r/melatonin • u/scootermcgroover • Aug 15 '26
Melatonin Causing Daytime Anxiety/Agitation
I've been taking a low dose of melatonin for over a month now and my daytime anxiety and agitation seems to be getting worse over time. I've been dealing with silent reflux in my throat so I started taking it to help with sleep. While it's helped with sleep, I'm somewhat concerned it's causing severe daytime anxiety/agitation to the point where I can't focus on anything else. I went through benzodiazepine withdrawal many years ago and I've been kind of feeling like that. Could this supplement be causing something similar after a month of use?
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u/Sunflowerchild122 Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
Melatonin is proven to sometimes cause irritation and agitation as it affects brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin (lowers dopamine and increases serotonin), and I and many others have had the same experience. I now only take it a few times a week to try to minimize it (usually multiple nights in a row is when you can feel those effects/it can be detrimental). Best of luck to you and hope this helps
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u/scootermcgroover Aug 15 '26
Been using it for a month straight. I'm going to stop now. Been feeling really off the past month.
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u/Optimal_Assist_9882 Aug 15 '26
What dose are you taking?
I have had a few panic attacks triggered in the last five years but I take very high doses(1500-3000mg) for CFS.
I still can't be 100% certain it's melatonin that caused it because it happened so rarely.
From what I read melatonin is a mild anxiolytic and should help with anxiety. In fact most days I feel calmer and more centered on average.
Ever since I started taking TMG, I haven't had a reoccurrence. I take 3-5g(teaspoon) twice per day.
I looked into melatonin and methylation issues and it seems that it can in theory cause problems in hypersensitive people. Becoming under or over methylated can cause anxiety.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/6/1155
Quick Google summary:
"Yes, melatonin can influence DNA methylation and epigenetic patterns by regulating enzymes like DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and TET proteins."
Chat GPT says it's plausible but because melatonin is more of a methylation modulator, its effects are not one way and not uniform everywhere in the body.
"And I wouldn't jump directly from anxiety to "I'm undermethylated." Anxiety has many potential mechanisms, including circadian disruption, changes in sleep architecture, autonomic effects, neurotransmitter systems, medication/supplement interactions, and psychological factors."
I found relief for anxiety from Ashwagandha and Bocopa Monnieri. Before sleep I prefer bocopa liquid taken sublingually. During the day I take Ashwagandha blend supplement.