10 Best Sleep Supplements Backed by Pharmacists
Find the best sleep supplements that can help improve your rest, including melatonin, tryptophan, and GABA.
melatonin
Used for Insomnia
Used for Insomnia
Melatonin is a supplement that's taken to help with sleep problems due to conditions like insomnia or jet lag. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different formulations, including oral pills and sprays, skin patches, and topical creams. Various melatonin products have different instructions and age recommendations, so speak with your provider or pharmacist to check if it's safe for children. Melatonin is pretty well tolerated, but possible side effects include daytime sleepiness, headaches, and nausea.
What is Melatonin?
What is Melatonin used for?
How Melatonin works
Melatonin is a supplement. It's a synthetic (man-made) version of a naturally occurring hormone made by your brain. Your body makes more melatonin when it's dark, and this tells your body it's time to sleep. If you don't have enough melatonin, you might have trouble sleeping. Taking melatonin might help some people fall asleep faster and stay on a regular sleep schedule.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Various brand names |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dietary supplement |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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Side effects of Melatonin
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Daytime sleepiness
Less Common Side Effects
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Bedwetting (in children only)
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The following Melatonin side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bedwetting in children
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness the day after use
- Headache
- Nausea
Get your GoodRx coupon
$6.07
GoodRx discount
$5.15
Pros and cons of Melatonin
Pros
- Generally well tolerated with very few side effects
- Usually not habit-forming like some other sleep aids
- Available over the counter (OTC) in many different dosage forms and strengths
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Might not contain the correct amount of active ingredient since it's not as regulated by the FDA
- Can cause daytime drowsiness in older adults
- Unknown whether it's safe for long-term use
- Shouldn't be used as a first-choice option to treat insomnia
Pharmacist tips for Melatonin
- Melatonin is a supplement, not a medication. FDA regulations for supplements are less strict, so companies don't have to prove safety and efficacy to the same degree as prescription or OTC medications. Talk to your provider before using melatonin or any new product.
- Melatonin comes in many different dosage forms and strengths. Choose a reputable product by making sure there is a USP-verified label on the bottle.
- Melatonin can interact with certain medications like oral contraceptives. Ask your pharmacist about medication interactions before you start taking melatonin.
- Melatonin isn't recommended for people with dementia, and it can lead to more side effects in older adults, like daytime sleepiness. Talk to your provider before taking melatonin to avoid any potential side effects.
- Melatonin causes drowsiness and sleepiness. Don't drive, operate machinery, or participate in activities that require alertness while taking this product until you know how it affects you.
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Risks and warnings for Melatonin
Melatonin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Worsening of certain medical conditions
- Risk factors: Bleeding disorder | Low blood pressure | Seizure conditions | Depression
Melatonin can make certain medical conditions worse. These medical conditions can include bleeding conditions, low blood pressure, seizure conditions, and depression. Talk to your provider if you have any medical conditions before starting melatonin.
Overdose in children
- Risk factors: Easy access to melatonin inside the home
Intentional or accidental overdose with melatonin is a possibility. This can be serious and result in hospitalization. Be sure your child doesn't have access to this medication without adult supervision.
Interactions with other medications
- Risk factors: Taking multiple medications
Melatonin can interact with many medications, including oral contraceptives, blood pressure and diabetes medications, and transplant medications. Be sure you have a full list of all the medications you take to show your provider or pharmacist. This way, they can check for any potential interactions between your medications and melatonin.
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Melatonin dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 3mg of Melatonin is $6.41 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 15.21% off the average retail price of $7.56.
Typical dosage for Melatonin
Your dose will vary based on your age and how you respond to the product.
-
Adults: The typical dose is up to 8 mg by mouth a day for up to 6 months.
-
Children: The typical dose is up to 3 mg by mouth a day for up to 3 months.
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How much does Melatonin cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Melatonin (generic)
$5.15
Melatonin contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Melatonin will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently pregnant
- Currently breastfeeding
- Autoimmune conditions
What are alternatives to Melatonin?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Melatonin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Melatonin
Melatonin Overdose: What You Should Know
Taking high doses of melatonin increases the risk of side effects. Learn if it’s possible to overdose on melatonin, how much melatonin to take, and more.
Melatonin Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Melatonin supplements may help you get a better night’s sleep. Here’s our melatonin dosage guide for adults and children.
Melatonin Sprays for Sleep: Do They Really Work?
Learn about the effectiveness of melatonin spray, safety considerations for children, and if melatonin spray works as well as other sleep aids.
Ramelteon (Rozerem) vs. Melatonin: How These Sleep Treatments Compare
Learn the key differences between ramelteon (Rozerem) and melatonin, including prescription strengths and interactions, to determine which sleep aid is better for your needs.
6 Melatonin Side Effects You Should Know About
Melatonin does not have many common side effects, however, there are some that may cause concern. Learn all about melatonin side effects here.
Is It Safe to Take Melatonin if You’re Pregnant?
It’s best to avoid taking melatonin while you’re pregnant. Learn why melatonin isn’t recommended and safer options to help with pregnancy-related sleep issues.
What Medications Can Cause Vivid Dreams and Nightmares?
Nightmares and vivid dreams can be side effects of numerous medications and supplements, such as melatonin. Read on to see what medications most commonly cause nightmares.
Is It Safe to Combine Melatonin and Alcohol?
You might think melatonin is safe to take with alcohol given your body produces it naturally, but mixing them could cause side effects. Here’s what you need to know.
6 Health Benefits of Taking Melatonin Beyond Sleep
Melatonin is a popular natural sleep aid. But did you know this hormone may also help your gut? Learn about melatonin benefits for digestion, anxiety, and more.
