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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tepiaca on March 29, 2004, at 6:25:15
Hi psycobabblers
Im looking for some experiences on this hormone
Have you taken it???It seems interesting
-------------------------------------------------
What exactly is Melatonin?"Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of darkness." At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.
Why take it?"Studies suggest that... supplements can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills." Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine melatonin's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about melatonin and its effects on the human body. Check out WWL's monthly newsletter for continuous updates.
Who benefits the most?Travelers and people suffering from mild sleep disorders. According to Newsweek, a typical comment from discussion groups on the Internet is, "'Folks, I've tried melatonin and it's great. It has ...restored my sleep cycle, given me lots of energy.'"
What is the recommended dosage?The appropriate dose can vary enormously from person to person. For example, we offer dosages of 1.2 mg, 1.5 mg and 3.0 mg. Start off with the 1.2 mg dosage each night before bed-time, and work your way to larger doses if needed.
What is mg, mcg, and what is the difference?mcg and mg are units of weight, like ounces and pounds, but are applied to tiny fractions of grams -
1 mcg = 1 microgram = one-millionth ( 1 / 1,000,000 ) of a gram
1 mg = 1 milligram = one-thousandth ( 1 / 1,000 ) of a gram = 1,000 mcgA 1.5 mg tablet contains five times as much melatonin as a 300 mcg (.3 mg) tablet.
How do I best determine pricing value?
Remember that cost per gram is not necessarily the best indicator. Splitting a pill into two is difficult, and splitting it even farther into equal portions is frustrating and almost impossible. The best way to judge value is to determine the cost per coverage time. For example, a bottle of 100 tablets of 1.5 mg melatonin should last 100 days. If the bottle costs $10.00, the price per day is 10 cents. (Cheap!) Check out WorldWide Labs' prices.
Are there any side-effects?According to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for them, and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression, and low sex drive. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses - without causing any toxicity."
What additional benefits are there and how reliable are these claims?"In test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it protects cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors." Tests with laboratory mice suggest that melatonin might also reduce the effects of aging - but remember, these results are very preliminary. "...Some experts are appalled to see so many people toying with such a potent hormone. One concern is that high doses, while causing no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. 'Even one milligram, the smallest commercially available dose, is at least three times higher than the normal amount in the body.'"
Should certain people avoid it?Yes. "Those include women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia (for the same reason), and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance). Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high doses can act as a contraceptive." As with any substance introduced into your body, if you have a medical condition you should always consult your physician first before taking melatonin.
Will melatonin extend my lifespan?There are no human studies to support this contention. In tests on both rats and mice melatonin caused a significant 20% increase in their lifespan. If melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could do so because melatonin may reduce free radical damage; stimulate an aging immune system; protect the cardiovascular system; preserve a youthful circadian rhythm; stimulate the production of growth hormone.
Will melatonin enhance my sex life?There is no evidence to support this claim as it relates to humans. However, a 1995 rodent study suggests that taking small amounts of melatonin on a regular basis may prevent the age-related decline in testosterone levels, allowing men to be more active sexually in their later years.
Is melatonin safe?Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6 grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dosage) of the substance in carefully monitored studies with no sign of toxicity. Only four complaints regarding melatonin have been report to the FDA (USA's Food and Drug Administration). The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time. In the most extensive clinical trial to date a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects. The FDA reports that in the more than two years melatonin has been available for sale over-the-counter in the United States, no alarming side effects have been reported.
When should the dosage be administered?Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime, usually about thirty minutes prior to going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a dosage prior to getting on your flight and a higher dosage pill prior to going to bed. If you commonly sleep during the night, melatonin should not normally be taken during the day - and vice versa - because melatonin plays a role in setting the body's daily clock.
Does melatonin have that morning-after hangover effect of sleeping pills?No. You should normally wake up well refreshed and full of energy. If you wake up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you wake up feeling well refreshed. You will not have the hangover effect you may experience with over the counter or prescription sleeping pills.
What is pharmacy grade melatonin?Natural, animal, or bovine grade melatonin contains the actual extracts of the pineal gland. Because it comes from animal tissue, this grade of melatonin may be accompanied by viruses or proteins that could cause an antibody response. We highly recommend that people stay away from it.
The alternative is synthetic or pharmacy grade melatonin, which is produced from pharmaceutical grade ingredients. This form is molecularly identical to the melatonin that we produce in our own bodies, without unwanted extras.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All quotations above are from Newsweek®, November 6, 1995, pages 60 through 63.
Posted by djmmm on March 29, 2004, at 14:13:10
In reply to MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by Tepiaca on March 29, 2004, at 6:25:15
> Hi psycobabblers
> Im looking for some experiences on this hormone
> Have you taken it???
>
> It seems interesting
> -------------------------------------------------
> What exactly is Melatonin?
>
> "Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of darkness." At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.
> Why take it?
>
> "Studies suggest that... supplements can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills." Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine melatonin's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about melatonin and its effects on the human body. Check out WWL's monthly newsletter for continuous updates.
> Who benefits the most?
>
> Travelers and people suffering from mild sleep disorders. According to Newsweek, a typical comment from discussion groups on the Internet is, "'Folks, I've tried melatonin and it's great. It has ...restored my sleep cycle, given me lots of energy.'"
> What is the recommended dosage?
>
> The appropriate dose can vary enormously from person to person. For example, we offer dosages of 1.2 mg, 1.5 mg and 3.0 mg. Start off with the 1.2 mg dosage each night before bed-time, and work your way to larger doses if needed.
> What is mg, mcg, and what is the difference?
>
> mcg and mg are units of weight, like ounces and pounds, but are applied to tiny fractions of grams -
> 1 mcg = 1 microgram = one-millionth ( 1 / 1,000,000 ) of a gram
> 1 mg = 1 milligram = one-thousandth ( 1 / 1,000 ) of a gram = 1,000 mcg
>
> A 1.5 mg tablet contains five times as much melatonin as a 300 mcg (.3 mg) tablet.
>
> How do I best determine pricing value?
>
> Remember that cost per gram is not necessarily the best indicator. Splitting a pill into two is difficult, and splitting it even farther into equal portions is frustrating and almost impossible. The best way to judge value is to determine the cost per coverage time. For example, a bottle of 100 tablets of 1.5 mg melatonin should last 100 days. If the bottle costs $10.00, the price per day is 10 cents. (Cheap!) Check out WorldWide Labs' prices.
> Are there any side-effects?
>
> According to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for them, and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression, and low sex drive. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses - without causing any toxicity."
> What additional benefits are there and how reliable are these claims?
>
> "In test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it protects cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors." Tests with laboratory mice suggest that melatonin might also reduce the effects of aging - but remember, these results are very preliminary. "...Some experts are appalled to see so many people toying with such a potent hormone. One concern is that high doses, while causing no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. 'Even one milligram, the smallest commercially available dose, is at least three times higher than the normal amount in the body.'"
> Should certain people avoid it?
>
> Yes. "Those include women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia (for the same reason), and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance). Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high doses can act as a contraceptive." As with any substance introduced into your body, if you have a medical condition you should always consult your physician first before taking melatonin.
> Will melatonin extend my lifespan?
>
> There are no human studies to support this contention. In tests on both rats and mice melatonin caused a significant 20% increase in their lifespan. If melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could do so because melatonin may reduce free radical damage; stimulate an aging immune system; protect the cardiovascular system; preserve a youthful circadian rhythm; stimulate the production of growth hormone.
> Will melatonin enhance my sex life?
>
> There is no evidence to support this claim as it relates to humans. However, a 1995 rodent study suggests that taking small amounts of melatonin on a regular basis may prevent the age-related decline in testosterone levels, allowing men to be more active sexually in their later years.
> Is melatonin safe?
>
> Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6 grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dosage) of the substance in carefully monitored studies with no sign of toxicity. Only four complaints regarding melatonin have been report to the FDA (USA's Food and Drug Administration). The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time. In the most extensive clinical trial to date a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects. The FDA reports that in the more than two years melatonin has been available for sale over-the-counter in the United States, no alarming side effects have been reported.
> When should the dosage be administered?
>
> Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime, usually about thirty minutes prior to going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a dosage prior to getting on your flight and a higher dosage pill prior to going to bed. If you commonly sleep during the night, melatonin should not normally be taken during the day - and vice versa - because melatonin plays a role in setting the body's daily clock.
> Does melatonin have that morning-after hangover effect of sleeping pills?
>
> No. You should normally wake up well refreshed and full of energy. If you wake up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you wake up feeling well refreshed. You will not have the hangover effect you may experience with over the counter or prescription sleeping pills.
> What is pharmacy grade melatonin?
>
> Natural, animal, or bovine grade melatonin contains the actual extracts of the pineal gland. Because it comes from animal tissue, this grade of melatonin may be accompanied by viruses or proteins that could cause an antibody response. We highly recommend that people stay away from it.
>
> The alternative is synthetic or pharmacy grade melatonin, which is produced from pharmaceutical grade ingredients. This form is molecularly identical to the melatonin that we produce in our own bodies, without unwanted extras.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> All quotations above are from Newsweek®, November 6, 1995, pages 60 through 63.
>
>
I love melatonin....I have found that (at least for me) it works better tahn Klonopin, sonata, ambien, etc. as a sleep aid....and I wake up feeling wonderful... I would recommed that anyone try melatonin.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 29, 2004, at 14:29:59
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by djmmm on March 29, 2004, at 14:13:10
how much of this do you take? It's not working for me. I have horrible insomnia and sleeping pills take 2 hrs for me to fall asleep.
Posted by Tepiaca on March 29, 2004, at 21:56:20
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by djmmm on March 29, 2004, at 14:13:10
that´great djmm !
since when you are taking it??
what is your dosage?this could be a good alternative to treat my insomnia provoked by Nardil
Please give me some advices
Posted by djmmm on March 30, 2004, at 8:08:12
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement - » djmmm, posted by Tepiaca on March 29, 2004, at 21:56:20
> that´great djmm !
> since when you are taking it??
> what is your dosage?
>
> this could be a good alternative to treat my insomnia provoked by Nardil
>
> Please give me some advices
>I take anywhere between 3 and 12mg... I have been taking it for a long time...it worked well for my nardil insomnia (better than trazadone, benadryl, and benzo's)
Posted by LynneDa on March 30, 2004, at 9:48:54
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by djmmm on March 30, 2004, at 8:08:12
Just thought I'd chime in as I am a Melatonin fan. I had insomnia before going on Lexapro and 3mg of Melatonin worked well. After starting Lex and having worse insomnia, Melatonin did not keep me asleep all night - just helped me to fall asleep. Then, I took Ambien for a week or so, off and on, and I've been on Lex for 5 months . . . suddenly the 3mg of Melatonin does keep me asleep all night. I'm going to start cutting it in half since I'm still groggy in the mornings.
Hope my experiences help. As you can imagine, it effects everyone differently, but I am a big fan of it! Good luck to you all and happy sleeping!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
that´great djmm !
> > since when you are taking it??
> > what is your dosage?
> >
> > this could be a good alternative to treat my insomnia provoked by Nardil
> >
> > Please give me some advices
> >
>
Posted by Tepiaca on March 31, 2004, at 22:28:02
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by djmmm on March 30, 2004, at 8:08:12
hi djmmm , nice to hear that melatonin is working for your nardil insomnia
I ask my doctor about it , but he say , I must not take melatonin with Nardil .
??? rare thing , I dont see why ???I thougth it was safe
What do you think about it???
Posted by shadows721 on April 1, 2004, at 1:10:34
In reply to MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by Tepiaca on March 29, 2004, at 6:25:15
Posted by Tepiaca on April 1, 2004, at 6:09:25
In reply to MELATONIN-It dropped my b/p too low. Be careful (nm), posted by shadows721 on April 1, 2004, at 1:10:34
Interactions
Melatonin should not be taken by people using certain antidepressants, such as Prozac (a serotonin inhibitor) or Nardil (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Interaction between melatonin and these types of antidepressants can cause a stroke or heart attack. Preliminary symptoms include confusion, sweating, shaking, fever, lack of coordination, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and convulsions.
Posted by Basia on April 1, 2004, at 22:16:57
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement - » djmmm, posted by Tepiaca on March 31, 2004, at 22:28:02
hi, i am taking melatonin and am still finding it hard to sleep. i get to sleep all right but wake up a couple of hours later for at least half an hour and am now up at 4 in the morning feeling depressed and hopeless.
I gave up smoking a couple of months ago and am now on the lowest dose of nicotine replacement patch. Could this have anything to do with it?
I am also on Sulpiride, TEgretol Retard and Lamictal 200mg.
I have to be at work in a few hours too and i am sure i am going to crash...
Felt so much better on the Lamictal - a life saver- but can't stand the insomnia.
I had serious interrupted sleep as a smoker but at least i could get back to sleep again...
Any ideas or suggestions much appreciated.
Maybe i should up the melatonin.
thanks.L
Posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 10:42:40
In reply to Look what I found, posted by Tepiaca on April 1, 2004, at 6:09:25
> Wow! Where did you see this? I've never heard any warnings such as this, but of course melatonin and other supplements are unregulated. I've been out of town for a few days or would have responded sooner.
Thanks!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Interactions
> Melatonin should not be taken by people using certain antidepressants, such as Prozac (a serotonin inhibitor) or Nardil (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Interaction between melatonin and these types of antidepressants can cause a stroke or heart attack. Preliminary symptoms include confusion, sweating, shaking, fever, lack of coordination, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and convulsions.
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 10:48:40
In reply to Re: MELATONIN - for insomnia and sexual improvement -, posted by Basia on April 1, 2004, at 22:16:57
Hi Basia -
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time! There's nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and feeling so awful!I've never smoked so not sure about the patch and insomnia. I would imagine anything that puts chemicals in your body could disrupt the natural order of things.
How long have you been on your meds? I've been on Lexapro for about 5 months. My insomnia got worse after I upped my dose. But, after taking Ambien for a week or so when insomnia got too bad, then off and on (about 3 mg) for a couple of weeks after, I am sleeping a bit better. The melatonin did stop working for me for a long time, but now it's working again. Although, with the last post about interactions with ADs, I'm a bit concerned.
Good luck to you! This is a hard road sometimes, isn't it?!?!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by djmmm on April 5, 2004, at 17:03:13
In reply to Look what I found, posted by Tepiaca on April 1, 2004, at 6:09:25
>
> Interactions
> Melatonin should not be taken by people using certain antidepressants, such as Prozac (a serotonin inhibitor) or Nardil (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Interaction between melatonin and these types of antidepressants can cause a stroke or heart attack. Preliminary symptoms include confusion, sweating, shaking, fever, lack of coordination, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and convulsions.
>
>Melatonin is significantly reduced in those who take most antidepressants, beta blockers, and a number of other medications.
Suffering deleterious effects from using melatonin while on another medication is rare.
Melatonin does interact with Fluvoxamine, due to inhibition of CYP1A2 or CYP2C9 liver enzymes.
Melatonin also interacts with nifedipine.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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