Melatonin
Article Abstract:
The benefits of the hormone melatonin have not been formally evaluated. The body normally secrets melatonin at night except in older people and blind persons suffering from insomnia. Insomniacs may have lower melatonin concentrations in blood. Health food stores sell melatonin as a dietary supplement, avoiding lengthy approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Preliminary analysis found several instances of impure melatonin products. Taking melatonin for jet lag may prevent excessive fatigue in some cases. Sleep came easier in small groups of healthy and elderly people taking melatonin before bedtime. There were no reports of adverse side effects.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
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Melatonin: pathway from obscure molecule to international fame
Article Abstract:
The hormone melatonin is going from being an obscure molecule to having international fame. Investigations into its effects are at the cutting edge of science. That has long attracted charlatans. Melatonin is now taken for a great variety of ills, inadequacies and discomforts, featured in national magazines and written about in books that become bestsellers. Sensational media coverage, exaggerated claims, the profit motive in a capitalistic society, and regulation, or lack thereof, of the sale of drugs all play a part in the path to fame for this once-obscure hormone related to daily and seasonal rhythms of the body and the psyche.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1997
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Zaleplon for insomnia
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the drug zaleplon for the treatment of insomnia. Sold under the trade name Sonata, it is not a benzodiazepine but does bind to the benzodiazepine receptor. It is a short-term hypnotic that acts fast but may not be as powerful as other sleeping pills. It shortens the amount of time needed to fall asleep but does not prevent premature awakening.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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