Posted by Larry Hoover on December 23, 2016, at 21:30:41
In reply to Melatonin and bipolar disorder, posted by Ben on December 3, 2016, at 4:53:35
> I have bipolar II disorder sind more than 15 years and I have combo of mainly Lithium, Lamictal, Parnate, T4. I have this combo for a long time now but since some month I have problems to sleep (wake up several times). I was thinking to add melatonin but I dont know if its only helpfull to fall asleep or also for the waking ups during the night? Further I read that melatonin should be used with caution if you have bipolat disorder?
I wouldn't worry too much about an interaction, in that your body already produces melatonin naturally.
The real issue with supplementation of melatonin is that individuals vary considerably in how they metabolize oral melatonin supplements. The effective dose varies by well over a factor of ten between individuals.
The dose-response curve for melatonin is not a straight rising' line. Instead, it's an inverted U-shape, appearing a lot like the 'standard curve' applied to statistics. As you increase the dose, the effect increases, then it flattens out, and finally, it falls sharply. Every person has their own U-curve, and the dose at which the peak effect occurs varies (as previously noted) by at least a factor of ten.
The very best way to do a trial of melatonin is to obtain a liquid solution of the hormone. For solutions, dose is directly proportional to the volume. Therefore, it is very easy to gradually increase the dose, and to monitor the effect. It shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks to figure out the right dose. Start low, and go slow, until you get the desired effect.
Regards,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:1093369
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20161215/msgs/1093612.html