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Can Stopping Melatonin Intake Cause Insomnia And Restless Legs?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Question: Hi, I have been taking Melatonin for some time, but was told to quit taking it before I am to have surgery. Since I have not been taking Melatonin I have been suffering with restless legs. Could this be a side effect from dropping the Melatonin? I am barely getting any sleep at all.
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Answered by Dr. Lav Kaushik (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Malatonin withdrawal symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Greetings.

Welcome to the site.

Well, you see insomnia that is lack of sleep and restless legs, which you have been experiencing ever since you have stopped melatonin can be best described as melatonin withdrawal symptoms which are known to develop when melatonin is abruptly stopped ( i.e is cold turkey). However to your advantage you must know that these withdrawal symptoms are usually self limiting and temporary and shall subside on their own in a few days or else they shall subside when you resume intake of melatonin.

So in short, you shall not take too much stress over this and follOw your doctor's advice to stay off melatonin until the next advice comes in from him to restart the same medication. These symptoms as described above are known side effects of melatonin abrupt withdrawal and owing to their self limiting nature, they shall wane off completely without carrying out any active intervention.

I hope this helps.

If you are satisfied with the answer and there is no further query remaining then kindly rate the answer and close this session.

Wish you all the best.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Lav Kaushik (1 hour later)
Thank you for the information. It answered my question. Now if I could get some sleep for the next night or so, the surgery will be over. I am having breast surgery tomorrow. I did not know Melatonin had any side effects.
Thanks again,XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lav Kaushik (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Reply

Detailed Answer:
I wish you all the best for your surgery. You may discuss with your doctor after your surgery is over about restarting melatonin but this may take a week or two after the surgery is over.

Take care and God bless.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Lav Kaushik

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 112 Questions

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Can Stopping Melatonin Intake Cause Insomnia And Restless Legs?

Brief Answer: Malatonin withdrawal symptoms Detailed Answer: Greetings. Welcome to the site. Well, you see insomnia that is lack of sleep and restless legs, which you have been experiencing ever since you have stopped melatonin can be best described as melatonin withdrawal symptoms which are known to develop when melatonin is abruptly stopped ( i.e is cold turkey). However to your advantage you must know that these withdrawal symptoms are usually self limiting and temporary and shall subside on their own in a few days or else they shall subside when you resume intake of melatonin. So in short, you shall not take too much stress over this and follOw your doctor's advice to stay off melatonin until the next advice comes in from him to restart the same medication. These symptoms as described above are known side effects of melatonin abrupt withdrawal and owing to their self limiting nature, they shall wane off completely without carrying out any active intervention. I hope this helps. If you are satisfied with the answer and there is no further query remaining then kindly rate the answer and close this session. Wish you all the best. Regards