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Melatonin

What is melatonin for bipolar disorder?

Melatonin is a hormone primarily synthesised by the pineal gland. Secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland shows a circadian rhythm synchronised to the light-dark cycle. Melatonin has been reported to be involved in various important biological functions in the body: sleep regulation, circadian rhythm, immune modulation, reproduction, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and energy metabolism. Various studies have reported the beneficial effects of melatonin for improving metabolic problems; problems often observed in people taking antipsychotic medications. This topic assesses the potential benefits of adjunctive melatonin for reducing metabolic side effects among people with bipolar disorder who are taking antipsychotics.

What is the evidence for melatonin modulators?

Moderate to high quality evidence suggests the melatonin agonist ramelteon may reduce relapse to depression but not to mania or a mixed state. There were no differences in adverse effects between ramelteon and placebo.

Low quality evidence from few, small studies is unable to accurately determine the benefits of adjunctive melatonin for improving metabolic factors in people with bipolar disorder.

November 2021

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Last updated at: 4:42 pm, 29th November 2021
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Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.