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

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

Modern man often lives in a schedule that contradicts natural biological rhythms. Working under artificial light, night shifts, reading, watching TV shows and the Internet in the evenings reduce melatonin production.

Hormone preparations can compensate for the deficiency of the 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 animal-derived pineal hormone products. In addition to melatonin, these drugs also contain other indoles and pineal peptides. An extract of the pineal gland for intramuscular injection is registered in Russia.

Composition of tablets and solution for injection

Analogs of the human hormone on the domestic pharmaceutical market are “Melaxen”, “Melaxen Balance” and “Circadin”.

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

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

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

Pharmacokinetics

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

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

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

Indications for use of the hormone

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

Indications for use:

• insomnia;
• sleep disorders;
• chronic fatigue;
• disturbances of biological rhythms;
• decreased mood background;
• premenstrual syndrome.

Excessive load of free radicals and early manifestations of aging can also be considered indications for prescribing the hormone.

In addition, melatonin is indicated for adapting to different time zones when traveling, stimulating the immune system and preventing cancer processes.

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

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

Other disorders during menopause are also indications for treatment with pineal gland hormone extract.

Contraindications for taking melatonin

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

Contraindications for treatment:

• age under 18 years;
• pregnancy;
• breast-feeding;
• severe renal impairment;
• any autoimmune diseases;
• diabetes mellitus;
• oncology;
• epilepsy;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Treatment with steroids, cyclosporine and MAO inhibitors is also contraindicated.

Side effects

Side effects from melatonin use are quite rare. Patients may experience morning weakness, daytime drowsiness, nausea, digestive disorders, and swelling.

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

To reduce adverse events, strict adherence to the instructions of the drug is indicated.

Dosage of medicines

To treat 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 time zone changes, then the course of its use is one week. The first tablet should be taken one day before the flight. Next, melatonin is taken for several more days, one tablet half an hour before bedtime.

Extract of active substances of the pineal gland "Epithalamine" is recommended in courses twice a year. 5–10 mg of the drug dissolved in saline or procaine is administered per day. 5–10 ampoules of medication are indicated per course.

Special instructions

Melatonin impairs the ability to perform 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 tablet therapy, you should avoid exposure to bright sunlight. Sleeping in dark rooms without artificial lighting is recommended.

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

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

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

What is melatonin - description

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

The hormone is so important for 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, the retina, platelets, leukocytes and granulocytes of the blood, the thymus, the cerebellum, and the pancreas. With age, the ability to produce a signal substance decreases.

The production of a signal substance requires the amino acid tryptophan, from which serotonin is formed with the involvement of enzymes. Some serotonin is converted into melatonin under the influence of daily fluctuations.

The concentration of the hormone is directly related to illumination and daylight hours. During daylight hours it falls, and with the onset of darkness it increases. Melatonin activity peaks in the middle of the night. 70% of daily production occurs during sleep, 30% during physical activity.

In just a full day, the body is able to synthesize approximately 30 mcg of the substance. The secretion 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 hydrolyzed form.

By the way, the hormone is present not only in mammals, but also in fish, amphibians, birds, and 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.

Let us reveal the main aspects of the operation of the signal substance.

• Synchronizes the biological rhythm, replacing wakefulness with sleep.
• Regulates 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.
• Has an antitumor effect.
• Binds free radicals and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
• Prevents aging.
• Reduces stress, calms.
• Inhibits the secretion of pituitary hormones.
• Normalizes blood pressure.
• Helps to adapt to rapid time zone changes.
• Participates in brain activity and digestion.

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

Symptoms of melatonin deficiency

A reduced dose of the hormone for the body has a noticeable effect on well-being. The main symptom is a disruption of the circadian rhythm. A person has difficulty falling asleep at the wrong time and begins to suffer from insomnia. There is a shift in the phase of sleep, and as a result, waking up does not bring vigor. On the contrary, morning fatigue increases. A person does not get enough rest while falling asleep.

Long-term melatonin deficiency not only affects sleep patterns, but also causes other unpleasant symptoms:

• premature aging of tissues;
• weakening of the immune barrier;
• frequent infectious diseases;
• depressed mood;
• cell damage 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 experience painful menstruation and enter menopause earlier. Mental and emotional inhibition occurs, mental activity suffers. Depression increases, and decadent moods appear.

Melatonin preparations allow our body to replenish the need for such an important hormone; they should be taken by people with severe deficiency.

To whom and when is melatonin indicated?

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

• insomnia syndrome;
• sleep mode failures;
• changing time zone to adapt;
• damage from free radicals;
• weakened immune function;
• hyperactivity;
• risk of cancer;
• pressure surges;
• depression;
• 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 and negative emotional background, allows you to rest in your sleep, and fully relax.

Instructions for use of melatonin - doses, method of administration

A pharmaceutical preparation or 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 animal neuropeptide through complex chemical processes. It is a complete analogue of human melatonin.

The domestic pharmacy market contains sleeping pills, adaptogens, and antioxidants in the form of ampoules, tablets, capsules, which contain the following hormone:

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

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

An increased dose of a synthetic substance, compared to the physiological need of the body, is justified, since its bioavailability does not exceed 15%. To achieve a noticeable therapeutic effect, a dose is required that is at least 10 times higher than the natural one.

Precautions for taking melatonin

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

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

Side effects are extremely rarely experienced by 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 hormonal drugs - there is a high risk of uncontrolled changes in hormonal and endocrine activity. For this very reason, pregnant, breastfeeding, and couples planning pregnancy should not take melatonin.

The hormone reduces the reaction rate, so drivers should avoid taking it. This also applies to persons whose profession requires composure and concentration.

Overdose and contraindications for taking melatonin

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

Contraindications indicated for melatonin:

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

Uncontrolled intake of the hormone melatonin will cause more harm to the body than benefit. Only competent use, a balanced approach to your own health, and consultation with a doctor guarantee a positive effect.

Melatonin - applicability table

• Alzheimer's disease
  On doctor's recommendation
  In a double-blind study, melatonin supplements significantly improved cognitive function and sleep quality compared to placebo in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• Cluster headaches
  
  Taking melatonin before bed 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 worsen depression, so it should only be used for this purpose under medical supervision.
• Hypertension
  Under medical supervision: 2 mg/day at bedtime
  For people who suffer from high blood pressure at night, taking melatonin at night can lower their 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 sensations. 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 the majority of cases. Melatonin is thought to work by regulating eye pigmentation and functioning as an antioxidant.
• Headache (migraine)
  On doctor's recommendation
  Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion may be impaired in people with migraines. Taking melatonin as a dietary supplement can correct this problem and reduce headaches.
• Osteoporosis
  On doctor's recommendation
  In a double-blind study, melatonin supplements increased bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine compared with placebo in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (osteopenia).
• Tardive dyskinesia
  Under medical supervision: 10 mg/day at bedtime
  Taking melatonin may help reduce abnormal movements.
• Tinnitus
  Under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime
  Melatonin may improve sleep quality and reduce tinnitus symptoms.
• Age-related dementia
  On doctor's recommendation
  Cognitive function is associated with adequate sleep and a normal sleep-wake rhythm, which is partially 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 symptoms in children with one of two rare types of epilepsy.
• Fibromyalgia
  On doctor's recommendation
  In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender spots and improved sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.
• Glaucoma
  On doctor's recommendation
  Melatonin supplements lowered intraocular pressure in healthy people in one study.
• Myoclonus
  On doctor's recommendation
  Melatonin taken before bed reduced seizure frequency and improved sleep in a group of children with epilepsy in a small pilot study.

Background: green - scientifically proven, orange - evidence insufficient, White - no research done

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 traffic accidents, 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 suffering from insomnia. What should those who sleep poorly do? Melatonin tablets can help with this.

Briefly about melatonin

This is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Because it takes part in the regulation of daily biorhythms, it 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 protection of the body,
• immunomodulation,

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

The 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 reacts directly to light. From the retina, the light signal is transmitted via the optic nerve to the hypothalamus, from where it reaches the pineal gland along the nerve pathways of the brain stem and sympathetic nerves.

The relationship between the light signal and the production of this normon is the opposite. There is light - no output. As soon 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 in the dark increases 25–30 times. People with sleep disorders tend to have low levels of the hormone, so melatonin-based medications are a logical solution to insomnia.

3 popular drugs with melatonin

It is believed that more than 50% of the population experiences occasional sleep problems, especially in old age. A chronic sleep disorder called insomnia (insomnia) affects about 10-20% of people. Melatonin medications became popular for its treatment in the mid-1990s. It has been found that taking them reduces the time required to fall asleep and reduces the number of night awakenings.

Let's look at three products that you can most often be offered at a pharmacy: Melaxen, Melarena and Circadin.

"Melaxen" - an imported product

Melaxen contains 3 mg 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 in the next 5 days.

An interesting fact was discovered 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 westbound flights. Another study found that the hormone was only effective when taken one day before a flight.

"Melarena" is a Russian analogue of Melaxen

It is produced by Makis-Pharma in the form of tablets with the following dosage:

• 0.3 mg each,
• 3 mg each.

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) for:

• sleep-wake cycle disorder,
• desynchronosis caused by flying or working night shifts,
• tablets with a higher dose of the hormone are used.

"Circadin" is a long-acting drug

Positioned as a melatonin-containing analogue of Melarena and Melaxen, which has a prolonged effect. It contains 2 mg of active substance in a special form. Manufacturer: SwissCo Servises (Switzerland) or Catalent Germany Schorndorf (Germany) for RAD Neurim Pharmaceuticals EEC (UK).

The “highlight” is that its action corresponds to the physiological profile of melatonin secretion in the body. What is known about this drug is that it was 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 simple.

The fact is that if you take a hormone from the outside, it is quickly absorbed and absorbed by the body. 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 overnight requires either repeated dosing or gradual release of the drug. In the first case, the risk of overdose, addiction to the drug and deterioration in liver function, which metabolizes melatonin, increases.

The hormone is released slowly from Circadin in the intestines, thereby imitating the physiological patterns of secretion. Its maximum concentrations in the blood appear 2.6 hours after administration 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 effect 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 demonstrated that it improved sleep induction, and the 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.

Rescue from insomnia or placebo?

Numerous scientific studies confirm that sleep tablets with melatonin work well in people with a primary sleep disorder. A 2013 meta-analysis of 1,683 patients with insomnia demonstrated a decrease in time to fall asleep and an increase in total sleep time and quality of sleep in patients taking the hormone compared to placebo.

However, there is also contrary evidence. A placebo-controlled study conducted in 2003 in Canada showed that sleep efficiency and total sleep time in patients previously taking benzodiazepines (sleeping pills) were not statistically significantly different between melatonin groups at two dosages (0.3 and 3 mg) and placebo. It is possible that after systematic use of sleeping pills, the effect of melatonin drugs is reduced.

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 usually not 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 can have a contraceptive effect. In men, while taking it, the number of sperm and their motility may decrease. Both men and women may experience decreased libido.

The drugs may cause drowsiness during the day, so caution should be exercised when driving and in hazardous areas. This side effect can be corrected by reducing the dosage.

An overdose can cause mood swings, dizziness, and depression. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for patients prone to such reactions to take the medicine only under the supervision of a doctor.

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

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

Cost of drugs

A package of Melaxen (24 tablets) costs about 700 rubles. The packaging of the domestic drug Melaren 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 ranges 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. Based on it, a number of antidepressants and hypnotics (hypnotics) that act on melatonin receptors in the brain have been created. Melatonin is a natural hormone in the body, synthesized in the pineal gland from tryptophan. This is a multifunctional hormone involved in many biochemical processes. With the onset of darkness, a person's melatonin level increases, which leads to a decrease in body temperature, elimination of psycho-emotional stress, and induction of sleep. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the DNA of brain cells from free radical damage. It has a wide range of proven pharmacological effects, including hypnotic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, adaptogenic, and 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 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 night 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, and loss of strength after waking up in the morning.

Helps the body better tolerate jet lag. Reduces stress load. Strengthens immune status. Interferes with the release of gonadotropins. Does not cause tolerance, addiction or drug dependence. When taken orally, it is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Easily penetrates blood-parenchymal 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 to time zone changes, then the first dose is taken one day before the flight, and then for the next 2-5 days - half an hour before bedtime. You should not take more than two Melaxen tablets per day. Possible side effects: drowsiness after waking up in the morning, headaches, dyspepsia, allergic reactions. The drug has a weak contraceptive effect, which should be kept in mind when prescribing it to women trying to become pregnant. The drug increases sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so when taking Melaxen you should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. 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

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. Helps normalize night sleep: 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 feelings of lethargy, weakness and fatigue upon awakening, dreams become more vivid and emotionally rich.

Adapts the body to rapid changes in time zones, reduces stress reactions. Shows immunostimulating and pronounced antioxidant properties.

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

Pharmacokinetics

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

Release form

Tablets, coated from white to white with a yellowish tint, round, biconvex, with a scoring line on one side.

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

Shell composition: talc, shellac, isopropanol.

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

Dosage

Adults are prescribed 1/2-1 tablet orally. 1 time/day 30-40 minutes before bedtime.

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

Overdose

Symptoms: increased severity of side effects.

Treatment: gastric lavage, symptomatic therapy.

Interaction

When used simultaneously, 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 drowsiness.

From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

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

Indications

• as a sleeping pill;
• as an adaptogen to normalize biological rhythms.

Contraindications

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

Features of application

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

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

Use for renal impairment

Contraindicated in cases of severe renal dysfunction and chronic renal failure.

Special instructions

It is necessary to inform women who want to become pregnant that the drug has a weak contraceptive effect.

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

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

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

Latin name: Melatonin
ATX code: H06A
Active ingredient: Melatonin
Manufacturer: Now Foods, USA
Conditions for dispensing from a pharmacy: Over the counter

Melatonin from Now Foods is a drug registered in the RLS as a means of normalizing sleep.

Indications for use

• Pathological conditions in which sleep quality is impaired
• 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 lighting and slows down in poor lighting.

It is worth noting 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. Thanks to this, complete restoration of damaged cellular structures is observed.

A synthetic analogue 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 and 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 the synthetic hormone, the frequency of severe headache attacks decreases, and an adjustment of neuroendocrine functions is observed.

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

Release form

The drug Melatonin is available in the form of milky-white capsules with homogeneous powder-like contents. There are 60 capsules in a polymer jar. The hormonal agent is not available in drops

Melatonin: detailed instructions for use

Price: from 183 to 319 rubles.

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

Use during pregnancy and pregnancy

Taking Melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding is prohibited.

Contraindications

You should avoid using the drug with phytocomponents if:

• Excessive sensitivity to components
• Diabetes mellitus
• Lymphogranulomatosis or lymphoma
• Oncological diseases
• Epilepsy
• Autoimmune diseases
• Epilepsy
• Pregnancy, GW
• Myeloma.

This drug is not prescribed for children.

Precautions

Melatonin tablets should be prescribed with extreme caution to people who perform work that requires increased concentration. Under the supervision of a doctor, it is recommended to take herbal medicine for hormonal pathologies and a tendency to allergic manifestations.

Cross-drug interactions

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

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

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 as well as 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. When treated with melatonin, harm to the body manifests itself as follows:

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

During treatment, libido may decrease (if the 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.

If such symptoms appear, you should seek advice from 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 gastrointestinal tract lavage procedure is indicated, and enterosorbent medications are also taken.

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 bottle.

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

Analogs

Evalar, Russia

Price from 467 to 586 rub.

Melatonin-enhanced sleep formula is classified as a dietary supplement, since the drug is not of hormonal origin and contains exclusively plant extracts (phytomelatonin) and vitamins. Available in the form of transparent capsules with dark green contents.

Pros:

• Natural composition (phyto), capsule form of release
• Well tolerated
• The course of treatment with the drug Enhanced Sleep Formula is 1 month.

Cons:

• Not for pregnant or lactating women
• Enhanced Sleep Formula is not a drug
• The sleep medication can only be taken after consultation with a doctor and cannot be used continuously.

Unifarm, USA

Price from 460 to 832 rub.

Melaxen is one of the adaptogenic drugs, prescribed for use as a sleeping pill. Prescribed for short-term use in case of disturbances in sleep and wakefulness. Melaxen is available in tablets.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Melaxen can provoke allergic reactions
• Do not use during pregnancy planning
• Swelling may develop during the first week of use.