Dosage
The normal dosage of melatonin is a dose of two milligrams daily. These should be taken one to two hours before the desired bedtime. The dosage can be maintained over 13 weeks and should not be taken permanently.
Since these are slow-release tablets, the tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or bitten.
- There is no study situation and no approval for use by children.
- Since melatonin is excreted via the kidney, dose adjustment may be necessary in cases of kidney damage. However, this has not yet been further investigated.
What happens in case of overdose
In case of a significant overdose, daytime sleepiness and lack of concentration must be expected. The frequency of other side effects is not increased by this. Since melatonin is quickly broken down by the body, no special measures are necessary. The active ingredient should lose its effect after about 12 hours.
Price
A package of 30 tablets of Circadin, the only preparation approved in Germany, costs 35 euros. Concerned ones must carry however only five euro additional payment out, since the preparation is financed by the health insurance company. From prescription-free variants from abroad one advises against, since it concerns often falsifications and the preparations are illegal in Germany.
Is melatonin available over the counter
For some people, good sleep hygiene can already help to improve symptoms. This includes a regular bedtime with not too long periods in bed and a very dark, quiet sleeping environment. Rituals, such as a warm drink to help you fall asleep, can also improve sleep.
If the sleep disturbances persist and lead to an impairment in everyday life, the family doctor can prescribe sleeping pills, such as Z-Drugs. However, since these have a high habituation effect and can also be addictive, they should be used with caution.