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Melatonin

Warnings!

From About.com

Updated: December 2, 2003

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There is the possibility that increasing the amount of melatonin in the body might disrupt the body's own production of the hormone. Altering the amount of one hormone in the body often alters the body's own production of other hormones. In the case of increasing melatonin, the hormone prolactin may also increase. This causes enlarged breasts and decreases the sex drive, which completely negates the claim that melatonin enhances the sex life.

Melatonin is often administered in far too high a dosage. When this happens, the hormone remains in the blood stream and can cause daytime drowsiness, confusion and that headachy, hangover feeling. In some cases, too high a dose can even cause insomnia, the exact opposite of the result hoped for.

A dosage as small as one mg. or even less can cause drowsiness. Start with a very small amount and work your way up to a dosage that works for you. Never take more than you need, and take it only at bedtime.

WARNING!

Do not take a melatonin supplement:

  • if you are pregnant.
  • if you are nursing.
  • if you suffer from sever allergies or auto immune disease. 
  • if you suffer from an immune system cancer.
  • if you are a woman trying to conceive.
  • if you suffer from a severe mental disease. 
  • if you are taking steroid-type medication. 
  • if you are taking MAO inhibitors. 
  • if you suffer from epilepsy.

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