Is it safe to use a high dose melatonin (10-15mg) daily?

Hello @elg920 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that you are interested in knowing how much melatonin is too much. Is that the case? As you probably know, Mayo Connect is not able to offer medical advice as we are not medical professionals, but patients like yourself.

I did some research online and found this article on Cleveland Clinic's website. Here is the link to that article, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/melatonin-how-much-should-i-take-for-a-good-nights-rest/.

Have you talked with your doctor about this? According to the article, it is different for each person.

How long have you been taking melatonin?

@hopeful33250, I've only been taking it two weeks or less. I got a bottle of a supplement blend that contains 10 mg of melatonin. I've always been hesitant to take that much. I've read and heard that our bodies don't need more than 3 mg, usually less, because throughout our younger life that is what our bodies produced. I'm 73 and had been taking a variety of supplements before bed so I could relax and sleep through the night. I usually have taken Ashwagandha, l-theanine, Valeria or 5-htp. In the past I've also occasionally taken GABA. This new product with the 10 mg of melatonin works very well, but I'm still concerned about the long-term effect of taking that much melatonin. Dr. Michael Breus, the Sleep Doctor, says it is not necessary.

First of all I’m autistic so I just say it like it is there’s a warning. That being said you said you’re 73 why are we worrying about long-term consequences? Unless you come from a long line of people that live into their 90s I would say you’re probably in the last quarter of your life much like I’m in the last quarter of mine. Melatonin has been shown to be very effective at 10 mg every night for older people or people with chronic health conditions. It also helps modulate the immune system. It does a lot of good things.

Now the other supplements you’re taking for sleep some of them taken together can suppress your respiration. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your doctor for an overnight pulse ox symmetry test to make sure that it’s not sedating you too much.

@emmamaagic First, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I see you may have been reading the forums here for a few weeks before your first post.

It sounds like @elg920 has taken some other supplements in the past, but may not be doing so right now. I have been cautious to take melatonin myself, since there are several medications both over-the-counter and prescription already in my pill box! I prefer to use meditation, guided imagery, or music to calm me down enough to get some sleep. It sure seems everyone is different, doesn't it?

@emmamaagic what has your experience with melatonin been like? What doses worked for you?

I would also like to invite you to look through the discussions in the Autism Spectrum group and give us some valuable input as another member living with autism. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/autism/ I myself have Asperger's, diagnosed late in life.
Ginger

Thank you for the info on Melatonin! I wondered why my new Doctor asked if I was taking Melatonin when I asked if I could have a mild sleeping pill. I did not know about the possible negative side effects, so no duo for me! I have a serious sleep problem, so I was using a bunch of over the counter pills . I sleep four or five ( max) hours each night. Every once in a while I beg for a real pill. I use CBD for my P-N, but cannot tolerate The THC for sleep. Hey, long ago an occasional party high was fun, ..but now it gives me a strongly adverse feeling. I am sure I will find the right combo of something other than prescriptions eventually! BTW, my pill chart, with pictures, strength and requirements are at my local Pharmacist for review. We all need to see what might be too much, too little or an interaction, right?
Best wishes, and thanks again!!

For me too much melatonin causes me to have horrific, repeating nightmares. I stay within 1-3 mg at bedtime only.

Well, I'm 73 but my mom is almost 96 and has severe dementia, otherwise healthy. My dad was 94 when he died. He had Alzheimer's, with all the typical ALZ syndromes. He also did not have other diseases that would kill him, such as heart disease, nor cancer, so it was a matter of ALZ progressing to brain areas that could kill him. I don't want to live that long, but I don't want to take something that could negatively affect my brain either.

Any relevant evidence on what dose of melatonin is best to take at night?? Thank you!

Welcome @ahazim, I thought I would jump in while you wait for other members to respond to your question. Here are a couple of articles I found on the topic.

"There is no official recommended melatonin dosage for adults, but a range of 0.5 milligram to 5 milligrams appears to be safe and effective." --- Melatonin Dosage by Age and Weight | Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-dosage-how-much-should-you-take

"Melatonin is a sleep hormone that helps your body prepare for sleep. Cleveland Clinic experts recommend 1 mg as a starting dose." --- Melatonin: How Much Should You Take?: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/melatonin-how-much-should-i-take-for-a-good-nights-rest/

Have you discussed using melatonin with your doctor?

I know of people who take 15-20 mg. But best to consult with your doctor.