Melatonin

I seem to remember several people in the sz and psychosis forum mentioning they use melatonin (for sleep, I assume).

Since my son has gone off his AP, his old sleep problems are back. He's been using olanzapine PRN to help him sleep. He was getting a little desperate, so finally I suggested melatonin. He took it last night, and it worked.

I told him to buy the lowest dose he could find, look for a brand that was made in a laboratory, and take it one hour before bedtime.

Any other tips? Any problems we should be aware of?

I'm going to ask him to tell his pdoc at his next appointment. I've suggested he see a sleep specialist, but he's refused, saying it would be too much of a hassle.

I never had issues using melatonin. i did on occasion have a feeling of pressure in my ears while taking it, but I am not sure if the med caused it.

Melatonin never did much for me, it gave me horrible fever like nightmares when I eventually got to sleep, though I may have taken too much. It is supposed to be a lot healthier than taking hypnotics though.

Supposed to be healthier yes but Melatonin is a hormone and messing with hormones long term is a bad idea, so still be careful.

Over in the UK it is very tightly restricted & only available by prescription which is hard to get. Only to people over 55 for 3 weeks maximum I think.

I'm glad it helped your son though Costello but I'd try not become dependent on it. I think asking/telling the p-doc is a great idea.

I take 10mg sometimes. I don't go longer than a week on it though. The bottle says not to.

I agree. This is why I've never recommended it to him before. I wish he'd see a sleep specialist.

Thanks for all the feedback. Maybe if low melatonin is his problem he can do other things to naturally boost his levels - like making sure his bedroom is as dark as possible and turning off all screens at night.

I take 20-30mg nightly. I buy the 10mg tablets. They knock me out within 30-45 minutes and keep me out.

Thanks. How long have you been using it?

IIsn't that a little high?

I've been using it since I was a teenager. So. About. 7 years now.

And as for it being a high dose, eh. I don't think so. I guess it depends on the person. Melatonin is a natural body chemical and some people lack more than others or their bodies make it at the wrong time.

My son took the melatonin again last night, but he woke up early. Maybe the time released version would be better?

I've never used xr so I'm not sure.

i never had issues with meletonin. but it wasnt strong enough for me.

Yup. I take it to calm down enough for my 200mg of hydroxyzine and 20mg of Valium to knock me out. Without the melotonin, my sleep meds alone don't knock me out.