Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking melatonin as follows:
- Do not take melatonin with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the drowsiness and confusion caused by melatonin. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the drowsiness caused by melatonin and so, must be avoided taking along with melatonin.
- Caffeine and alcohol can compromise the sleep inducing effect of melatonin, thus contributing to increased wakefulness, delayed sleep onset, interrupted sleep patterns, and consequent restlessness. So, avoid consumption of caffeinated drinks and alcohol, along with or around the time of melatonin intake.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
- Notify your doctor regarding any continuing difficulty falling sleep, difficulty staying sleep, and any daytime drowsiness, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
