Melotryp™ is a dietary Melatonin supplement that contains 3 mg of Melatonin in each 0.25 g tablet.

• Melatonin in Melotryp™ is derived synthetically.

• 100% vegetarian.

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally secreted by the pineal gland located in the epithalamus of the human brain. It acts as a time cue for the biological systems and regulates the sleep-wake cycle/circadian rhythm in the human body.[1,2]

• Photopigments in the retina sense the light/dark environment.[3]

• The signals are transduced to suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus.[3]

• SCN transfers the signal to the pineal gland.[3]

• The pineal gland synthesizes Melatonin through a series of reactions as a response to darkness.[3] Note: Darkness stimulates Melatonin secretion and light inhibits the same.[3]

• Melatonin uptake occurs in different tissues of the body through Melatonin receptors. After the uptake, Melatonin starts its action— induces sleepiness, scavenges free radicals, and so on. It majorly regulates the sleep-wake cycle/circadian rhythm in the human body.[3]

The decrease in Melatonin levels with age might be due to:

• The degenerative alterations in the central clock, i.e. SCN that regulates Melatonin secretion from the pineal gland.[22]

• Reduced daily exposure to environmental light that stimulates SCN to send the signals to pineal gland for secreting Melatonin.[22]

• The pineal gland simply does not store and release Melatonin as effectively due to calcification.[22]

− Helps restore the decreased Melatonin levels in the blood.[2]

− Exogenous Melatonin.[2]

− Helps restore circadian rhythm.[2]

Melatonin is used in circadian rhythm-related sleep disorders, which involve either difficulty in falling asleep, waking up during the sleep cycle, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back to sleep.[23]

Melatonin supplement may be avoided by:

• Pregnant and lactating women.[1]

• People with auto-immune disorders.[1]

• People with seizure disorders (e.g. epilepsy).[1,18]

• Melatonin supplement[19]

1. Nonaddictive, nonhabit-forming supplement

2. Sleep improvement and multiple other health benefits

3. No adverse effects on long-term consumption

Other sleep medications[20,21]

Below are some significant adverse effects of long-term consumption:

a. Orexin receptor antagonists: Nausea and abnormal dreams

b. Antihistamine drugs: Sleepiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and dry mouth

c. Antipsychotics: Metabolic syndrome and extrapyramidal symptoms

d. Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal side effects, drug dependence, psychomotor and cognitive side effects

e. Zolpidem: Memory lapses, hallucinations, paradoxical excitement

• Leads to depression[4]

• Shift work disorder[4]

• Poor immunity[4]

• Poor treatment outcomes in co-morbid conditions[5]

1. Melatonin levels increase in the bloodstream with increasing darkness.[2]

2. This natural Melatonin secretion is impaired due to environmental factors, such as school and work, and other factors, such as aging or comorbid conditions.[2,6]

3. Melatonin supplements can restore the decreased levels of Melatonin and help to restore the circadian rhythm.[2]

Note: Melatonin supplements can help to achieve better sleep if the patient has disrupted circadian rhythm. However, there is a lack of strong evidence that suggests the role of Melatonin supplementation in treating chronic insomnia.[7]

The half-life of Melatonin is only about 30–50 minutes.[8]

No. A study of 2 mg PR Melatonin discontinuation even after 12 months was not associated with adverse events, withdrawal symptoms, or suppression of Endogenous Melatonin Production.[9]

Indian Psychiatric Society recommends 3 mg of Melatonin dosage as a Chronobiotic* agent.10 *Chronobiotics are agents that have the ability to shift the endogenous circadian phase.[11]

Melatonin is not advisable for pregnant and lactating women.[12]

Melatonin does not contain any potential allergic agents, such as gluten, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, or fish. Hence, it is hypoallergenic.[13]

However, in rare cases, it can cause severe allergic symptoms such as:[13]

• Skin rash and itching

• Depressed mood

• Confusion

Prolonged ingestion of Melatonin, 1 g per day showed increased drowsiness but through studies on the eyes, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow, no other evidence of toxicity was revealed[14]

It can be given to patients with Diabetes but keep the gap of 2 hours between food and Melatonin.[15]

Drug interactions[16]

Melatonin prescription should be avoided with the following drug classes due to the adverse effects resulting from the drug interactions:

• Diazepam

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

• Anticonvulsants

• Immunosuppressants

• Fluvoxamine

Food/beverage interactions

Consumption of alcohol with Melatonin might reduce the effect of Melatonin.[17]