Could this be an allergic reaction to melatonin?

I decided to take Melatonin instead of a prescription sleep aid. I didn't expect any problems because it was over the counter. I noticed my arms and chest itching and then my entire scalp. A quick search for melatonin and itching revealed lists of side effects but no itching was listed. I persevered and did discover several people with the same complaint. It must be a less-seen side effect.

I came searching the internet wondering why I why so itchy. The only different thing I've been taking was my prescribed melatonin 10mg. Now that I seen this post it is exactly how I've been feeling. Scalp, neck, arms itchy. My ears feel hot. I took melatonin 3 times this week just trying to get to sleep earlier. This itching is driving me crazy. I'm going to toss the melatonin now.

I took melatonin for about 2 months - started itching and thought it was something in the air. Stopped the melatonin, next day took a prescribed sleep aide and it’s been 2 full days and nights of no itching at all

ALL medications and remedies including "herbals" and "natural" ones can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people along with other side effects... some severe.
Always research what you plan on taking and make sure you're aware of any possible reactions.
This is from the literature on melatonin at Drugs.com:
"Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat."

I took melatonin for a while but didn’t do anything for sleep for me. Yes stay away from prescription sleep aids. They are addictive. I'm sorry I cant help you more. My GP kept me on zopiclone way too long and my psychiatrist blames him as now if I miss just one night the next day by midday and evening I feel so awful until i take one again. So I hope this is an informative lesson for anyone thinking of trying them. They are usually only prescribed for a few days only. I hope you find something that helps. Itching could be a reaction

I have been taking melatonin for a few months.

I developed hives all over my body and scalp. I thought I was crazy until I found your post.

I didn't take melatonin last night.
I woke up this morning with no hives!

I actually am in the same situation you just described, exactly. I am off remeron and trying to switch to a not medication type sleep aide, what did you find that worked best? Did the itching stop?

thanks
Dani

I dont think it is the melatonin itself but it could be an inert ingredient in the melatonin tablet. Melatonin is made by the body. It helps control our circadian rhythm. So since this is a substance made by the body, it isnt likely to be the melatonin itself but anything in pill form has inert or non active ingredients that make a pill a pill and it is probably one of these ingredients that you are reacting to. You could try a different brand of melatonin to see if that helps or you might try diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as this is what Advil PM has with the advil to make you sleepy. It is just diphenhydramine or Benadryl. Valerian root can be helpful too.

Between the two, melatonin sensitivity is most likely. I would stop the melatonin and see what happens. If you still need a sleep aid, Advil PM which contains the sleep aid called diphenhydramine and can be purchased by that name as generic and without the ibuprofen that is in Advil is a good alternative.