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Melatonin: uses, side effects & brands
Melatonin is a sleep-timing hormone used for insomnia and jet lag. It belongs to the Sleep & sedative (non-benzodiazepine) group. These help short-term sleep problems; most are for brief use to avoid dependence.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Sleep & sedative (non-benzodiazepine) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Jet lag
- Short-term insomnia in older adults
- Sleep problems in some children with neurodevelopmental conditions (specialist use)
- Shift-work or body-clock sleep problems
Common brand names
- India: Meloset, Zytonin, Restwel
- Worldwide: Circadin, (melatonin brands)
Common side effects
- Daytime sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vivid dreams
Before taking it — precautions
- Avoid alcohol and do not drive if drowsy
- Tell the doctor if on blood thinners, fluvoxamine or epilepsy medicines
- Not well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe allergic rash or swelling (urgent)
- New seizures
- Low mood that is worsening
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of melatonin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Is melatonin a sleeping pill?
Not exactly. It is a hormone that signals night-time to your body clock, so it mainly helps with timing of sleep.
Is melatonin habit-forming?
It is not known to cause dependence like many sleeping pills.
Can children take it?
Only under a doctor's advice, usually for specific sleep disorders.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.