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What Are The Adverse Effects Of Melatonin Overdose?

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Posted on Tue, 31 May 2016
Question: Hi , One of my room mate took 20 melatonin sleeping pills today morning ,what will happen to her,she will be alright or anything will goes wrong.. as my knowledge melatonin wont kill.please suggest me
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
she needs immediate medical attention, please take her to your nearest ER..

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear XXXX,

I've read your query and understand your concern for your room mate..

However I'd like to inform you that you're partly right regarding the facts of Melatonin..partly because : 1. There's no published data regarding It's highest dose limit and 2. There's no official clinical trial to show Melatonin overdose induced futility....


Now I believe 12 hrs already passed by since the incidence, so how is she now ?

Any excessive drowsiness?
Any difficulty in speech ?
Any breathing difficulty ?
Any limb movement difficulty ?
Any problem in eating/drinking or even swallowing ?

(Even if doesn't exhibit any of these symptoms , there still be delayed adverse effects , so medical attention is a must..)

So as you know even we , the medical professionals are also dealing with a darker area in this aspect .. However it's still advisable to take her to your nearest ER for a detailed physical examination, few investigations and monitoring as well as urgent management if needed at any point ..

Please do this for her further betterment cause it's the simplest of difficulties which can often complicate to life threatening events..

I hope she'll remain fine.. In the ER , they might want to keep her under observation and supportive measures with strict monitoring for a few hours or may be overnight in this case..

Please don't panic and try to remain calm but vigilant on her activities..

Let me know how she stays in the due course..

My Best Wishes..
Kind Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (48 hours later)
She passed away ,i could not come out from shock :(.. i guess should have ate something else with melatonin .

Thanks for your reply
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My condolences. .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back Dear,

Really Sorry for your loss and my condolences for her....

Yes it could've been something else along with , which turned out as a lethal combination. .

Please make sure that the hospital has taken sample (gastric as well as blood ) for Toxicology screening. .it'll throw some light on it..

Take Care of yourself. .

Kind Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Arnab

Critical Care Specialist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1479 Questions

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What Are The Adverse Effects Of Melatonin Overdose?

Brief Answer: she needs immediate medical attention, please take her to your nearest ER.. Detailed Answer: Hello Dear XXXX, I've read your query and understand your concern for your room mate.. However I'd like to inform you that you're partly right regarding the facts of Melatonin..partly because : 1. There's no published data regarding It's highest dose limit and 2. There's no official clinical trial to show Melatonin overdose induced futility.... Now I believe 12 hrs already passed by since the incidence, so how is she now ? Any excessive drowsiness? Any difficulty in speech ? Any breathing difficulty ? Any limb movement difficulty ? Any problem in eating/drinking or even swallowing ? (Even if doesn't exhibit any of these symptoms , there still be delayed adverse effects , so medical attention is a must..) So as you know even we , the medical professionals are also dealing with a darker area in this aspect .. However it's still advisable to take her to your nearest ER for a detailed physical examination, few investigations and monitoring as well as urgent management if needed at any point .. Please do this for her further betterment cause it's the simplest of difficulties which can often complicate to life threatening events.. I hope she'll remain fine.. In the ER , they might want to keep her under observation and supportive measures with strict monitoring for a few hours or may be overnight in this case.. Please don't panic and try to remain calm but vigilant on her activities.. Let me know how she stays in the due course.. My Best Wishes.. Kind Regards..