Melatonin

[Blondell]

How much should be taken before bed?

[Erik]

I take 3mg

[Cara]

3 mg, and I remember my doc saying not to take more but I don't remember what his reason was. But 3 usually does it for me as long as I'm ready to go to bed. If I take it and then get up to do something, it often loses its effect.

[dewaite]

Do you take this on a regular basis? or only when needed? I'm seriously considering it

[kjinwa]

I take 3 mg a few times a week. It helps me get and stay asleep all night.

I don't feel like a need it everynight, but I think I read somewhere that it was OK to take on a regular basis.

[BlueTuna]

I take it right before bed every night. If I forget, I'm wide awake at 2.00 or 3.00 am and can't get back to sleep.

[Blondell]

How long 'til it works?

[BlueTuna]

Originally posted by bdd814@May 20 2006, 08:33 AM
How long 'til it works?
For me, it seems to work pretty much straight away. I have a sugar-free cocoa every night. The combination of that and the melatonin makes me drowsy. Some nights I'm nodding off before I even finish my cocoa. :lol:

[lilbear]

If I take regular melatonin I always wake up 5 hours after going to sleep, wide awake. I bought time released melatonin and with this I can stay asleep all night,
I love it! For me it takes about 1.5-2 hours before i start to feel drowzy, this is with the time released pills.

[Stifler]

I'm considering taking it even though I've been prescribed Ambien. I would like to try to fall asleep more "naturally" but haven't been able too. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[dewaite]

I train in the early am around 4:30/5:00, do any of you w/o in the am & if so do you find a difference in strength in the morning after taking it at night? i need something my sleep at night is horrible, but I'm a little concerened about my strentgh in the morning.

[strongchick]

looking forward to a response to that....

Also, anyone know of any contradictions or med interactions?

[CraveMuscle]

not that I know of. my dad takes up to 60 mg of it a night, as well as 150 mg of trazadone, as well as a ton of other meds, and he doesn't have problems. my mom who is a doc gives it to many overseas visitors who come as well.

you'd probably have to look it up though for actual drug warnings.

as far as strength in the morning . . . I haven't had problems with training at 6 am after taking it as long as I don't take too big of a dose. If I don't take it for a couple of days or weeks, and then go right back to my regular dose of 5 mg, then I'm really drowsy and miserable the next day, so my morning workout sucks. I think the key is finding a low enough dose that works for you, and make sure that you take it every night, whether you need it that night or not. It won't hurt you.

Maybe start with 1-2 mg and work your way up slowly if needed. Like I said, my dad takes a ton, but that's b/c of post-tramautic war syndrome and severe neck pain. I find that prescription melatonin actually works better for me - it's time-released.

[strongchick]

Thanks. I"ve been suffering from insomnia the past week and its started to concern me. I may give this a try.

[CraveMuscle]

no problem. just remember to start out with a small dose.

[dewaite]

yes thank you I'm also going to give it a try

[strongchick]

Bought some of this last night to try...

Thank FREAKING G-D!!!

I felt tired for the first time in over a week. :)

Thanks.

[dewaite]

I got some last night too :clap: , will try it out tonight, werid it's the weekend & I can't wait to go home & sleep :lol:


i need a life :oops:

[Gazelle]

I've been taking it for the past three nights and though it may just be the placebo effect, I swear I am sleeping more "deeply". I don't usually have trouble falling asleep but I wake up a lot and I wake up early. It seems like now I wake up less and it's easier to fall back asleep when I do.

More time will tell for sure if it's really having an effect ..

[bel canto]

I'm fortunate in being one of those people who can close their eyes and fall asleep 2 minutes later. :p

On the rare occassion that I'm not asleep after 10 minutes I become upset - wondering what's wrong. Popping 3g of melatonin in such instances helps me relax more than anything... then I'm asleep w/in 30 minutes. Never feel any different the next day.

[absolut_blonde]

I love melatonin. I've used it off & on throughout the years with great results. I find it's a nice *natural* sleepy feeling-- as opposed to the weird/drugged feeling some sleep aids I've tried have given (both OTC and prescription, such as Zopiclone).

I was on an SSRI for awhile so I stopped taking it because I heard mixed things as to the safety but now that I'm off the SSRI, I'll definitely go back to using it as needed.

[trigirl]

Originally posted by strongchick@May 25 2006, 08:00 AM
looking forward to a response to that....

Also, anyone know of any contradictions or med interactions?
Interesting info....

Melatonin


Claims, Benefits: Promotes sleep, counters jet lag, improves sex life, slows aging, etc.

Bottom Line: This human hormone may help promote sleep, but the evidence is still not definite. The other claims are unproven. No serious side effects have been reported, but long-term effects are unknown. Hormones are powerful substances and can produce unexpected results, so we don't recommend melatonin.


Melatonin: Questions, Facts, Mysteries

Look on any website selling supplements or in any health-food catalogue, and you'll find melatonin recommended for insomnia, jet lag, arthritis, stress, alcoholism, migraine, and the signs and symptoms of aging and menopause—along with assertions that it staves off heart disease and cancer. Some people recommend "melatonin replacement therapy" for all postmenopausal women. But now that scientific research is catching up with melatonin mania, you may want to proceed with caution.

Melatonin is a human hormone produced deep in the brain by the pineal gland, dubbed "the seat of the soul" by philosophers in ages past. Discovered about 40 years ago, melatonin has been called the "darkness" hormone. Production rises at night, falls by day, and affects our internal body clock and sleep cycles. Melatonin has been assumed, logically enough, to have some use as a sleeping pill. Here are some questions, facts, and mysteries.

Does melatonin production decline with age?

The answer, until recently, was thought to be yes. But a new study at the Harvard Medical School of healthy people taking no medications or drugs found no differences in melatonin levels between the young and old. In earlier studies medications such as aspirin taken by older people may have suppressed melatonin levels. Melatonin levels may vary naturally in different groups; age does not seem to be the factor. Different people have different levels, and levels vary according to time of day.

Bottom line: If your body already produces enough melatonin, taking additional doses may not be advisable. No one knows what the long-term effect might be. And it's difficult to determine what "enough" is.

Is melatonin an effective sleeping pill?

Most scientists agree that melatonin helps people fall asleep faster, but it may not help them stay asleep. Like benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Halcion), often prescribed as sleeping pills, melatonin can produce a "hangover" and drowsiness the next day. Long-term safety is still a question. It's true, as one researcher puts it, that "no catastrophes have been related to its use" (such as the outbreak of severe illness caused by a similar "natural" substance, tryptophan, once sold as a sleeping pill). Melatonin is being heavily marketed as a sleeping pill, particularly for older people, but nobody knows if the dosages listed on labels are accurate or if the products are pure. Good clinical trials have never been done on melatonin treatment for insomnia.

Bottom line: If you need a sleeping pill, talk to your doctor. No known sleeping pill has proven safe and effective for more than short-term use.

Does melatonin alleviate jet lag?

Thousands take it for this purpose, but the benefits have never been clear. Various dosages of melatonin have been used in studies, making comparisons difficult. "Jet lag" itself is hard to measure. As reported recently in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a team of researchers devised a scale for measuring symptoms, and a group of Norwegian physicians flying between Oslo and New York were recruited as subjects. Melatonin showed no benefit against jet lag. If you're flying east, exposing yourself to sunlight the next morning is a pretty good treatment—most purveyors of melatonin suggest this, in addition to the pills. It's possible, though, that light is more effective than melatonin. You might be just as well off without the pills. Or maybe light works with the pills. Nobody knows.

Bottom line: The jury is still out on melatonin and jet lag.

Is melatonin replacement therapy justifiable for all postmenopausal women?

No. Some researchers think low melatonin levels cause menopausal symptoms, but they may be wrong. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has been studied much more extensively than melatonin, but no one recommends it for all postmenopausal women.

Bottom line: Hormones are powerful substances that, even in small doses, can produce unexpected and unwanted results.

Is melatonin an antioxidant, and thus a protector against aging and chronic diseases?

A recent review of studies by researchers at Louisiana State University confirms that it is indeed a powerful antioxidant. But nobody knows what this means. Until we learn more, "the full potential benefits of melatonin must remain something of a mystery," these researchers concluded.



Last words: If you are taking, or thinking of taking, melatonin, talk to a physician—and one who's not selling melatonin. Having your levels measured won't tell you anything, since levels vary from person to person and from hour to hour. Chronic use of melatonin supplements may suppress the body's own production of the hormone. Nobody knows what might happen if you have high natural levels and take a supplement on top of that. Melatonin can interact with other hormones, which is why, in part, pregnant women and children should never take it. Such drugs as aspirin, beta blockers, and tranquilizers can affect melatonin levels. Finally, nobody knows what dosages to take. Products are not standardized. Thus, you really don't know what you're swallowing.

[CraveMuscle]

Originally posted by strongchick@May 26 2006, 07:42 AM
Bought some of this last night to try...

Thank FREAKING G-D!!!

I felt tired for the first time in over a week. :)

Thanks.
great news!!!!! how much did you take? did you find that you were drowsy in the morning?

[Blondell]

does that say "improve sex life?" wow :D

[CraveMuscle]

and trigirl, where did you get that article?

I do agree that as with any hormone, caution / awareness is necessary, but as to "not knowing what you are swallowing," that seems like a bit of a hyperbolic statement. Compounding pharmacies make melatonin doses to a physician's exact orders, so I don't think (but I concede that I don't know for sure) that you are risking dosage issues. And as with most things, as far as not knowing what doses to take, why would you take a high dose when a lower one works just as well?

[strongchick]

Nope, no drowsiness the next morning.

As for the warning, you could say that for any supplement you buy. which is why they should be better regulated, but until they are there will always be warnings about buying anything in supplement form.

One should always do their own research before trying anything.

[Kristy]

Originally posted by trigirl+May 26 2006, 06:07 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (trigirl @ May 26 2006, 06:07 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-strongchick@May 25 2006, 08:00 AM
looking forward to a response to that....

Also, anyone know of any contradictions or med interactions?
Interesting info....

Melatonin


Claims, Benefits: Promotes sleep, counters jet lag, improves sex life, slows aging, etc.

Bottom Line: This human hormone may help promote sleep, but the evidence is still not definite. The other claims are unproven. No serious side effects have been reported, but long-term effects are unknown. Hormones are powerful substances and can produce unexpected results, so we don&#39;t recommend melatonin.


Melatonin: Questions, Facts, Mysteries

Look on any website selling supplements or in any health-food catalogue, and you&#39;ll find melatonin recommended for insomnia, jet lag, arthritis, stress, alcoholism, migraine, and the signs and symptoms of aging and menopause—along with assertions that it staves off heart disease and cancer. Some people recommend "melatonin replacement therapy" for all postmenopausal women. But now that scientific research is catching up with melatonin mania, you may want to proceed with caution.

Melatonin is a human hormone produced deep in the brain by the pineal gland, dubbed "the seat of the soul" by philosophers in ages past. Discovered about 40 years ago, melatonin has been called the "darkness" hormone. Production rises at night, falls by day, and affects our internal body clock and sleep cycles. Melatonin has been assumed, logically enough, to have some use as a sleeping pill. Here are some questions, facts, and mysteries.

Does melatonin production decline with age?

The answer, until recently, was thought to be yes. But a new study at the Harvard Medical School of healthy people taking no medications or drugs found no differences in melatonin levels between the young and old. In earlier studies medications such as aspirin taken by older people may have suppressed melatonin levels. Melatonin levels may vary naturally in different groups; age does not seem to be the factor. Different people have different levels, and levels vary according to time of day.

Bottom line: If your body already produces enough melatonin, taking additional doses may not be advisable. No one knows what the long-term effect might be. And it&#39;s difficult to determine what "enough" is.

Is melatonin an effective sleeping pill?

Most scientists agree that melatonin helps people fall asleep faster, but it may not help them stay asleep. Like benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Halcion), often prescribed as sleeping pills, melatonin can produce a "hangover" and drowsiness the next day. Long-term safety is still a question. It&#39;s true, as one researcher puts it, that "no catastrophes have been related to its use" (such as the outbreak of severe illness caused by a similar "natural" substance, tryptophan, once sold as a sleeping pill). Melatonin is being heavily marketed as a sleeping pill, particularly for older people, but nobody knows if the dosages listed on labels are accurate or if the products are pure. Good clinical trials have never been done on melatonin treatment for insomnia.

Bottom line: If you need a sleeping pill, talk to your doctor. No known sleeping pill has proven safe and effective for more than short-term use.

Does melatonin alleviate jet lag?

Thousands take it for this purpose, but the benefits have never been clear. Various dosages of melatonin have been used in studies, making comparisons difficult. "Jet lag" itself is hard to measure. As reported recently in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a team of researchers devised a scale for measuring symptoms, and a group of Norwegian physicians flying between Oslo and New York were recruited as subjects. Melatonin showed no benefit against jet lag. If you&#39;re flying east, exposing yourself to sunlight the next morning is a pretty good treatment—most purveyors of melatonin suggest this, in addition to the pills. It&#39;s possible, though, that light is more effective than melatonin. You might be just as well off without the pills. Or maybe light works with the pills. Nobody knows.

Bottom line: The jury is still out on melatonin and jet lag.

Is melatonin replacement therapy justifiable for all postmenopausal women?

No. Some researchers think low melatonin levels cause menopausal symptoms, but they may be wrong. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has been studied much more extensively than melatonin, but no one recommends it for all postmenopausal women.

Bottom line: Hormones are powerful substances that, even in small doses, can produce unexpected and unwanted results.

Is melatonin an antioxidant, and thus a protector against aging and chronic diseases?

A recent review of studies by researchers at Louisiana State University confirms that it is indeed a powerful antioxidant. But nobody knows what this means. Until we learn more, "the full potential benefits of melatonin must remain something of a mystery," these researchers concluded.



Last words: If you are taking, or thinking of taking, melatonin, talk to a physician—and one who&#39;s not selling melatonin. Having your levels measured won&#39;t tell you anything, since levels vary from person to person and from hour to hour. Chronic use of melatonin supplements may suppress the body&#39;s own production of the hormone. Nobody knows what might happen if you have high natural levels and take a supplement on top of that. Melatonin can interact with other hormones, which is why, in part, pregnant women and children should never take it. Such drugs as aspirin, beta blockers, and tranquilizers can affect melatonin levels. Finally, nobody knows what dosages to take. Products are not standardized. Thus, you really don&#39;t know what you&#39;re swallowing. [/b][/quote]


Source?

[Blondell]

I :love: this stuff.Knocks me out in about 10 mins :lol:

[absolut_blonde]

I was playing around on the internet and I came across this article on melatonin (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9194681&dopt=Abstract). It made me think of this thread&#33;

[Anatomy]

Big melatonin fan here.

I sleep ok without it but I find I get a much better quality sleep when I take it so I usually save it for when I know I won&#39;t get a full 8 hours. Judging by how I feel in the morning it&#39;s almost like adding 1-2 hours of sleep. 3-6mg taken sublingually works best for me.

[Tanners]

:bump:

Anyone have any side effect from melatonin? For those of you that have been using it for a while? Do you use it regularly (every night)? And how much are you taking?

[kelster]

is this something that can be purchased at any health food store/pharmacy?

[jaleena]

is this something that can be purchased at any health food store/pharmacy?
It's next to the vitamins at my grocery. I buy the kind with 3mg tabs, and take two...seems to help.

[Tanners]

It's next to the vitamins at my grocery. I buy the kind with 3mg tabs, and take two...seems to help.
Do you take it regularly... or just when you're having sleep issues?

[kelster]

It's next to the vitamins at my grocery. I buy the kind with 3mg tabs, and take two...seems to help.

thanks! im in DIRE need of something! gonna pick some up tonite and give it a try

[jaleena]

Do you take it regularly... or just when you're having sleep issues?
When I'm feeling desperate, and know I have a decent chance of staying asleep for more than a couple of hours if I get to sleep...I always have sleep issues. I should be sleeping right now :wavesad:

[linds]

I have insomnia and will go through phases I take it every day for a while and then won't have to for weeks on end but I find myself using it 2 to 4 times per week and don't have any problems with side effects. If I can't sleep for an extended period of time I might wake up with a bit of a "hangover" type feeling but nothing like the problems I've had with otc/prescription meds

[Tanners]

I have insomnia and will go through phases I take it every day for a while and then won't have to for weeks on end but I find myself using it 2 to 4 times per week and don't have any problems with side effects. If I can't sleep for an extended period of time I might wake up with a bit of a "hangover" type feeling but nothing like the problems I've had with otc/prescription meds
Good to know. Thanks. Do you stick with the 3mg everyone here suggests?

The boyfriend has a really hard time sleeping at my place... 2 dogs and a cat pattering around seems to throw him. Send an ambulance past the bedroom window.... nothing. Thought I would get some for him when he's at my place... I have the same problem at his place... so thought it would be a nice natural solution for us both.

[Strive2Define]

I use it everynight otherwise I would never sleep.I take 6 mgs and have taken as much as 8...have had no sides.

[linds]

Good to know. Thanks. Do you stick with the 3mg everyone here suggests?

The boyfriend has a really hard time sleeping at my place... 2 dogs and a cat pattering around seems to throw him. Send an ambulance past the bedroom window.... nothing. Thought I would get some for him when he's at my place... I have the same problem at his place... so thought it would be a nice natural solution for us both.

just one 3 mg tab about 30 minutes before I want to go to sleep, I've taken 2 before when I'm really struggling to get sleep in but just the one 3 mg tab seems to do the job. I've heard that some men have to use 6 mg but I'd start with the lowest dose and go from there.

[Tanners]

just one 3 mg tab about 30 minutes before I want to go to sleep, I've taken 2 before when I'm really struggling to get sleep in but just the one 3 mg tab seems to do the job. I've heard that some men have to use 6 mg but I'd start with the lowest dose and go from there.
Thanks!:thumb:

[JJ29]

:bump:

Anyone have any side effect from melatonin? For those of you that have been using it for a while? Do you use it regularly (every night)? And how much are you taking?

I used it once and had the worst headache and drogginess the next day....awful, simply awful.

[Espi]

From what I understand you should take melatonin before you would normally get sleepy. Then you can use a small dose as low as 0.5 mg. Otherwise 3mg is fine. Overdosing can diminish libido.


From pdrhealth.com


CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None known.

PRECAUTIONS
Use of melatonin in children, pregnant women and nursing mothers is not advised.

Adverse reactions of supplemental melatonin include depression. Those who suffer from depression are advised against taking melatonin.

Because melatonin may cause both nighttime and daytime drowsiness, those who operate hazardous machinery are advised against taking melatonin.

Large doses of melatonin (not recommended) have been shown to inhibit ovulation. Women who are trying to conceive should avoid melatonin.

Melatonin use in some children with seizure disorders leads to increased seizure activity. Those with seizure disorders, both children and adults, should avoid melatonin supplements.

Those over 65 years old who take any sedating medications or herbs, or who use alcohol, should exercise caution in the use of melatonin.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions associated with melatonin include stomach discomfort, morning grogginess, daytime "hangover," feeling of a "heavy head," depression, psychotic episodes (in combination with fluoxetine), headache, lethargy, fragmented disorientation, amnesia, inhibition of fertility, increased seizure activity, suppression of male sexual drive, hypothermia, retinal damage, gynecomastia and low sperm count. Typically, these reports are related to high doses. However, adverse effects have been reported and can occur with low doses as well.

INTERACTIONS
DRUGS
Aspirin and other NSAIDs may lead to decreased melatonin levels.

The bioavailability of oral melatonin is increased by coadministration of fluvoxamine. This is believed due to inhibition of the elimination of melatonin.

Beta blockers may lead to decreased melatonin levels.

A psychotic episode has been reported associated with the use of melatonin in a subject taking the antidepressant fluoxetine.

There is a report of melatonin augmenting the antitumor effect of interleukin-2.

There is a report of melatonin enhancing the activity of the anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug, isoniazid.

Melatonin and progestin combinations can be additive in inhibiting ovarian function in women.

Use of melatonin with benzodiazepenes, sedating antihistamines, sedating antidepressants and other sedating drugs may cause additive sedation and increase incidence of adverse effects.

Use of melatonin with corticosteroids may interfere with the efficacy of the corticosteroids.

HERBS
Use of melatonin with valerian or kava kava may lead to additive sedation.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Use of melatonin with 5-hydroxytryptophan may lead to additive sedation.

ALCOHOL
Use of melatonin with alcohol may lead to additive sedation.

FOOD
No interactions are known.

OVERDOSAGE
None known. No apparent serious consequences have been reported in those taking up to 24 grams daily of melatonin for one month, though such doses are not recommended.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Those who use melatonin supplements for sleep disturbance or jet lag usually take no more than 0.3 milligrams to 3 milligrams at bedtime for short periods of time (no longer than two weeks). Higher doses and dosing for longer periods of time requires medical supervision. As with all nutritional supplements, the physician must know if his or her patient is taking melatonin. Melatonin supplements derived from animals should be avoided.

[Ecala]

:bump:

Anyone have any side effect from melatonin? For those of you that have been using it for a while? Do you use it regularly (every night)? And how much are you taking?

Nope, no side effects. Although I did notice when I briefly upp'd my dose from 3 mgs to 9 mgs a night, I had some wild wild dreams. I went back down to 3 mgs and it's been fine since.

I've been taking it probably about 10 months. No drowsiness next day or anything.. and my workouts are at 5:00 am.

[Ecala]

Overdosing can diminish libido.


Oh. Really?



NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Use of melatonin with 5-hydroxytryptophan may lead to additive sedation.


I take 3 mgs w/ 200 mgs of 5-HTP every night. No problems.. if anything, the 5-HTP assists the melatonin.




(nice avi Espi!) :D

[Gazelle]

I may have posted this to this thread already, but the effects totally wore off for me after taking it every night for a few months. I had to go cold turkey, develop serious insomnia, have Ambien prescribed, etc. before I finally got back to sleeping normaily.

I think, for me at least, using it once in awhile is best.

[kelster]

Nope, no side effects. Although I did notice when I briefly upp'd my dose from 3 mgs to 9 mgs a night, I had some wild wild dreams. I went back down to 3 mgs and it's been fine since.

I've been taking it probably about 10 months. No drowsiness next day or anything.. and my workouts are at 5:00 am.
for 10 months on a daily basis?

[Espi]

additive sedation
additive sedation = more sleep

[Ecala]

for 10 months on a daily basis?


Yea, I'd say pretty close to 10 mos. Every night. I may have forgot one or two along the line but I don't feel secure not taking it before bed.

[Ecala]

additive sedation = more sleep


Well, yah... but it's not a bad thing for me- I mean I don't feel drugged or groggy or anything. I think the 5-HTP makes me drowsy and the melatonin keeps me asleep. At least in my case.

[Ecala]

additive sedation = more sleep


Espi.. you know I'm a little insulted by this the more I look at it. Don't you think I know what sedation means? :grumble:

[Strive2Define]

Oh. Really?



I take 3 mgs w/ 200 mgs of 5-HTP every night. No problems.. if anything, the 5-HTP assists the melatonin.




(nice avi Espi!) :D
Ecala we are okay..we aren't male..lol

[absolut_blonde]

:bump:

Anyone have any side effect from melatonin? For those of you that have been using it for a while? Do you use it regularly (every night)? And how much are you taking?

Honestly, I would start with 1mg or so-- or maybe 1/2 a 3mg tablet if that is all you can find.

Studies actually say that you melatonin is effective at a much lower dose than what most people take. I find that 1/2 a 3mg works about as well as a 3mg tablet, myself. I know there are some people on here who need to take more but IMO it's probably best to start off at a low dose and then adjust accordingly.

[Ecala]

Ecala we are okay..we aren't male..lol


OH.. that was in reference to males-- the libido? :doh:

[Jen]

melatonin didnt work well for me, even in low dose- left me groggy and walking like a zombie the entire next day.

[Strive2Define]

OH.. that was in reference to males-- the libido? :doh:
Well thatis how I read it..ESPI stated that overdosing lead to suppression of libido but down under the adverse reactions and sides..it stated suppression of male sex drive

[Espi]

But aren't women always neglected when it comes to referencing on 'decreased libido' ? I wouldn't be surprised when it suppresses female's libido as well.

Sorry Ecala about my too brief answer, that came across as being impolite. It just seemed that you weren't sure on the increased effect of both. I'm sure you've been looking at the pros and cons of using both supplements.
Have you tried to increase food intake at the end of the day and/or saving extra carbs for bed time? I've noticed how on higher calorie/carb training days I could sleep for 9 hrs, while lower calorie/carb/rest days on which I slept OK, I got to 7 hrs and sometimes not even that, which is when I'd take tryptophan (5-HTP if I'd been in the US) as I supposed that taking melatonin wouldn't work at night, only prior to sleeping.
Another thought.. do you take methyl-B12? It is connected with melatonin production as well.

[strongchick]

Well thatis how I read it..ESPI stated that overdosing lead to suppression of libido but down under the adverse reactions and sides..it stated suppression of male sex drive

Jumping in...

I took melatonin and it DRASTICALLY decreased my estrogen level. Which was very upsetting because I'm trying to have a baby and working very hard to INCREASE my estrogen. After a month of taking melatonin, it was cut in half.

Just something to watch out for. After doing some research, it turns out that some people tend to use it as a form of bc.

[Strive2Define]

Jumping in...

I took melatonin and it DRASTICALLY decreased my estrogen level. Which was very upsetting because I'm trying to have a baby and working very hard to INCREASE my estrogen. After a month of taking melatonin, it was cut in half.

Just something to watch out for. After doing some research, it turns out that some people tend to use it as a form of bc.
I know that everyone is different but I for one certainly would not rely on it as any form of BC.

[strongchick]

Oh, of course not. Most people don't. It was just an interesting tidbit I found out.

[Espi]

Hidden in the blurb on adverse reactions:

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions associated with melatonin include stomach discomfort, morning grogginess, daytime "hangover," feeling of a "heavy head," depression, psychotic episodes (in combination with fluoxetine), headache, lethargy, fragmented disorientation, amnesia, inhibition of fertility, increased seizure activity, suppression of male sexual drive, hypothermia, retinal damage, gynecomastia and low sperm count. Typically, these reports are related to high doses. However, adverse effects have been reported and can occur with low doses as well.

[Leah]

Jumping in...

I took melatonin and it DRASTICALLY decreased my estrogen level. Which was very upsetting because I'm trying to have a baby and working very hard to INCREASE my estrogen. After a month of taking melatonin, it was cut in half.

Just something to watch out for. After doing some research, it turns out that some people tend to use it as a form of bc.

Wow...I didn't know that.

[strongchick]

I wish I had known at the time...

[Jen]

it made me have a HEAVY period during middle of month when I was on the pill.. bad break through. just from 2 nights using it.
I didnt think they were linked until I did research on melatonin and interactions with female hormones and bc.

[Kate]

it made me have a HEAVY period during middle of month when I was on the pill.. bad break through. just from 2 nights using it.
I didnt think they were linked until I did research on melatonin and interactions with female hormones and bc.


Does it decrease effectiveness of the pill? It seems as though the two would cancel out (except for the fact that the pill is synthesized, but still)...

[absolut_blonde]

Does it decrease effectiveness of the pill? It seems as though the two would cancel out (except for the fact that the pill is synthesized, but still)...

You would expect it to-- but I've never seen anything suggesting that it actually does. I didn't search THAT intensively, mind you, but nothing came up right away (and with that sort of thing, it usually does) :shrug:

[Jen]

KAte, I didnt come across any studies that mentioned it would defect the bc. but it seems to have done so for me, and others that I had spoke to. its altering hormone levels, therefore I can understand if it did. I just say be careful to woman if you take both bc and melatonin