LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Melatonin: Low Melatonin
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Melatonin may interfere with drugs that are metabolized by what is called the cytochrome P450 detoxification system. These drugs include: Mevacor (lovastatin), the popular cholesterol lowering drug; Coumadin (warfarin), a common anticlotting drug; the antibiotic erythromycin; the blood pressure pill nifedipine (Prodardia); quinidine (a heart rhythm stabilizer); the antifungal drug ketoconazole (Nizoral); and the allergy pill terfenadine (Seldane). (18) As a result of melatonin's interference, excessive levels of these drugs can build up, causing serious side effects.
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Melatonin has been shown to stimulate cells called osteoblasts that promote bone growth. Since melatonin levels may be lower in some older individuals such as postmenopausal women, current studies are investigating whether decreased melatonin levels contribute to the development of osteoporosis, and whether treatment with melatonin can help prevent this condition.
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There are currently no guidelines as to how to take Melatonin. Sensitivity to Melatonin is an individual thing and doses that are ineffective in one person may be too much for someone else. The best approach for any condition is to begin with very low doses and slowly add more until you get the effect that you are seeking.
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Changes in magnetic fields alter Melatonin secretion and affect circadian rhythms. Environmental magnetic fields (MF) have diminished strength during the Winter months and there may be desynchronisation of circadian rhythm.Both acute exposure to light and exposure to MF suppress Melatonin secretion and may be beneficial for patient's with Winter depression. It has been proposed that the synergistic effect of light and magnetic therapy in these patients may be superior to phototherapy alone.(14) Low Melatonin levels have been observed in depressed subjects, (McIntyre et al., 1986) unipolar or bipolar Affective Disorders (Beck-Friis et al.,1985) and chronic schizophrenia (Ferrier et al., 1982). Low nocturnal Melatonin has been proposed as a trait marker for major depressive disorders by Beck-Friis et al.,1985 (1) Therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) increases pineal content of serotonin (Melatonin precursor),Tricyclic antidepressants reduce Melatonin production and secretion in rodents (Lewis et al., 1990) Other psychotropic drugs which interfere with monoamine pathways ... affect pineal mel. Melatonin has been proposed to inhibit CRH(corticotrophin release hormone) during major depression.(1) Receptors for Benzodiazepines have been reported to exist in the pineal gland of several animal species (Lowenstein et al., 1984) In humans Alprazolam given before lights out suppressed nocturnal Melatonin and cortisol.(1) Many environmental and endogenous factors can potentially affect Melatonin secretion and thus a definite therapeutic relationship between mel and psychiatric disorders remains unproven.(1) The conventional view that the underlying abnormality in endogenous depression is due to an abnormality in the body clock has been challenged. (Healy D., Waterhouse JM, Pharm and Therapeutics 65 (2):241-63,1995 Feb).
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Low Melatonin