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Skip to content Melatonin in itself is known to cause very few side-effects in the short term. When taken as pills externally for up to 3 months, healthy people do not show side effects. Melatonin is generally safe within recommended doses. However, since melatonin pills are several thousand times stronger than body’s own melatonin production there may be some of the side effects of melatonin preparations. Some of these include: Some studies have shown reduction of body temperature. There may be sluggish blood flow on long term use. Melatonin can cause somnolence (drowsiness). This is important for persons operating heavy machinery or driving. Patients on melatonin should be cautioned against driving or operating heavy machinery Melatonin has a dubious role in immunity. In patients who have autoimmune disorders, melatonin supplementation may either exacerbate or reduce symptoms due to immunomodulation. The interactions with immunity are unpredictable. Patients who develop orthostatic hypotension tend to worsen with melatonin. Orthostatic hypotension means sudden fall in blood pressure when a person stands up and there is pooling of blood in the lower limbs. Melatonin supplements tend to worsen this condition. By reducing nerve activity the situation is worsened with melatonin. If melatonin from animal pineal gland is used as supplements, there is a risk of transmission of viral infections from the animal to humans. This risk is eliminated if the synthetic version of the melatonin molecule is used. There have been a few reports on psychomotor disturbances. This includes disorientation, fatigue, headache, dizziness, etc. Some people tend to be more at risk of seizures. Melatonin alone or in combination with other drugs may also raise the risk of blood clotting abnormalities. This may lead to hematuria or blood in urine. There might be some hormonal interactions. Thus pregnant and breast feeding women need to consult their doctors before taking melatonin. There may be some gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea Some patients may be more prone to urinary tract infections Further Reading All Melatonin Content Melatonin - What is Melatonin? Melatonin In Humans Melatonin in Mammals Melatonin in Plants Last Updated: Jun 12, 2023 Currently rated 3.4 by 15 people Written by Dr. Ananya Mandal Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well. Citations Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: APA Mandal, Ananya. (2023, June 12). Melatonin Side Effects. News-Medical. Retrieved on April 17, 2026 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Melatonin-Side-Effects.aspx. MLA Mandal, Ananya. "Melatonin Side Effects". News-Medical . 17 April 2026. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Melatonin-Side-Effects.aspx>. Chicago Mandal, Ananya. "Melatonin Side Effects". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Melatonin-Side-Effects.aspx. (accessed April 17, 2026). Harvard Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Melatonin Side Effects . News-Medical, viewed 17 April 2026, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Melatonin-Side-Effects.aspx. Suggested Reading Newsletters you may be interested in Terms While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided. Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles. Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information. Read the full Terms & Conditions . Provide Feedback