Experts warn parents about dangers of melatonin.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises parents to consult their children's pediatrician before giving them melatonin. The Academy says that while the use of melatonin has increased in recent decades, there is little evidence that it helps children or adults fall asleep faster. Should you ask parents if they are giving their children melatonin?
This article in Family Practice News, Experts issue health warning about giving melatonin to children states that research has found that with the increase in melatonin use there has been an increase in overdoses. The number of childhood overdoses has increased by more than 500% in the last decade.
Melatonin is regulated as a dietary supplement and not a medication. Therefore, it does not receive the same rigorous review from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medicine would. No independent body ensures the amount of melatonin in each gummy or what other ingredients may have been added.
The article goes on to provide parents with helpful tips on keeping their children safe from melatonin and other household medications and dietary supplements.
Our practice tip Medication Safety in the Office Practice offers valuable information on setting up safe medication processes and patient education.