.
• age dementia
  On doctor's recommendation
  Cognitive function is associated with adequate sleep and a normal sleep-wake rhythm, which is partly regulated by the hormone melatonin. The long-term effects of melatonin are unknown, use under medical supervision.
• Epilepsy
  On doctor's recommendation
  A preliminary study found that melatonin improved sleep and improved symptoms in children with one of two rare types of epilepsy.
• fibromyalgia
  On doctor's recommendation
  In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced pain points and improved sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.
• Glaucoma
  On doctor's recommendation
  Melatonin supplementation lowered intraocular pressure in healthy people in one study.
• myoclonus
  On doctor's recommendation
  Melatonin taken at bedtime reduced seizure frequency and improved sleep in a group of children with epilepsy in a small pilot study.

Background: green - scientifically proven, orange - insufficient evidence, white - no studies

A healthy adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. According to statistics, people with sleep disorders and insomnia are more likely to get into an accident, miss work, and are generally less satisfied with life and their social status. Studies have shown that the risk of strokes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes and depression is significantly higher in patients with insomnia. What about those who do not sleep well? Melatonin tablets can help with this.

Briefly about melatonin

It is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. For the fact that he takes part in the regulation of daily biorhythms, he is also called the "sleep hormone". However, the range of responsibilities of this hormone is much wider. He is involved in:

• regulation of ovulation cycles and the onset of menopause in women,
• antioxidant defense of the body
• immunomodulation,

• thermoregulation,
• blood pressure regulation,
• regulation of lipid metabolism,
• memory and aging processes.

The pineal gland (pineal gland) is located in the deep structures of the brain. This organ is surrounded by a mystical halo, some consider it the "third eye". There is some truth in this, since it directly reacts to light. From the retina of the eye through the optic nerve, the light signal is transmitted to the hypothalamus, from where it enters the epiphysis through the nerve pathways of the brain stem and sympathetic nerves.

The relationship between the light signal and the production of this normon is inverse. There is light - there is no production. As the retinal stimulation decreases, the sympathetic nerves begin to release norepinephrine, which causes the secretion of melatonin into the blood.

The production of this substance at night increases by 25–30 times. In people with disturbed sleep, hormone levels are usually low, so melatonin-based drugs are a logical solution to the problem of insomnia.

3 popular drugs with melatonin

It is believed that more than 50% of the population experiences episodic sleep problems, especially in old age. A chronic sleep disorder called insomnia (insomnia) is experienced by about 10-20% of people. For its treatment, melatonin preparations became popular in the mid-1990s. It has been found that taking them reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and reduces the number of nocturnal awakenings.

Consider the three drugs that you can most often offer in a pharmacy: Melaxen, Melarena and Circadin.

"Melaxen" - an imported remedy

Melaxen contains 3 mg of melatonin. It is produced by Unipharm (USA) in the form of tablets. The instructions specifically indicate that the drug can be used when changing time zones to improve adaptation and prevent desynchronosis. This happens when people fly and “jump” across 8-10 time zones at once. In such cases, the so-called "jet lag" or jet lag syndrome may occur, so it is recommended to take it 1 day before travel and the next 5 days.

An interesting fact was established when observing passengers on long-haul flights. It turned out that melatonin significantly reduced jet lag when taken on eastbound flights, but was less effective on western flights. Another study showed that the hormone is only effective when taken one day before a flight.

"Melarena" - the Russian analogue of Melaksen

It is produced by Makiz-Pharma in the form of tablets with a dosage:

• 0.3 mg,
• 3 mg.

According to the instructions, the main indications for taking tablets in a smaller (0.3 mg) dosage are:

• weather sensitivity,
• fatigue,
• desynchronosis.

For cases requiring higher concentrations (3 mg) with:

• sleep-wake cycle disorder
• desynchronosis caused by flights or night shift work,
• use tablets with a higher dose of the hormone.

"Circadin" - a drug of prolonged action

It is positioned as a melatonin-containing analogue of Melarena and Melaxen, which has a prolonged action. It contains 2 mg of active ingredient in a special form. The manufacturer is SwissCo Services (Switzerland) or Catalent Germany Schorndorf (Germany) for RAD Neurim Pharmaceuticals EEC (Great Britain).

The "zest" is that in its action it corresponds to the physiological profile of melatonin secretion in the body. This drug is known to have been specifically designed to treat insomnia in patients aged 55 years and above. Complaints about poor sleep quality at this age are increasing, so it was necessary to create a drug that combines therapeutic efficacy and safety. This task is not so easy.

The fact is that if you take the hormone from the outside, it is quickly absorbed and absorbed by the body. Already after 0.5–2 hours, its dose is sharply reduced. For example, for Melaxen, the half-life is 0.5–1 hour. Maintaining physiological concentrations sufficient for good sleep during the night requires either multiple doses or gradual release from the drug. In the first case, the risk of overdose, addiction to the drug and deterioration of liver function, which metabolizes melatonin, increases.

From Circadin, the hormone is released slowly in the intestine, thereby mimicking the physiological patterns of secretion. Its maximum concentrations in the blood appear 2.6 hours after ingestion and persist for 3.5 hours before decreasing, covering the entire night period. At the same time, the dosage of melatonin in Circadin is 1 mg less than in Melaxen, and the action is prolonged.

• synchronize the level of exogenous melatonin with natural biorhythms;
• ensure full coverage of nighttime sleep with the drug.

Placebo-controlled clinical trials of Circadin have shown that Circadin improves sleep, and this effect was comparable to some sleeping pills. However, unlike them, the drug did not affect cognitive and psychomotor skills, did not cause dependence or side effects.

Salvation from insomnia or placebo?

Numerous scientific studies confirm that melatonin sleep pills work well for people with a primary sleep disorder. A 2013 meta-analysis of 1683 patients with insomnia showed a reduction in the time it took to fall asleep and an increase in total sleep time and quality in patients taking the hormone compared to placebo.

However, there are also contrary data. A 2003 placebo-controlled study in Canada showed that sleep efficiency and total sleep time in patients previously treated with benzodiazepines (hypnotics) were not statistically significantly different between the melatonin groups at the two doses (0.3 and 3 mg) and placebo. It is possible that after the systematic use of hypnotics, the effect of melatonin preparations decreases.

Caution: hormone!

Do not forget that any hormonal drugs should be taken with caution. Recommendations for taking medications should be given by a doctor. Melatonin-containing products are not usually used on a regular basis, as their long-term use leads to hormonal imbalances.

Melatonin affects the levels of gonadotropic and sex hormones. In women, high levels of this substance may have a contraceptive effect. In men, against the background of its reception, the number of spermatozoa and their motility may decrease. Both men and women may experience decreased libido.

Drugs can cause daytime drowsiness, so you need to be careful when driving a car and in hazardous industries. This side effect can be corrected by lowering the dosage.

Overdose can cause mood swings, dizziness, depression. Therefore, patients prone to such reactions, it is absolutely necessary to take the medicine only under the supervision of a physician.

People suffering from hypotension, atherosclerosis and diabetes also need to be careful. The substance affects cholesterol levels, may lower blood pressure, increase blood glucose levels and reduce insulin sensitivity.

General contraindications for admission: pregnancy and hepatitis B, hypersensitivity, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, allergies, autoimmune diseases, lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis, myeloma, leukemia, severe renal failure.

The cost of drugs

A package of Melaxen (24 tablets) costs about 700 rubles. The packaging of the domestic drug Melarena contains a larger number of tablets (30 tablets), but its price is approximately 2.5 times less. Circadin is packaged in packs of 21 tablets. Its cost is in the range from 750 to 850 rubles.

Melaxen (melatonin) is an adaptagen and mild hypnotic. In recent years, the role of melatonin in medicine has increased significantly. On its basis, a number of antidepressants and hypnotics (hypnotics) have been created that act on melatonin receptors in the brain. Melatonin is a natural body hormone synthesized in the pineal gland from tryptophan. It is a multifunctional hormone involved in many biochemical processes. With the onset of darkness, the level of melatonin in a person rises, which leads to a decrease in body temperature, the elimination of psycho-emotional overstrain, and the induction of sleep. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the DNA of brain cells from free radical damage. It has the widest range of proven pharmacological effects, including hypnotic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, adaptogenic, anti-stress. Melatonin, used as the active ingredient of the drug Melaxen, is produced from amino acids obtained from medicinal plant materials, and is an analogue of the natural melatonin produced by the pineal gland. Normalizes circadian rhythms. Improves the quality of night sleep: reduces the period of falling asleep, minimizes the number of episodes of nocturnal awakenings, promotes good health and mood in the morning, improves the emotional coloring of dreams, making them more vivid, ensures the absence of lethargy, lethargy, loss of energy after morning awakening.

Helps the body to better tolerate jet lag. Reduces stress load. Strengthens the immune status. Inhibits the release of gonadotropins. Does not cause tolerance, addiction and drug dependence. When taken orally, it is quickly and completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Easily penetrates the hematoparenchymal barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. Has a short half-life. Adults take half a tablet or a whole tablet once a day half an hour before going to bed. If the drug is used to adapt when changing time zones, then the first dose is taken one day before the flight, and then the next 2-5 days - half an hour before bedtime. Do not take more than two Melaxen tablets per day. Possible side effects: drowsiness after morning awakening, headaches, dyspepsia, allergic reactions. The drug has a weak contraceptive effect, which should be borne in mind when prescribing it to women seeking to become pregnant. The drug increases sensitivity to ultraviolet light, therefore, when taking Melaxen, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. During the period of taking the drug, it is recommended to refrain from work related to mechanisms that require attention and concentration. Melaxen potentiates the effects of other hypnotics.

Pharmacology

An adaptogenic drug, a chemical analogue of the biogenic amine melatonin. Synthesized from amino acids of plant origin.

It is a synthetic analogue of the pineal gland hormone. Normalizes circadian rhythms. Regulates the sleep-wake cycle, daily changes in physical activity and body temperature. It contributes to the normalization of night sleep: it speeds up falling asleep, improves sleep quality, reduces the number of night awakenings, improves well-being after waking up in the morning, does not cause a feeling of lethargy, weakness and fatigue upon awakening, dreams become more vivid and emotionally rich.

Adapts the body to the rapid change of time zones, reduces stress reactions. Shows immunostimulatory and pronounced antioxidant properties.

It inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins and, to a lesser extent, other hormones of the adenohypophysis (corticotropin, thyrotropin and somatotropin). Does not cause addiction and dependence.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, it is quickly and completely absorbed, easily passes histohematic barriers, including the BBB. Has a short T 1/2 .

Release form

Film-coated tablets from white to white with a yellowish tint, round, biconvex, with a dividing risk on one side.

Excipients: calcium hydrogen phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate.

Shell composition: talc, shellac, isopropanol.

12 pcs. - blisters (1) - packs of cardboard.
12 pcs. - blisters (2) - packs of cardboard.

Dosage

Adults appoint inside 1/2-1 tab. 1 time / day for 30-40 minutes before bedtime.

When used as an adaptogen when changing time zones 1 day before the flight and in the next 2-5 days - 1 tab. 30-40 minutes before bedtime. The maximum daily dose is up to 2 tab. in a day.

Overdose

Symptoms: increased severity of side effects.

Treatment: gastric lavage, symptomatic therapy.

Interaction

With the simultaneous use of melatonin enhances the effect of drugs that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, and beta-blockers.

Incompatible with MAO inhibitors, corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

Side effects

From the side of the central nervous system: headache, morning sleepiness.

From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Other: allergic reactions to the components of the drug; swelling in the first week of admission.

Indications

• as a sleeping pill;
• as an adaptogen for the normalization of biological rhythms.

Contraindications

• severe renal dysfunction;
• autoimmune diseases;
• leukemia;
• lymphoma;
• allergic reactions;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• myeloma;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• chronic renal failure;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period (breastfeeding);
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Application features

Use during pregnancy and lactation

The drug is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).

Application for violations of kidney function

Contraindicated in severe renal dysfunction and chronic renal failure.

special instructions

It is necessary to inform women who want to become pregnant about the presence of a weak contraceptive effect of the drug.

During the period of use of the drug should avoid exposure to bright light.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and control mechanisms

During the period of treatment, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and other potentially hazardous activities that require an increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Latin name: Melatonin
ATX code: H06A
Active substance: Melatonin
Manufacturer: Now Foods, USA
Pharmacy leave condition: Over the counter

Melatonin from Now Foods is a drug registered in the RLS as a sleep aid.

Indications for use

• Pathological conditions in which there is a violation of the quality of sleep
• Antioxidant therapy to protect the body from the effects of free radicals
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Correction of biological cycles of wakefulness and sleep
• Stimulation of the immune system
• Prevention of the development of cancer
• Normalization of blood pressure and regulation of cholesterol levels
• depression
• Sleep disorders in the elderly.

Compound

One capsule contains 3 mg of the main component, which is the sleep hormone melatonin.

The sleeping pill additionally contains:

• rice flour
• Gelatin.

Medicinal properties

The hormone melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which is located at the base of the brain. This substance is found in food of animal origin, in plants it is much less. The secretion of this hormone increases in good light and slows down in bad light.

It should be noted that melatonin absorbs and breaks down fats quite well and exhibits pronounced antioxidant properties. It slows down the aging process and prevents the development of pathological neoplasms. The substance penetrates into all cells and tissues, providing special protection to the nucleus. Due to this, a complete restoration of damaged cellular structures is observed.

A synthetic analog of the hormone is used as a dietary supplement, it has a hypnotic effect, and exhibits pronounced antioxidant properties. Under the influence of melatonin, the natural circadian rhythm is regulated, the quality of sleep improves.

Melatonin tablets not only improve falling asleep, but also reduce the frequency of awakenings at night. Along with this, the drug has a calming, adaptogenic effect. Under the influence of a synthetic hormone, the frequency of attacks of severe headache decreases, and an adjustment of neuroendocrine functions is observed.

Melatonin is able to regulate body weight, according to some reports, it reduces the percentage of fat in the body, which is an excellent prevention of obesity (while taking calcium supplements).

Release form

Melatonin is available in the form of milky-white capsules with a homogeneous powder-like content. There are 60 caps in a polymer jar. In drops, a hormonal agent is not available

Melatonin: detailed instructions for use

Price: from 183 to 319 rubles.

It is recommended to take the drug with melatonin once a day, 1 caps. just before bedtime, individual doses can also be set. How much they drink this drug with phyto components and what is the recommended dose (number of capsules), you should check with your doctor.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Reception of Melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding is prohibited.

Contraindications

It is worth refusing to use the drug with phytocomponents when:

• Excessive sensitivity to components
• Diabetes
• Lymphogranulomatosis or lymphoma
• Oncological diseases
• Epilepsy
• autoimmune diseases
• Epilepsy
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding
• myeloma.

This drug is not prescribed for children.

Precautionary measures

With extreme caution, melatonin tablets are prescribed to persons who perform work that requires increased concentration. Under the supervision of a doctor, it is recommended to take a phytomedicine for hormonal pathologies and a tendency to allergic manifestations.

Cross-drug interactions

Before using Melatonin, it is worth stopping treatment with aspirin, as the latter reduces the level of melatonin in the blood.

Taking melatonin preparations and tranquilizers, some antidepressants, there may be a decrease in the therapeutic effect of treatment with a hormonal drug.

During therapy with a drug with phytocomponents, the effectiveness of other hormonal drugs may decrease.

Preparations containing melatonin increase the rate of binding of benzodiazepines to a number of receptors.

The combined use of Tamoxifen enhances the antitumor effect of the latter.

When combined with other drugs (methamphetamines), their dopaminergic and serotonergic effects increase.

The drug may potentiate the antibacterial effect of Isoniazid.

Side effects

When taking Melatonin, the benefits and harms are taken into account. Although the drug is an analogue of natural hormones, it can have a negative effect on the body. During melatonin therapy, harm to the body manifests itself in the following way:

• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach
• Severe headaches
• Depressive state.

During treatment, libido may decrease (if a woman has been taking the medicine for a long time), since melatonin affects the level of luteinizing hormone and testosterone. After completion of treatment, a gradual restoration of hormonal balance can be observed.

When such symptoms appear, you should seek the advice of a specialist. Which analogue to choose, check with your doctor. In some cases, it is recommended to use a melatonin spray.

Overdose

When taking melatonin, an overdose can be manifested by memory impairment, prolonged sleep, and disorientation. The procedure for washing the gastrointestinal tract is shown, they also drink enterosorbent preparations.

Storage conditions and shelf life

It is best to store Melatonin 3 mg capsules in a cool, dark place, the expiration date is indicated on the vial.

The drug is sold in online stores, pickup is possible.

Analogues

Evalar, Russia

Price from 467 to 586 rubles.

The sleep formula enhanced with melatonin is a dietary supplement, since the drug is not of hormonal origin, it contains only plant extracts (phytomelatonin) and vitamins. Available in the form of transparent capsules with dark green contents.

Pros:

• Natural composition (phyto), capsule form of release
• Good tolerance
• The course of treatment with Enhanced Sleep Formula - 1 month.

Minuses:

• Not intended for pregnant, lactating
• Enhanced Sleep Formula is not a drug
• The drug for sleep can be taken only after consulting a doctor, you can not use it constantly.

Unipharm, USA

Price from 460 to 832 rubles.

Melaxen is one of the adaptogenic drugs, it is prescribed to be taken as a sleeping pill. It is prescribed for short-term use in violation of sleep and wakefulness. Melaxen is available in tablets.

Pros:

• Normalizes biological rhythms
• Melaxen is not addictive, can be taken for a long time
• Shows immunostimulating action.

Minuses:

• Melaxen can cause allergic reactions
• Do not use during pregnancy planning
• Edema may develop during the first week of admission.