From the Research
Effect of Melatonin on Epilepsy
- Melatonin has been reported to decrease epileptic seizure frequency, with no long-term side effects 1.
- A pilot study found that melatonin decreased diurnal seizures significantly compared to placebo in patients with intractable epilepsy 1.
- However, a review of published data found that the evidence for melatonin affecting seizure control is limited, and the few studies available have reported conflicting results 2.
- Experimental data suggests that melatonin has anticonvulsant properties, inhibiting audiogenic and electrical seizures, as well as reducing convulsions induced by various substances 3.
- A clinical trial found that add-on melatonin reduced the severity of epilepsy and improved sleep quality in adult patients with idiopathic generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone 4.
- Melatonin has been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its potential antiepileptic effects 5.
Mechanisms of Melatonin's Effect on Epilepsy
- Melatonin may modulate the electrical activity of neurons by reducing glutamatergic and enhancing GABA-ergic neurotransmission 3.
- Melatonin and its metabolites act as free radical scavengers and antioxidants, which may help to reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in epilepsy 3, 5.
- Melatonin may play a regulatory role in the cardiorespiratory system and sleep-wake cycles, which may have positive implications for epilepsy-associated comorbidities 5.
Clinical Implications
- Melatonin may be a useful adjunct therapy for epilepsy, particularly in patients with intractable epilepsy or those who are drug-resistant 1, 4.
- Further studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of melatonin in the treatment of epilepsy 2, 3, 5.
- Large, well-designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to determine the role of melatonin in epilepsy treatment 2, 3.