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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 13:40:57
I was on klonopin a couple of years ago and decided to quit. I began taking melatonin for sleep as I weaned myself off and it worked very well. I've been taking low-doses of melatonin ever since for sleep, since that is a big issue for me. I often read reports about melatonin that mention not taking it for extended periods of time, but they don't really get into why. I know that if I stopped it would be hard, at least at first, but I actually thought melatonin, as an antioxidant, was supposed to be good for you. Any opinions?
Posted by morgan miller on April 13, 2011, at 14:04:58
In reply to Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 13:40:57
Some are concerned that, especially at younger ages, using melatonin on a daily basis may downregulate production of natural melatonin. But, if you are doing well on it, it is surely way way better than taking a benzo. You are right that is considered to be a potent brain antioxidant. This is why some life extensionists take it. I say keep taking it as long as the dose is fairly low.
Morgan
Posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 14:43:35
In reply to Re: Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by morgan miller on April 13, 2011, at 14:04:58
Thanks Morgan. I'm in my mid-40s, so I'm definitely not in the "fairly young" category! And I'm only taking 20 grams a night so I should be fine. Just kidding. More like 2 mg. I'll try tapering a bit and see what the lowest is I can get away with.
Posted by morgan miller on April 13, 2011, at 16:33:35
In reply to Re: Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 14:43:35
> Thanks Morgan. I'm in my mid-40s, so I'm definitely not in the "fairly young" category! And I'm only taking 20 grams a night so I should be fine. Just kidding. More like 2 mg. I'll try tapering a bit and see what the lowest is I can get away with.
That's a great idea. Hey while your here, I might as well push my dietary ideology on you : ) Have you ever considered a paleo or primal type diet? It may help you feel better, and, it's likely the best diet for long term health. It may even help you sleep better! I believe diet and exercise can greatly improve anxiety and sleep. Here's a few great websites:
Posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 18:23:27
In reply to Re: Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by morgan miller on April 13, 2011, at 16:33:35
Thanks! I have a friend that is way into paleo so I will check out your links!
Posted by Tabitha on April 15, 2011, at 13:14:04
In reply to Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by Johnny Baklava on April 13, 2011, at 13:40:57
Well here's an anecdotal report for you. I took 3 mg nightly for years (15?), then stopped suddenly. Noticed no ill effects while on it, and no pronounced withdrawal when I stopped.
Posted by Lao Tzu on April 17, 2011, at 12:46:29
In reply to Re: Long-term Melatonin Use, posted by Tabitha on April 15, 2011, at 13:14:04
I take 1mg each night of melatonin, and I've been doing this for a couple years or so. Can't say that melatonin alone helps me sleep well, I seem to need other supplements as well, but my body has grown accustomed to the melatonin, so that is why I continue to take it. If I skip a night, I don't sleep as well. So it is a good supplement, but I read somewhere that you don't need much of it to help. It is a hormone, and hormones work well in very small doses. This 3 or 5mg doses of melatonin is way too much for anybody. I think it is marketed this way because people believe that more is better and they're getting their money's worth. 1mg a night is plenty for anybody. If you have to take more, then there's something else wrong with your sleep and it's not melatonin. Could be high histamine, OTC meds, altered neurotransmitters, some depression medications, stress, lack of exercise, caffeine, pain, certain supplements you may be taking, etc. etc.
Lao
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