Sleeping is an essential activity that helps sustain your daily life. Those who are deprived of a good night’s sleep often feel drowsy and tired, all through their daytime. In order to enable better sleep cycles, your system produces a substance called melatonin. It helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin is sold as a supplement; as an extended benefit, it is used for decreasing your blood pressure levels. But, can you take this supplement along with metformin? It becomes essential to know more on this before starting your treatment plan.
People living with sleep based disorders may find their productivity nosedive. There are many reasons why you are not having good sleep. Of the many known reasons, an inadequate presence of melatonin is a serious concern. Melatonin is a hormone which your system makes naturally. This hormone regulates and stabilises your sleeping as well as waking up cycles. When it is getting dark, your body starts making this hormone. Ample presence of melatonin is a prerequisite to fall asleep when it becomes darker.
On the other hand, this hormone also helps you stay alert and agile. Your system makes less of it while it is sunny or bright all around you. Sleep-linked problems are more likely to show up among those who do not make ample levels of this sleep-inducing substance. It fares as one big reason why people remain sleepless even during the thick of nights. In such instances, it is normal for your doctor to prescribe supplements of melatonin.
Supplements are available in many forms; the most widely used version is the controlled release form of this hormone. This also enables management of hypertension i.e., high blood pressure, by decreasing your anxiety levels. Soon after taking a dose of melatonin you may feel calmer and hence, lesser episodes of restlessness. In general, your anxieties come under greater control. Owing to such calming properties, this supplement is also used before surgical interventions.
What is metformin and what are its uses?
Metformin is prescribed for a better control of blood sugar level in your system. It helps your body to respond to insulin made by your own system. In this process, it minimises the risks of conditions like insulin resistance. As an extended benefit, the key chemicals help reduce sugar levels your liver makes. Caregiving teams administer this drug as part of a comprehensive treatment plan; this plan includes a well-regimented workout schedule such as walking, exercising, etc. and intake of foods rich in fiber. For example, foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans are known to yield better results.
Regular intake of metformin can prevent risks of renal problems or other conditions impacting the health of your kidneys; its key ingredients can prevent the incidence of fatal health problems like heart attacks, cardiac failures and strokes. This drug can also be taken for the treatment of nerve problems, especially swelling of nerves called neuritis and pain in nerves. In some instances, metformin has been found to be effective in the treatment of several sexual health problems.
Once you have started your medication plan, it is important to check blood glucose level on a periodic basis. As this drug is not an over the counter (OTC) med, always take it as per the instructions of a qualified practitioner. Strength of dosage and duration of treatment are influenced by your age, severity of your clinical condition, body weight as well as how your system reacts to the first few doses. If you are taking other diabetic drugs, your doctor needs to know of such medications.
Intake of these two drugs may cause a few adverse reactions. Some of the most common discomforts witnessed are pain or cramping of abdominal muscles, signs of renal dysfunction (marked by a reduced discharge of urine or discoloration), pain in joints, sleepiness, being in a confused state of mind, etc. In some users, these drugs are known to cause difficulties to pass stools or episodes of constipation, mood shifts including depression, etc. Those who develop frequent episodes of constipation may be advised to take laxatives or stool softeners. It is recommended to avoid taking stool softening meds every day; this is because, laxatives or stool softeners can be habit forming.
Other possible side effects when you take melatonin supplements and metformin together are migraines, headaches, tremors, weakness and muscular pains. Those who experience pain in the chest area, possible renal problems and respiratory problems (showing up as gasping or wheezing) are advised to take needful care from a healthcare setting like a hospital. If you are a resident of US, call 911 without delay. Those who are living in a Canadian province can reach out to Health Canada or contact a poison control center as quickly as possible.
Undesired side effects of melatonin supplements
Your caregiving team will never prescribe supplements of melatonin for a longer term. In almost all instances, short term consumption is regarded as a safe practice. At lower dosage strengths, this supplement is unlikely to cause any severe side effects or adverse reactions. However, doses of melatonin taken either in larger strengths or over a longer term may result in various side effects. Such side effects include acute spells of dizziness, drowsiness, being tired, excessive levels of sleepiness, migraines or headaches, abdominal discomforts such as nausea, and vomiting. It is hence not safe to engage in adventurous sporting activities such as swimming, cycling or diving after taking this supplement. It can be very dangerous to drive or work on heavy machinery. In general, it is safe to avoid activities needing a high level of concentration or mental attention.
In sum, melatonin supplements help you stay calm and also enable a good night’s sleep. Metformin is a drug widely used for treating type II diabetes. Co-administration of melatonin supplements and metformin is likely to trigger a few adverse side effects. Common side effects are cramping of muscles, painful joints, elongated periods of sleeping, confusion, constipation, being depressed or other mood related disorders. Those who are complaining of chest pain, breathing conditions or kidney problems are advised to reach out to a hospital on an emergency mode. You are advised to consult with your treating doctor about other likely side effects; needful safety measures are required to ensure safety without compromising on efficacy of these two drugs.