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| Boilerpipe Text | Side effects of melatonin include dizziness, headache, nausea, and grogginess. Higher doses can increase these effects. This supplement works best for short-term sleep issues.
Melatonin is a sleep-supporting hormone produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin starts out as
tryptophan
, which you may associate with turkey and sleepiness. Certain parts of the brain convert tryptophan into serotonin, which then makes its way to the pineal gland and becomes melatonin.
1
Melatonin helps you regulate your sleep–wake cycle. It promotes sleep and helps you stay asleep. If you're having problems sleeping, a melatonin supplement may be what you need to tell your body it's time for bed.
Melatonin supplements come in different forms. You can get tablets, capsules, liquid formulations, and gummies.
2
As a supplement, melatonin is
relatively safe
and seems to be at least somewhat effective for jet lag, some sleep disorders, and anxiety around surgery.
2
You won't become physically addicted to melatonin supplements—at least not in the way you can get addicted to prescription sleeping pills, for example,
Chris Winter, MD
, a neurologist, sleep specialist, author, and consultant, told
Health
. That doesn't mean you should make a nightly habit out of taking them, Dr. Winter added.
Although melatonin supplements are generally safe, you may still experience side effects if you're taking more than your body needs. Side effects have been seen with short-term use. It's unknown what the long-term effects are.
2
Taking melatonin can give you a mild case of drowsiness or daytime sleepiness. You're more likely to experience this side effect with higher doses and an extended-release formula.
1
"When someone starts taking melatonin for the first time, they're experiencing a surge of the hormone from the supplement
in addition
to the natural nighttime secretion they're already getting from their brain," said Dr. Winter.
Sometimes, it may not be the melatonin alone that is making you groggy. Certain medications, herbs, and supplements can increase the effects of melatonin.
Don't take melatonin if you're taking benzodiazepines or zolpidem. This combination can make you exceptionally sleepy.
1
You may also experience a mild headache as a side effect of melatonin. Again, higher doses and extended-release formulas, in particular, may make you more prone to headache.
1
Ironically, melatonin is also being studied as a way to prevent headaches—specifically,
migraines
. Research is still ongoing, but melatonin seems to be promising.
3
However, getting better sleep in general may help you prevent these headaches in the first place. Lack of sleep can be one of the
causes of migraines
.
Feeling slightly dizzy can be a side effect of taking melatonin supplements.
2
You probably won't feel super dizzy, like the room is spinning, however. That can be a sign of
vertigo
.
Strangely, melatonin supplements may actually help with vertigo. Research seems to indicate that melatonin can reduce symptoms of vertigo when they first start. Whether melatonin will have a future in the treatment of vertigo is yet to be determined, however.
4
Although usually mild, nausea can show up as a side effect of melatonin supplements. You're more likely to feel a little woozy if you've taken high doses or an extended-release formula.
1
Nausea
can have many other causes. Talk to a healthcare provider if your nausea is particularly severe or troublesome.
Some people can also become psychologically dependent on the idea of taking a supplement to fall asleep.
"It's like a baby blanket," said Dr. Winter. "It's not actually curing anything, but if it becomes a habit, people will feel nervous to go to bed without it. They'll start thinking, 'I didn't take melatonin, now I'm going to wake up during the night and feel horrible the next day.' Then they have anxiety about not being able to sleep."
Other reactions melatonin can cause include insomnia, rash,
gastritis
, and nightmares. These reactions can occur when melatonin is taken in higher doses than what is normally present in the body.
1
You should not take melatonin without the supervision of your healthcare provider if you have an autoimmune disorder. In fact, you may not want to take it at all. Melatonin can aggravate autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
1
Melatonin may also affect the reproductive system. Long-term use of this supplement seems to be associated with decreased
semen quality
.
1
As with any supplement,
liver failure
and interactions with other medications or supplements you're taking can be a concern. Melatonin is unlikely to cause damage to your liver.
5
However, it can have interactions with other things you may be taking.
Interactions with Medications
Combining melatonin with these types of medications can make the medications less effective or make the side effects of melatonin worse:
6
Birth control pills
Diabetes medications
High blood pressure medications
Medications that suppress your immune system
Blood-clotting medications
Seizure medications
Some other medications
For example, taking melatonin while you're on birth control may increase the effects—and side effects—of melatonin. Taking melatonin with diabetes medication might give you low blood sugar, so you'll need to monitor it closely. It can also cause
low blood pressure
if you're taking blood pressure medication.
6
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements to make sure they won't interact with any medications you're taking.
Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
You'll also want to use caution when taking melatonin supplements with other herbs and supplements. Even your morning cup of coffee can make you tired if melatonin supplements are part of your routine. Caffeine, for example, seems to increase melatonin levels.
6
Like the medications above, these types of herbs and supplements can also interact with melatonin:
6
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar
Herbs and supplements that might lower seizure threshold
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
Herbs and supplements that might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing
Vitex agnus-castus
Sometimes the herbs and supplements can affect how melatonin works. Other times, they can increase the side effects of melatonin.
6
Consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking any new herbs or supplements, including melatonin.
Go with the lowest effective dose and don't exceed what's recommended. That way you won't be overloading your system with melatonin—and you'll be less likely to see side effects.
Be aware of interactions with medications, herbs, and other supplements. Certain combinations can make the side effects of melatonin worse.
Don't take melatonin for long periods of time. You could sabotage the effectiveness of your body's internal clock.
"For chronic melatonin users, your body's
circadian rhythm
can get pushed back over time," said Dr. Winter. "So if your brain was naturally secreting melatonin every evening at 7 p.m., it may start to think it doesn't need to secrete it until 11 p.m., for example, because that's when you've been taking a melatonin pill."
There isn't too much known about the long-term effects of melatonin. Consider it a short-term fix if you're going to use it as a sleeping aid. Establishing good sleep habits now can help you prepare for better sleep without the need for supplements in the long run.
Tips for Better Sleep
You may notice feeling extra cranky if you're not getting your beauty rest every night. That's because you need sleep to function at your best.
If you're not getting the quality of sleep you want, these tips for getting into a
solid bedtime routine
can help you change that:
7
Go to bed around the same time every night and get up around the same time every morning. This includes weekends too.
You want your bedroom to be quiet, dark, and relaxing. The room temperature should be at a comfortable level.
Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. This includes TVs, computers, and phones.
Don't eat large meals before bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before hitting the hay because neither will help you sleep.
Don't use tobacco.
Be physically active. Exercising during the day may actually help you get to sleep at night.
In addition,
white noise
and light may make it easier for you to not only fall asleep easier at night, but also wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
It's always best to talk to a healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplement, including melatonin. Other medications can interact with melatonin, sometimes causing low blood sugar or low blood pressure. It's important to be aware of these risks.
You'll also want to get a professional medical opinion if you're still having problems sleeping despite using melatonin.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to use melatonin. It's unclear whether melatonin is safe in these cases.
1 |
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# The Side Effects of Melatonin
By
[Kathleen Felton](https://www.health.com/author/kathleen-felton)
[Kathleen Felton](https://www.health.com/author/kathleen-felton)
Kathleen Felton is a writer, editor, and content strategist with several years of experience working in digital media. She is an expert in health, pregnancy, and women's lifestyle.
[health's editorial guidelines](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046)
Updated on December 8, 2025
Medically reviewed by
[Jonathan B. Jassey, DO](https://www.health.com/author/jonathan-b-jassey-do)
![Jonathan B. Jassey, DO]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/JonathanB.JasseyDO-1d575a3c349944b6b3f17706926ccd56.jpeg)
Medically reviewed by [Jonathan B. Jassey, DO](https://www.health.com/author/jonathan-b-jassey-do)
Jonathan B. Jassey, DO, is a private pediatrician at Bellmore Merrick Medical. Dr. Jassey also specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, autism and other mental health issues.
[learn more](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047)
In This Article
View All
In This Article
- [What Is Melatonin?](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/melatonin-side-effects#toc-what-is-melatonin)
- [Common Side Effects](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/melatonin-side-effects#toc-does-melatonin-make-you-groggy)
- [Other Side Effects](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/melatonin-side-effects#toc-does-melatonin-cause-any-other-side-effects)
- [Preventing Side Effects](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/melatonin-side-effects#toc-how-to-prevent-and-manage-side-effects)
- [When To Seek Care](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/melatonin-side-effects#toc-when-to-talk-to-a-healthcare-provider)
Close
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1407486910-1ba48cbb744a46639f99d9c118580005.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1407486910-1ba48cbb744a46639f99d9c118580005.jpg)
Goodboy Picture Company / Getty Images
- You may develop mild side effects from melatonin, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and sleepiness.
- It is best to use melatonin as a short-term fix, not a long-term solution, if you have trouble sleeping.
- Talk to a doctor before you take melatonin to avoid interactions with medications or supplements.
Side effects of melatonin include dizziness, headache, nausea, and grogginess. Higher doses can increase these effects. This supplement works best for short-term sleep issues.
*Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. The effects of supplements vary from person to person and depend on many variables, including type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements.*
## What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a sleep-supporting hormone produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin starts out as [tryptophan](https://www.health.com/nutrition/why-does-turkey-make-you-sleepy), which you may associate with turkey and sleepiness. Certain parts of the brain convert tryptophan into serotonin, which then makes its way to the pineal gland and becomes melatonin.1
Melatonin helps you regulate your sleep–wake cycle. It promotes sleep and helps you stay asleep. If you're having problems sleeping, a melatonin supplement may be what you need to tell your body it's time for bed.
Melatonin supplements come in different forms. You can get tablets, capsules, liquid formulations, and gummies.2
As a supplement, melatonin is [relatively safe](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/is-it-safe-to-take-melatonin-every-night) and seems to be at least somewhat effective for jet lag, some sleep disorders, and anxiety around surgery.2
You won't become physically addicted to melatonin supplements—at least not in the way you can get addicted to prescription sleeping pills, for example, [Chris Winter, MD](https://www.wchriswinter.com/about.html), a neurologist, sleep specialist, author, and consultant, told *Health*. That doesn't mean you should make a nightly habit out of taking them, Dr. Winter added.
Although melatonin supplements are generally safe, you may still experience side effects if you're taking more than your body needs. Side effects have been seen with short-term use. It's unknown what the long-term effects are.2
## Does Melatonin Make You Groggy?
Taking melatonin can give you a mild case of drowsiness or daytime sleepiness. You're more likely to experience this side effect with higher doses and an extended-release formula.1
"When someone starts taking melatonin for the first time, they're experiencing a surge of the hormone from the supplement *in addition* to the natural nighttime secretion they're already getting from their brain," said Dr. Winter.
Sometimes, it may not be the melatonin alone that is making you groggy. Certain medications, herbs, and supplements can increase the effects of melatonin.
Don't take melatonin if you're taking benzodiazepines or zolpidem. This combination can make you exceptionally sleepy.1
## Does Melatonin Give You Headaches?
You may also experience a mild headache as a side effect of melatonin. Again, higher doses and extended-release formulas, in particular, may make you more prone to headache.1
Ironically, melatonin is also being studied as a way to prevent headaches—specifically, [migraines](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines-overview). Research is still ongoing, but melatonin seems to be promising.3
However, getting better sleep in general may help you prevent these headaches in the first place. Lack of sleep can be one of the [causes of migraines](https://www.health.com/migraine-causes-6950712).
## Does Melatonin Make You Dizzy?
Feeling slightly dizzy can be a side effect of taking melatonin supplements.2 You probably won't feel super dizzy, like the room is spinning, however. That can be a sign of [vertigo](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines/vertigo).
Strangely, melatonin supplements may actually help with vertigo. Research seems to indicate that melatonin can reduce symptoms of vertigo when they first start. Whether melatonin will have a future in the treatment of vertigo is yet to be determined, however.4
## Does Melatonin Make You Nauseous?
Although usually mild, nausea can show up as a side effect of melatonin supplements. You're more likely to feel a little woozy if you've taken high doses or an extended-release formula.1
[Nausea](https://www.health.com/vomiting-8635581) can have many other causes. Talk to a healthcare provider if your nausea is particularly severe or troublesome.
## Does Melatonin Cause Any Other Side Effects?
Some people can also become psychologically dependent on the idea of taking a supplement to fall asleep.
"It's like a baby blanket," said Dr. Winter. "It's not actually curing anything, but if it becomes a habit, people will feel nervous to go to bed without it. They'll start thinking, 'I didn't take melatonin, now I'm going to wake up during the night and feel horrible the next day.' Then they have anxiety about not being able to sleep."
Other reactions melatonin can cause include insomnia, rash, [gastritis](https://www.health.com/gastritis-overview-7481249), and nightmares. These reactions can occur when melatonin is taken in higher doses than what is normally present in the body.1
You should not take melatonin without the supervision of your healthcare provider if you have an autoimmune disorder. In fact, you may not want to take it at all. Melatonin can aggravate autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.1
Melatonin may also affect the reproductive system. Long-term use of this supplement seems to be associated with decreased [semen quality](https://www.health.com/sex/semen-facts).1
As with any supplement, [liver failure](https://www.health.com/condition/hepatitis-c/what-causes-cirrhosis-liver) and interactions with other medications or supplements you're taking can be a concern. Melatonin is unlikely to cause damage to your liver.5 However, it can have interactions with other things you may be taking.
### Interactions with Medications
Combining melatonin with these types of medications can make the medications less effective or make the side effects of melatonin worse:6
- Birth control pills
- Diabetes medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Medications that suppress your immune system
- Blood-clotting medications
- Seizure medications
- Some other medications
For example, taking melatonin while you're on birth control may increase the effects—and side effects—of melatonin. Taking melatonin with diabetes medication might give you low blood sugar, so you'll need to monitor it closely. It can also cause [low blood pressure](https://www.health.com/low-blood-pressure-symptoms-7112551) if you're taking blood pressure medication.6
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements to make sure they won't interact with any medications you're taking.
### Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
You'll also want to use caution when taking melatonin supplements with other herbs and supplements. Even your morning cup of coffee can make you tired if melatonin supplements are part of your routine. Caffeine, for example, seems to increase melatonin levels.6
Like the medications above, these types of herbs and supplements can also interact with melatonin:6
- Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure
- Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar
- Herbs and supplements that might lower seizure threshold
- Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
- Herbs and supplements that might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing
- Vitex agnus-castus
Sometimes the herbs and supplements can affect how melatonin works. Other times, they can increase the side effects of melatonin.6
Consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking any new herbs or supplements, including melatonin.
## How To Prevent and Manage Side Effects
Go with the lowest effective dose and don't exceed what's recommended. That way you won't be overloading your system with melatonin—and you'll be less likely to see side effects.
Be aware of interactions with medications, herbs, and other supplements. Certain combinations can make the side effects of melatonin worse.
Don't take melatonin for long periods of time. You could sabotage the effectiveness of your body's internal clock.
"For chronic melatonin users, your body's [circadian rhythm](https://www.health.com/circadian-rhythm-7496372) can get pushed back over time," said Dr. Winter. "So if your brain was naturally secreting melatonin every evening at 7 p.m., it may start to think it doesn't need to secrete it until 11 p.m., for example, because that's when you've been taking a melatonin pill."
There isn't too much known about the long-term effects of melatonin. Consider it a short-term fix if you're going to use it as a sleeping aid. Establishing good sleep habits now can help you prepare for better sleep without the need for supplements in the long run.
### Tips for Better Sleep
You may notice feeling extra cranky if you're not getting your beauty rest every night. That's because you need sleep to function at your best.
If you're not getting the quality of sleep you want, these tips for getting into a [solid bedtime routine](https://www.health.com/morning-routine-for-sustained-energy-11932614) can help you change that:7
- Go to bed around the same time every night and get up around the same time every morning. This includes weekends too.
- You want your bedroom to be quiet, dark, and relaxing. The room temperature should be at a comfortable level.
- Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. This includes TVs, computers, and phones.
- Don't eat large meals before bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before hitting the hay because neither will help you sleep.
- Don't use tobacco.
- Be physically active. Exercising during the day may actually help you get to sleep at night.
In addition, [white noise](https://www.health.com/sleep-awards-2025-11694146) and light may make it easier for you to not only fall asleep easier at night, but also wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
## When To Talk to a Healthcare Provider
It's always best to talk to a healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplement, including melatonin. Other medications can interact with melatonin, sometimes causing low blood sugar or low blood pressure. It's important to be aware of these risks.
You'll also want to get a professional medical opinion if you're still having problems sleeping despite using melatonin.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to use melatonin. It's unclear whether melatonin is safe in these cases.1
Updated by
[Sarah Vanbuskirk](https://www.health.com/sarah-vanbuskirk-11772503)
![Headshot of Sarah Vanbuskirk]()
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[Sarah Vanbuskirk](https://www.health.com/sarah-vanbuskirk-11772503)
Sarah Vanbuskirk is an experienced journalist and editor who has written for a wide range of local and national publications and websites.
[learn more](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145)
Read more:
- [Wellness](https://www.health.com/wellness)
- [Sleep](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep)
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Other
7 Sources
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1. Savage RA, Zafar N, Yohannan S, Miller JMM. [Melatonin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534823/). In: *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. [Melatonin: What you need to know](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know).
3. Long R, Zhu Y, Zhou S. [Therapeutic role of melatonin in migraine prophylaxis](https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014099). *Medicine (Baltimore)*. 2019;98(3):e14099. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014099
4. Guerra J, Devesa J. [Melatonin exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory effects that could potentially be useful in the treatment of vertigo](https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6641055). *Int J Otolaryngol*. 2021;2021:6641055. doi:10.1155/2021/6641055
5. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. [Melatonin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548519/).
6. MedlinePlus. [Melatonin](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/940.html).
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Are you getting enough sleep?](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/getting-enough-sleep.html)
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| Readable Markdown | Side effects of melatonin include dizziness, headache, nausea, and grogginess. Higher doses can increase these effects. This supplement works best for short-term sleep issues.
Melatonin is a sleep-supporting hormone produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin starts out as [tryptophan](https://www.health.com/nutrition/why-does-turkey-make-you-sleepy), which you may associate with turkey and sleepiness. Certain parts of the brain convert tryptophan into serotonin, which then makes its way to the pineal gland and becomes melatonin.1
Melatonin helps you regulate your sleep–wake cycle. It promotes sleep and helps you stay asleep. If you're having problems sleeping, a melatonin supplement may be what you need to tell your body it's time for bed.
Melatonin supplements come in different forms. You can get tablets, capsules, liquid formulations, and gummies.2
As a supplement, melatonin is [relatively safe](https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/is-it-safe-to-take-melatonin-every-night) and seems to be at least somewhat effective for jet lag, some sleep disorders, and anxiety around surgery.2
You won't become physically addicted to melatonin supplements—at least not in the way you can get addicted to prescription sleeping pills, for example, [Chris Winter, MD](https://www.wchriswinter.com/about.html), a neurologist, sleep specialist, author, and consultant, told *Health*. That doesn't mean you should make a nightly habit out of taking them, Dr. Winter added.
Although melatonin supplements are generally safe, you may still experience side effects if you're taking more than your body needs. Side effects have been seen with short-term use. It's unknown what the long-term effects are.2
Taking melatonin can give you a mild case of drowsiness or daytime sleepiness. You're more likely to experience this side effect with higher doses and an extended-release formula.1
"When someone starts taking melatonin for the first time, they're experiencing a surge of the hormone from the supplement *in addition* to the natural nighttime secretion they're already getting from their brain," said Dr. Winter.
Sometimes, it may not be the melatonin alone that is making you groggy. Certain medications, herbs, and supplements can increase the effects of melatonin.
Don't take melatonin if you're taking benzodiazepines or zolpidem. This combination can make you exceptionally sleepy.1
You may also experience a mild headache as a side effect of melatonin. Again, higher doses and extended-release formulas, in particular, may make you more prone to headache.1
Ironically, melatonin is also being studied as a way to prevent headaches—specifically, [migraines](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines-overview). Research is still ongoing, but melatonin seems to be promising.3
However, getting better sleep in general may help you prevent these headaches in the first place. Lack of sleep can be one of the [causes of migraines](https://www.health.com/migraine-causes-6950712).
Feeling slightly dizzy can be a side effect of taking melatonin supplements.2 You probably won't feel super dizzy, like the room is spinning, however. That can be a sign of [vertigo](https://www.health.com/condition/headaches-and-migraines/vertigo).
Strangely, melatonin supplements may actually help with vertigo. Research seems to indicate that melatonin can reduce symptoms of vertigo when they first start. Whether melatonin will have a future in the treatment of vertigo is yet to be determined, however.4
Although usually mild, nausea can show up as a side effect of melatonin supplements. You're more likely to feel a little woozy if you've taken high doses or an extended-release formula.1
[Nausea](https://www.health.com/vomiting-8635581) can have many other causes. Talk to a healthcare provider if your nausea is particularly severe or troublesome.
Some people can also become psychologically dependent on the idea of taking a supplement to fall asleep.
"It's like a baby blanket," said Dr. Winter. "It's not actually curing anything, but if it becomes a habit, people will feel nervous to go to bed without it. They'll start thinking, 'I didn't take melatonin, now I'm going to wake up during the night and feel horrible the next day.' Then they have anxiety about not being able to sleep."
Other reactions melatonin can cause include insomnia, rash, [gastritis](https://www.health.com/gastritis-overview-7481249), and nightmares. These reactions can occur when melatonin is taken in higher doses than what is normally present in the body.1
You should not take melatonin without the supervision of your healthcare provider if you have an autoimmune disorder. In fact, you may not want to take it at all. Melatonin can aggravate autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.1
Melatonin may also affect the reproductive system. Long-term use of this supplement seems to be associated with decreased [semen quality](https://www.health.com/sex/semen-facts).1
As with any supplement, [liver failure](https://www.health.com/condition/hepatitis-c/what-causes-cirrhosis-liver) and interactions with other medications or supplements you're taking can be a concern. Melatonin is unlikely to cause damage to your liver.5 However, it can have interactions with other things you may be taking.
### Interactions with Medications
Combining melatonin with these types of medications can make the medications less effective or make the side effects of melatonin worse:6
- Birth control pills
- Diabetes medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Medications that suppress your immune system
- Blood-clotting medications
- Seizure medications
- Some other medications
For example, taking melatonin while you're on birth control may increase the effects—and side effects—of melatonin. Taking melatonin with diabetes medication might give you low blood sugar, so you'll need to monitor it closely. It can also cause [low blood pressure](https://www.health.com/low-blood-pressure-symptoms-7112551) if you're taking blood pressure medication.6
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements to make sure they won't interact with any medications you're taking.
### Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
You'll also want to use caution when taking melatonin supplements with other herbs and supplements. Even your morning cup of coffee can make you tired if melatonin supplements are part of your routine. Caffeine, for example, seems to increase melatonin levels.6
Like the medications above, these types of herbs and supplements can also interact with melatonin:6
- Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure
- Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar
- Herbs and supplements that might lower seizure threshold
- Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
- Herbs and supplements that might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing
- Vitex agnus-castus
Sometimes the herbs and supplements can affect how melatonin works. Other times, they can increase the side effects of melatonin.6
Consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking any new herbs or supplements, including melatonin.
Go with the lowest effective dose and don't exceed what's recommended. That way you won't be overloading your system with melatonin—and you'll be less likely to see side effects.
Be aware of interactions with medications, herbs, and other supplements. Certain combinations can make the side effects of melatonin worse.
Don't take melatonin for long periods of time. You could sabotage the effectiveness of your body's internal clock.
"For chronic melatonin users, your body's [circadian rhythm](https://www.health.com/circadian-rhythm-7496372) can get pushed back over time," said Dr. Winter. "So if your brain was naturally secreting melatonin every evening at 7 p.m., it may start to think it doesn't need to secrete it until 11 p.m., for example, because that's when you've been taking a melatonin pill."
There isn't too much known about the long-term effects of melatonin. Consider it a short-term fix if you're going to use it as a sleeping aid. Establishing good sleep habits now can help you prepare for better sleep without the need for supplements in the long run.
### Tips for Better Sleep
You may notice feeling extra cranky if you're not getting your beauty rest every night. That's because you need sleep to function at your best.
If you're not getting the quality of sleep you want, these tips for getting into a [solid bedtime routine](https://www.health.com/morning-routine-for-sustained-energy-11932614) can help you change that:7
- Go to bed around the same time every night and get up around the same time every morning. This includes weekends too.
- You want your bedroom to be quiet, dark, and relaxing. The room temperature should be at a comfortable level.
- Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. This includes TVs, computers, and phones.
- Don't eat large meals before bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before hitting the hay because neither will help you sleep.
- Don't use tobacco.
- Be physically active. Exercising during the day may actually help you get to sleep at night.
In addition, [white noise](https://www.health.com/sleep-awards-2025-11694146) and light may make it easier for you to not only fall asleep easier at night, but also wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
It's always best to talk to a healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplement, including melatonin. Other medications can interact with melatonin, sometimes causing low blood sugar or low blood pressure. It's important to be aware of these risks.
You'll also want to get a professional medical opinion if you're still having problems sleeping despite using melatonin.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to use melatonin. It's unclear whether melatonin is safe in these cases.1 |
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