Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Melatonin as follows:
- Melatonin intake in high doses, especially in individuals with compromised immune system, can help with increasing and boosting the immune response. Individuals with history of poorly controlled autoimmune diseases, such as, psoriasis, SLE, and rheumatoid arthritis, usually will be placed on steroids and other immunosuppressant medications, to prevent activation of immune response. Melatonin intake in such individuals can compromise the therapeutic benefit of steroids and other immunosuppressant medications, thus mounting a strong immune response and resulting in activation of the autoimmune conditions. Melatonin must be used with extreme caution or avoided in such individuals, to prevent activation of the underlying autoimmune conditions.
- Avoid taking melatonin with blood thinners, as melatonin can interact with blood thinners, such as, coumadin and plavix, thus potentiating their effects on blood thinning. This can significantly increase the risk for bleeding. While you are on melatonin, if you are prescribed any blood thinners, double check with your physician regarding your risk for bruising and bleeding. Also, closely observe for findings of internal bleeding, such as, black tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red colored urine, and frank bleeding per rectum, and report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
