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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Stopping melatonin
        
(Message started by: marlinsfan on Aug 9^th, 2005, 8:40am)

Title: Stopping melatonin
Post by marlinsfan on Aug 9^th, 2005, 8:40am

I've searched the board and can't find an answer, so here is a new thread.

Can we simply stop taking melatonin, or do we need to taper it down? I currently take 9 mg every night.

PF wishes.
Jose

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 9^th, 2005, 9:12am

I stopped all at once. It didn't help me and it didn't hurt to stop it abruptly.

Unsolved

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by LeLimey on Aug 9^th, 2005, 9:56am

How long were you taking it unsolved and how long have you been taking it Jose as both probably have a bearing on it?

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 9^th, 2005, 9:59am

I only took it for about 6 weeks. It didn't help me any and I was getting hit hard at the time. I couldn't justify taking it any longer, so I quit.

UNsolved

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by LeLimey on Aug 9^th, 2005, 10:25am

Jose I hope this helps a bit, its Floridians site.

http://www.med-owl.com/clusterheadaches/tiki-index.php?page=Melatonin&PHPSESSID=c01746ca3cc7c8761b4622cfb0d11ef2

Unsolved I'm sorry it didn't help you, I know it doesn't work for everyone, I haven't tried it myself. Believe it or not its not a licensed drug here and you can't get it except on prescription and only for ADHD

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by marlinsfan on Aug 9^th, 2005, 10:27am

I started taking it June 12th. Did 6 mg a night for 3 nights, then increased to 9 mg. It helped cut down the number and intensity of my nightime attacks for a long time. At this point I've only had shadows a few times during the past 3 or 4 weeks, so I want to give the melatonin a rest.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by nani on Aug 9^th, 2005, 10:30am

If you're concerned about adverse effects, Jose, why not just taper. It can't hurt. Cut 3mgs a day, every 3 days. You'll be off by day ten. You should know if it's going to be a problem early on. Glad you're getting a break! :) hugs, nani

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by marlinsfan on Aug 9^th, 2005, 10:33am

Thanks, Nani. Will try it and let you all know how it goes. What I'm concerned about is taking it for too long, then having a hard time sleeping without it, if/when my cycle breaks.

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by E-Double on Aug 9^th, 2005, 11:37am

Nani rules!!!!

I personally stopped it all together and was able to make it through the nights for a few months.

I have recently started getting breakthrough night visits so I will be popping them again.

To my knowledge it is safe to come off, however I like Nani's suggestion of tapering just so your body adapts.

Good luck my man!!

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Aug 9^th, 2005, 7:48pm

I was taking 9mg/night while in cycle, then cut back to 6mg near the end. My cycle's been over for more than a year (hopefully 1-2 more years to go), but I still am taking it many nights at 3mg, simply because it also helps me with my menopausal night wakenings.

Melatonin ... the multi-syndrome sleep aid.

Kris

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by paul_pero on Aug 13^th, 2005, 7:11am

I stopped it in one go after using it for 4 weeks(6mg per night). I was on the last days of my cycle when I stopped. It didn;t seem to help me, it changed tthe frequency from 1 or 2 per night to 3-4 every second night. When I stopped I did notice that I didn't want to sleep until 1-2 am. Maube if I try it again I will taper of like nani suggested.

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by Kiwiinoz58 on Aug 13^th, 2005, 6:33pm

Hi Jose,
I tried the melatonin for a few weeks but got no relief at all so just stopped it cold with no ill effects.
LeLimey after all the trouble I've had getting the O2 here we can walk into a chemist and buy melatonin off the shelf. Shame it didn't help!
Cheers,
Jacqs

Title: Re: Stopping melatonin
Post by marlinsfan on Aug 14^th, 2005, 8:29pm

Thanks everyone for your input. I followed nani's advice, and cut to 6 mg for 3 nights, then last night I took 3 mg. So far so good. Will take 3 mg tonight and tomorrow night, then give it a rest.
Jose