Is it safe to take 10mg of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) once?

Safety of Taking 10mg Melatonin Once

Taking 10mg of melatonin once is generally safe for most adults, though it is higher than typically recommended starting doses. 1, 2

Dosage Considerations

Melatonin is commonly used at various doses depending on the indication:

• Recommended starting doses:

  • For adults: 1-5mg approximately 1-2 hours before bedtime 1
  • For elderly patients: Lower doses (1-2mg) are recommended initially 1

• Higher doses:

  • Doses up to 10mg have been used in clinical studies for specific conditions 3, 2
  • A systematic review of higher-dose melatonin (≥10mg) found it appears to have a good safety profile 2

Safety Profile

• Common side effects with 10mg dose:

  • Drowsiness (most common)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness 2

• Risk assessment:

  • A meta-analysis showed melatonin did not increase serious adverse events but did increase minor adverse effects like drowsiness compared to placebo 2
  • No risks of cognitive impairment, dependence, or significant morning sedation (unlike benzodiazepines) 1

Special Considerations

• Timing matters: Taking melatonin at the wrong time of day could cause unwanted daytime sleepiness 4

• Use caution if you have:

  • Epilepsy
  • Hepatic impairment
  • Taking warfarin (potential interaction)
  • Taking multiple medications (check for potential drug interactions) 1, 4

Optimal Administration

• Take on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness 1
• Take 1-2 hours before intended bedtime 1
• Avoid taking early in the day as it may cause sleepiness and disrupt your circadian rhythm 4

Practical Recommendations

While a single 10mg dose is likely safe for most adults, consider:

• Starting with a lower dose (1-2mg) if this is your first time using melatonin 1
• Higher doses (5-10mg) don't necessarily provide additional benefits for sleep induction compared to lower doses 4, 5
• The 10mg dose used in some clinical studies for N24SWD (Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder) showed efficacy without reported serious adverse effects 3

If you're considering regular use of melatonin, consult with a healthcare provider about the appropriate dosage for your specific situation.