What are the signs of melatonin overdose in kids?

Signs include extreme drowsiness or lethargy, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, headache or dizziness, and difficulty waking up. If you notice these symptoms, contact poison control or seek emergency care immediately.

Home/Kids Melatonin/Overdose Safety

EMERGENCY HOTLINEIf a child has ingested a large amount of melatonin, call the Poison Control Center immediately:

1-800-222-1222

Available 24/7 | Free and confidential

Can You Overdose on Melatonin Gummies? What Parents Need to Know

Q: Can you overdose on melatonin gummies?

While melatonin is generally safe, it is possible to take too much. Taking excessive amounts can lead to symptoms like extreme drowsiness, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Serious overdoses are rare but require immediate medical attention.

While melatonin is generally considered safe when used as directed, accidental overdoses in children are a growing concern. Here's everything you need to know about melatonin overdose risks, symptoms, and prevention.

Key Takeaway

Fatal melatonin overdoses are extremely rare, but excessive amounts can cause concerning symptoms in children. The candy-like appearance of gummies makes accidental ingestion more likely. Storage and supervision are critical.

Emergency guide for melatonin overdose symptoms

The Growing Problem: Melatonin Poisoning in Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pediatric melatonin ingestions reported to poison control centers have increased dramatically:

530%

Increase in reports from 2012-2021

4,097

Hospitalizations in 2021

287

ICU admissions in 2021

Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 2022

The primary reason: melatonin gummies look and taste like candy, making them attractive to young children who may consume multiple gummies when unsupervised.

Signs and Symptoms of Melatonin Overdose

Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. The severity depends on the amount consumed and the child's age and weight.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

•Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness
•Headache
•Dizziness or confusion
•Nausea or upset stomach

•Irritability or mood changes
•Bed-wetting (in toilet-trained children)
•Tremors or shakiness
•Changes in blood pressure

Severe Symptoms (Seek Emergency Care)

!Difficulty breathing or slowed breathing
!Seizures or convulsions
!Loss of consciousness or inability to wake
!Rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat
!Severe agitation or hallucinations

What to Do If Your Child Takes Too Much Melatonin

Step-by-Step Action Plan

1
Stay Calm and Assess
Determine how much melatonin was consumed and when. Check the bottle to see how many gummies are missing.
2
Call Poison Control Immediately
Contact: 1-800-222-1222
They will guide you on next steps based on your child's age, weight, and amount consumed.
3
Do NOT Induce Vomiting
Unless instructed by a medical professional. This can cause more harm.
4
Monitor Closely
Watch for symptoms and follow poison control's instructions. Keep your child awake if advised.
5
Seek Emergency Care if Severe Symptoms Appear
Call 911 or go to the ER if your child has difficulty breathing, seizures, or loses consciousness.

How Much Melatonin is Dangerous?

There is no established "lethal dose" of melatonin for humans, as fatal overdoses are extremely rare. However, concerning symptoms can occur at high doses.

Dose Context

Typical pediatric dose:0.5-3mg

Typical adult dose:3-10mg

Mild symptoms may occur at:10-30mg (kids)

Moderate symptoms may occur at:30-50mg (kids)

Severe symptoms possible at:50mg+ (kids)

Important Note: These are general guidelines. Individual reactions vary based on age, weight, underlying health conditions, and other medications. Even amounts below these thresholds can cause problems in some children. Always err on the side of caution and contact poison control.

Preventing Accidental Melatonin Overdose

Safe Storage Practices

✓ Store in child-resistant containers
✓ Keep in high cabinets out of reach
✓ Use locked medicine storage if possible
✓ Never leave bottles on nightstands
✓ Count gummies regularly to track usage

Education & Supervision

✓ Teach kids that gummies are medicine, not candy
✓ Always supervise when giving melatonin
✓ Never let children self-administer
✓ Inform babysitters and caregivers
✓ Use child-proof bottles with safety caps

Smart Product Choices

✓ Choose tablets over gummies when possible
✓ Buy smaller bottles to reduce risk
✓ Opt for lower-dose formulations
✓ Avoid "candy-like" flavors if possible

Household Safety

✓ Keep emergency numbers visible
✓ Program poison control into your phone
✓ Check for dropped gummies on floors
✓ Dispose of expired supplements properly