Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking melatonin as follows: Melatonin must be cautiously used in individuals with history of diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugars. Melatonin intake can compromise the therapeutic effect of medications taken for blood sugar control and carries risk of poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of poor blood sugar control, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Melatonin as follows: Melatonin is extensively metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of melatonin can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, melatonin could be avoided for an alternative medication or used with caution and dose adjusted accordingly, in individuals with hepatic dysfunction, [...]

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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Melatonin as follows: Melatonin can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on melatonin, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with melatonin. Also, if you have been taking melatonin for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of melatonin intake, when you are being started on any [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using melatonin as follows: Metabolic side-effects Melatonin intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hyperglycemia. Individuals with history of poorly controlled diabetes, taking melatonin, can present with increased frequency of episodes of confusion, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Musculoskeletal side-effects Melatonin intake, especially in individuals with seizure history, occasionally carries the risk of [...]