Many prescription medications can cause psychological side effects. But what about a popular over-the-counter dietary supplement? Can melatonin cause anxiety?
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What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone, or chemical messenger, that plays a key role in the sleep/wake cycle. It is produced by the pineal gland, which is a part of the endocrine system that is located within the brain.
The production of melatonin occurs primarily at night. During daylight hours, the pineal gland receives inhibitory signals that suppress its functioning. When the optic nerve senses darkness, these inhibitory signals cease, which activates the pineal gland.
Melatonin doesn’t have direct sedative effects. Instead, it signals to other parts of the brain and central nervous system that it’s time to sleep.
Supplements
People who have been experiencing insomnia, jet lag, and some other conditions may take melatonin supplements, which can be purchased without a prescription
Some of these supplements contain melatonin that has been extracted from animals, while most are composed of synthetic melatonin. Questions such as, can melatonin cause anxiety, refer to supplements, not the hormone that is naturally produced in the human body.
As dietary supplements, these products aren’t subject to the same level of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that prescription and over-the-counter medications are. This has raised many concerns among health experts, including doubts that the supplements’ packaging accurately reflects their, including the amount of melatonin they contain.
Adverse Effects
Though it can be beneficial when used on a short-term basis by people who have been experiencing some sleep-related problems, supplemental melatonin has also been linked with several unpleasant side effects.
The most frequently reported adverse effects include:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Headache
- Daytime drowsiness
- Intense nightmares
Less common but more serious potential side effects include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Nighttime incontinence (bedwetting)
- Allergic reactions including rash and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
- Mood swings
Melatonin supplements can also have problematic interactions with several prescription medications, including some antidepressants, contraceptives, immunosuppressants, and anticonvulsants.
If you are taking any prescription drugs, you should consult with your physician before using melatonin or other dietary supplements.
Can Melatonin Cause Anxiety?
Though most of melatonin’s side effects involve physical distress, there have been reports of psychological concerns such as confusion and mood swings.
Could the mental health impact of these supplements include more severe symptoms? For example, can melatonin cause anxiety or depression?
Some sources have identified short-term depression as a possible side effect of melatonin supplements, especially if a person exceeds the recommended dosage or takes the supplements for an extended period.
Researchers have not found evidence of melatonin directly causing anxiety. However, other side effects – such as confusion, drowsiness, and nightmares – could lead to the onset of anxiety-like symptoms. Also, negative interactions between melatonin and some prescription medications could also contribute to feelings of anxiety
Coming at this topic from a different angle, multiple studies have explored the potential benefits of melatonin as a treatment for anxiety:
- A December 2022 report in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that melatonin demonstrated promise for relieving both pre- and postoperative anxiety among people who were undergoing hysterectomies, laminectomies, and colorectal surgeries.
- A randomized control trial that was published in October 2018 found that melatonin outperformed oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) at improving sleep quality and decreasing anxiety among some coronary patients.
- A study in the July-Sept 2018 edition of the journal Anesthesia: Essays and Researches determined that melatonin did better than alprazolam (also a benzodiazepine) at reducing preoperative anxiety among adults.
What Are Other Causes of Anxiety?
Anxiety is a general term that can refer to several disorders, all of which involve excessive worry and/or disproportionate fear, as well as other symptoms that can vary from one condition to the next.
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes entries for the several anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- Specific phobia
- Agoraphobia
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Selective mutism
Risk factors for these disorders include:
- Family history of anxiety
- Personality traits such as behavioral inhibition and neuroticism
- History of abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences ACEs
- Exposure to overwhelming stressors
- Genetic variations
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Certain prescription medications
- Various health conditions
Untreated anxiety can have a profound negative impact on your ability to live a full, productive, and satisfying life. But when you get appropriate care from a reputable provider, you can learn to manage your symptoms and regain control of your thoughts and feelings.
Find Anxiety Treatment in Atlanta
Valor Behavioral Health is a trusted source of personalized outpatient programming for adults and adolescents who have been living with anxiety and other mental health concerns. We also offer dual diagnosis services for patients who have co-occurring substance use disorders (addictions).
Treatment options at our center in Atlanta, GA, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an evening IOP, and an outpatient program. At each level, adults and adolescents are cared for in separate, age appropriate programs.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you decide if Valor Behavioral Health is the ideal place for you or your loved one.
