Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone of the body, but in addition to this, it also exists in an artificial form, which is used as an additive that provides a hypnotic effect. At the same time, this substance has antioxidant properties. This hormone acts as a natural regulator of the daytime regime, promoting healthy sleep, as well as quick awakening in the morning and falling asleep in the evening.

In case of temporary adaptation disorders, melatonin allows you to adjust your daily routine and regulate your sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin tablets make it easier to fall asleep at an inappropriate time, stabilize your sleep, and reduce the frequency of nighttime awakenings.

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Indications Melatonin

It is used in case of the following conditions and disorders:

• insomnia;
• conditions during which sleep disorders are observed;
• the need to regulate the biological cycle of sleep and wakefulness;
• the need for antioxidant activity to protect against the effects of free radicals;
• to stimulate immune function;
• stabilization of blood pressure indicators and regulation of blood cholesterol levels;
• prevention of the development of tumor pathologies;
• disorders of mental adaptation;
• states of depression and anxiety;
• stabilization of sleep in the elderly.

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Release form

The drug is released in tablets - 12 pieces in a cell plate.

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Pharmacodynamics

Melatonin is a sleep hormone and is produced inside the human body by the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain. This component is found in animal products, and it is also present in plant foods, but in smaller quantities. Melatonin secretion also depends on the intensity of lighting. In case of poor lighting, its production increases, and in case of good lighting, it slows down.

The human body typically produces approximately 70% of the daily amount of this hormone at night. Melatonin's effect increases the amount of serotonin and GABA in the midbrain and hypothalamus.

Melatonin is a solid substance that can dissolve or absorb fat; it is a powerful antioxidant of natural origin. When this hormone is bound, protection is provided against the effects of free radicals, which cause an increase in the rate of aging processes and the occurrence of malignant diseases. This element is able to penetrate into all cells, providing special protection to the nuclei. As a result, damaged cells are restored.

The drug has adaptogenic, sedative and hypnotic activity when administered in large doses; in addition, its immunostimulating and antioxidant effects are manifested. At the same time, its effect leads to a decrease in the number of headaches and the severity of stress manifestations; neuroendocrine activity is also regulated.

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Pharmacokinetics

The effect of Melatonin begins 1-2 hours after taking the drug orally.

The drug undergoes 1st intrahepatic passage with subsequent transformation. Bioavailability rates are 30-50%. The drug can overcome the BBB.

The average half-life is 45 minutes. Excretion is via the kidneys.

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Dosing and administration

The medication must be taken orally, without chewing the tablet, swallowing it whole. Melatonin is washed down with plain water. An adult is prescribed to take 1-2 tablets in the evening, and a teenager over 12 years old - 1 tablet.

It is recommended to take the medicine 30-40 minutes before bedtime. A maximum of 6 mg of the medicinal substance should be consumed per day.

The regimen for using the medicine is selected individually by the attending physician.

When using sports nutrition containing melatonin, you should always consult with specialists.

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Use Melatonin during pregnancy

The medication should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy.

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Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance arising under the influence of the drug elements;
• myeloma or leukemia;
• diseases of an autoimmune nature;
• lymphogranulomatosis or lymphoma;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes mellitus.

Caution is required when prescribing to people who need high concentration at work. In addition, it is used with extreme caution in HRT, hormonal disorders, and also in pathologies of an allergic nature.

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Side effects Melatonin

Possible side effects that may occur when using the medicine include: stomach discomfort and a feeling of heaviness, depression, and a feeling of heaviness in the head with headaches. If such disorders (or any others) occur, you should consult your doctor.

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Overdose

Taking more than 24 mg of the drug leads to memory impairment, prolonged sleep and disorientation.

In such cases, gastric lavage is performed and enterosorbents are prescribed. In addition, symptomatic actions are carried out.

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Interactions with other drugs

The use of beta-blockers and aspirin may cause a decrease in melatonin levels.

The combination of the drug with sedative antidepressants or tranquilizers weakens the activity of Melatonin.

The drug may affect the therapeutic activity of hormonal drugs.

The effect of melatonin promotes an increase in the synthesis of benzodiazepines with specific endings. Therefore, such a combination can only be used under regular medical supervision.

Combined administration with tamoxifen enhances its antitumor activity.

Use with methamphetamines causes potentiation of their serotonergic and dopaminergic properties.

The use of drugs leads to an increase in the antibacterial effect of isoniazid.

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Storage conditions

Melatonin is stored in a place out of the reach of small children at standard temperatures.

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Shelf life

Melatonin can be used for a period of 36 months from the date of sale of the therapeutic agent.

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Application for children

Melatonin is not prescribed to people under 12 years of age. To stabilize sleep, this age group can eat food that contains this element (mainly animal). Regarding products containing melatonin, you can consult a medical specialist.

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Analogues

The drug's analogues are Yukalin, Melapur with Melaton and Melaxen.

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Reviews

Melatonin gets good reviews – it is believed that it helps stabilize biological rhythms, and at the same time has a positive effect on the quality of sleep processes and eliminates insomnia. Both patients and doctors report good tolerance of the drug and the rare occurrence of strong negative symptoms.

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