MELATONIN

Drug Name: MELATONIN

MELATONIN DESCRIPTION:
MELATONIN - ORAL

MELATONIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache or altered sleep pattern may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, contact your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly mental or mood changes, itching, fast heartbeat or a sensation of heaviness in the head. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MELATONIN:
THIS PRODUCT: Take this product by mouth generally 2 hours before bedtime. Results may be seen within 30 minutes. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Full benefit is usually seen after 1 to 3 days of use. If your condition persists or worsens or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

MELATONIN USES:
Melatonin has been used to treat sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia and jet lag). The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

MELATONIN PRECAUTIONS:
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using melatonin: disorders of immune system, liver or kidney disease, stroke, depression, epilepsy, diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this product. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Melatonin is not recommended for use in children (under 20 years old). Do not use this product if you plan to become pregnant. It may have a contraceptive (birth control) effect. Melatonin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not known if this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MELATONIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); drugs causing drowsiness such as sleep-aids, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine); and herbs that cause drowsiness (e.g., valerian, kava). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations since many contain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain.

MELATONIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

MELATONIN NOTES:
If you are having surgery, notify your doctors you are taking this herbal product.

MISSED MELATONIN DOSE:
Not applicable.

MELATONIN STORAGE:
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.