Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking melatonin as follows:
- Melatonin must be cautiously used in individuals with history of hypotension and in individuals on antihypertensive medications for poorly controlled hypertension. Melatonin intake carries risk of lowering the blood pressure numbers and consequently, results in episodes of light-headedness and confusion. Individuals with history of hypotension can present with severely low blood pressure numbers, secondary to melatonin intake. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure recordings and report any consistent low readings to your physician, for an appropriate change in your plan of care to be considered.
- Also, melatonin, by lowering the blood pressure, can complement the activity of antihypertensive medications, thus resulting in dangerously low blood pressure numbers. The light-headedness and confusion can add to the daytime drowsiness caused by melatonin, thus increasing the risk for falls and accidents. Avoid taking melatonin along with any antihypertensive medications you might having on your list. Observing a 2 – 3 hour window between the intake of antihypertensive medication and melatonin can help prevent episodes of hypotension and dizziness.
- Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals help maintain appropriate blood levels of melatonin needed to derive the beneficial effect of sleep induction at a defined time.
