Origin: A hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located at the base of the brain.
Dosage: Capsules or tablets; 1 mg to 5 mg at bedtime for insomnia, for no longer than two weeks.
Claims: Aids sleep and treats jet lag.
What we know: A potent antioxidant, melatonin regulates sleep/wake cycles. It appears to treat insomnia and sleep disturbances related to conditions like fibromyalgia and depression. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can decrease melatonin levels.
Studies: A systematic review of studies shows no evidence that melatonin effectively treats sleep disorders or is useful for altered sleep patterns, such as from shift work or jet lag. However, there is evidence that it is safe with short-term use. Another review of studies showed that melatonin reduced the onset of sleep by four minutes and increased the duration of sleep by nearly 13 minutes; another showed that people taking melatonin slept almost 30 minutes longer than people taking placebo.
Higher doses or long-term usage require doctor supervision. Certain medications interact with it, including NSAIDs, beta-blockers, antidepressants, diuretics and vitamin B-12 supplements. Do not take melatonin with alcohol or caffeine, and do not use if you have an autoimmune disease or if you have depression, kidney disease, epilepsy, heart disease or leukemia.
Look up Circadin and the words "back pain" in google. You will find many websites with the information stating that 1 out of 10 taking this med in the UK are reporting back pain. The main ingredient in the med is melatonin!!!
Joanne, it sounds like you are taking melatonin to ease your insomnia due to your pain, but it's the melatonin that's giving you the pain. Stop melatonin immediately.
The FDA will not approve melatonin for prescription due to serve side effects.