Melatonin 1 mg Chewable Tablets are designed particularly for kids and adults who have difficulty falling or maintaining sleep.
Melatonin is considered the first-line treatment for patients who have a sleep disorder. It is not regulated by the FDA but still, the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) recommends it as a first-line for insomnia.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It regulates the sleep cycle. Melatonin helps in inducing and maintaining sleep.
In a meta-analysis, the efficacy of melatonin was assessed. It was found to be effective in inducing sleep as patients slept about 7 minutes faster and had a longer and better quality sleep [Ref]
Unlike other sleep medicines, it is less likely to be associated with next-day somnolence, daytime drowsiness, or impairment in higher motor functions.
Melatonin Non-FDA-Approved Indications:
Melatonin is a medicine that's not officially approved but is used to help with different problems like:
- Trouble falling asleep at night (Primary Insomnia)
- Difficulty sleeping because of getting older (Age-related Insomnia)
- Feeling messed up because of traveling to different time zones (Jet-lag disorder)
- Sleep issues due to working in shifts (Shift work sleep disorder)
- Problems with sleep after a head injury (Post-traumatic brain injury)
- Sleep problems related to diseases that affect the brain (Neurodegenerative diseases)
Besides helping people sleep, melatonin is also found to be useful for kids with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and kids with autism who find it hard to fall asleep.
Melatonin for Cancer Symptoms:
Researchers are looking into whether Melatonin, a substance that our bodies produce, could be helpful in treating cancer when used alongside regular treatments.
This is because Melatonin is believed to have properties that can reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and act as an antioxidant.
Studies are being conducted to see if Melatonin can lessen the side effects of chemotherapy, improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients, and help them sleep better.
For example, it has been observed that Melatonin can decrease the occurrence of mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes) after radiotherapy and possibly reduce anemia in cancer patients undergoing treatment with Cisplatin.
In the case of colon cancer, some researchers suggest using Melatonin along with Subcutaneous IL-2 as a second-line therapy. There's ongoing research exploring Melatonin's potential in treating metastatic breast cancer as well.
However, it's important to note that not all studies have found positive effects of Melatonin in these cancer treatments.
Melatonin Dose:
Melatonin is prescribed in different amounts for different health issues. Typically, people begin with a dose of 0.5 mg or 1 mg each day after dinner or at a specific time during the night.
For individuals who prefer not to use traditional sleep medications but are dealing with insomnia, we often suggest a daily intake of 1 mg of Melatonin at 11 PM.
Younger individuals who go to bed earlier can take Melatonin at a consistent time, starting anytime after 6 PM.
This helps establish a routine for better sleep.
Melatonin Side Effects:
Melatonin is a very safe dietary supplement.
However, it can cause any of the following side effects:
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Altered taste
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Bedwetting
Is Melatonin Safe for Children:
Melatonin has been researched in children, and it's generally seen as safe when taken in the right amounts and under the guidance of a doctor.
Some early reports suggested a possible connection between melatonin use and delayed puberty in children.
However, later studies have not confirmed this link.
Currently, doctors use melatonin in children to address various disorders, including:
- Dyssomnias (sleep-wake cycle disturbances)
- Sleep issues in children with mental abnormalities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Melatonin is also being used to treat:
- Migraine headache
- Cluster Headache
- Depression
- Nicotine withdrawal
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal
- Jet-lag
- Chemo-associated thrombocytopenia
Melatonin 1 mg in Pakistan:
Melatonin comes in different forms such as regular oral tablets, chewable tablets, and gummies.
Specifically for children, there are 1 mg chewable tablets designed for those who are at least 3 years old.
For older adults, melatonin is available in 3 mg and 5 mg oral tablets.
The prices vary, ranging from PKR 500 to 2000, depending on the strength and quality of the tablets.
Melatonin 1 mg in Pakistan costs around PKR 1200 to PKR 1500 for 60 tablets (2 months)