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Melatonin
Supports Normal Sleep Patterns
by Source Naturals
This hormone is manufactured
from serotonin and involves synchronization
of hormonal secretions relating to our
sleep-wake cycles. It is stimulated by
darkness and suppressed by light. This
supplement can be beneficial for those
who suffer from insomnia, a common complaint
of those who suffer from fibromyalgia. |
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Melatonin
and Fibromyalgia
Preliminary evidence indicates that melatonin, a
molecule that is endogenously produced, may be effective
in treating the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Although melatonin is commonly known as a sleep aid
(sleep/wake problems are common in fibromyalgia sufferers),
it has a variety of other beneficial effects that
may account for its potential benefits in the treatment
of fibromyalgia.
Note: Melatonin should not be used for long term
supplementation. Those who suffer from depression
and are taking certain prescription medication are
advised against taking melatonin.
Melatonin and Insomnia
Although results are still controversial, studies
suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep
in people with disrupted circadian rhythms, such as
those suffering from fibromyalgia, jet lag, poor vision,
and those with low melatonin levels. In fact, a few
studies suggest that when taken for short periods
of time (days to weeks) melatonin is significantly
more effective than a placebo, or “dummy pill,”
in decreasing the amount of time required to fall
asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and
boosting daytime alertness.
In addition, at least one study suggests that melatonin
may improve the quality of life in people who suffer
from insomnia, a common symptom of fibromyalgia sufferers.
Although research suggests that melatonin may be modestly
effective for treating certain types of insomnia,
few studies have investigated whether melatonin supplements
are safe and effective for long term use.
Melatonin, Anxiety, and Depression
Those with fibromyalgia are very familiar with the
anxiety and depression that can accompany this condition.
A recent study of postmenopausal women, who commonly
have fibromyalgia symptoms, found that melatonin alleviated
both depression and anxiety.
Additionally, other studies have shown that people
who suffer from major depression or panic disorder
have low levels of melatonin. Healthy individuals
with mild episodic depression and patients who have
Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD -- a mild depression
that correlates with fall and winter -- periods of
light-phase shortening) also have lower than normal
melatonin levels.
Furthermore, experimental studies show that melatonin
causes a surge in the chemical serotonin, which helps
alleviate symptoms of depressive illness, including
major and mild depression and SAD. Melatonin should
be used with caution in people with depression and
should be appropriately timed with light therapy and
sleep-phase changes. Disruption of normal circadian
rhythm by poorly timed melatonin administration may
worsen depression.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the
following medications, you should not use melatonin
without first discussing it with your doctor.
Antidepressant Medications
In an animal study, melatonin supplements reduced
the antidepressant effects of desipramine and fluoxetine.
More research is needed to determine whether these
effects would occur in people. In addition, fluoxetine
(a member of a class of drugs called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) has led to measurable
depletion of melatonin in people.
Antipsychotic Medications
A common side effect of antipsychotic medications
used to treat schizophrenia is a condition called
tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder of the mouth
characterized by a constant chewing motion and darting
action of the tongue. In a study of 22 people with
schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia caused by antipsychotic
medications, those who took melatonin supplements
had significantly reduced mouth movements compared
to those who did not take the supplements.
Benzodiazepines
The combination of melatonin and triazolam (a benzodiazepine
medication used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders)
improved sleep quality in one study. In addition,
there have been a few reports suggesting that melatonin
supplements may help individuals stop using long-term
benzodiazepine therapy. (Benzodiazepines are highly
addictive.)
Blood Pressure Medications
Melatonin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure
medications like methoxamine and clonidine. In addition,
medications in a class called calcium channel blockers
(such as nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine,
nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and bepridil)
may decrease melatonin levels.
Use of Beta-Blockers (another class of high
blood pressure medications including propranolol,
acebutolol, atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, pindolol,
nadolol, sotalol, and timolol) may reduce melatonin
production in the body.
Blood-Thinning Medications, Anticoagulants
Melatonin may increase the risk of bleeding from anticoagulant
medications such as warfarin.
Interleukin-2
In one study of 80 cancer patients, use of melatonin
in conjunction with interleukin-2 led to more tumor
regression and better survival rates than treatment
with interleukin-2 alone.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce the levels of
melatonin in the blood.
Steroids and Immunosuppressant
Medications
People should not take melatonin with corticosteroids
or other medications used to suppress the immune system
because the supplement may cause them to be ineffective.
Tamoxifen
Preliminary research suggests that the combination
of tamoxifen (a chemotherapy drug) and melatonin may
benefit certain patients with breast and other cancers.
More research is needed to confirm these results.
Supplement Facts
Capsules per Container: 200 Peppermint Sublingual
tablets, 1 mg
Serving Size: One (1) Tablet
Servings per Container: 200
Suggested Use: 1 to 3 tablets at bedtime. Do not take
more than 5 tablets daily unless recommended by your
physician. Place tablet under the tongue and allow
to dissolve slowly, altering the position of the tablet
to avoid prolonged contact with the same area.
Supplement Facts for 1 mg Peppermint
Sublingual
Serving Size: 1 tablet |
Amount per Serving |
% Daily Value |
| Melatonin |
|
† |
|
Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: sorbitol, mannitol,
natural peppermint flavor, stearic acid & magnesium
stearate.
Warning: USE ONLY AT BEDTIME. For adult
use only. Not for use by children, teenagers, or women
who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are under medical supervision, or have an autoimmune
disease, diabetes, a depressive disorder, a thyroid
condition, epilepsy, leukemia, or a lymphoproliferative
disorder, or are taking MAO inhibitor drugs or corticosteroids
such as hydrocortisone or prednisone, consult with
your physician before taking this product.
STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. Do not use
if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Manufactured by Source Naturals
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Melatonin
Supports Normal Sleep Patterns by Source Naturals
200 Peppermint Sublingual tablets, 1 mg
$9.95 - Discount Price
(Retail Price $15.75 - Save 35%)
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