Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy.

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurologic disorders, and despite several antiepileptic drugs being available, 30% of patients continue having seizures. Reports have suggested an antiepileptic role of melatonin with a good safety profile. Four trials representing 102 participants were included in the present review. Two different comparisons were available: 1. melatonin versus placebo and 2. melatonin 5 mg versus melatonin 10 mg. Included trials were of poor methodologic quality, and did not systematically evaluate seizure frequency, seizure freedom and adverse events. Only one study systematically reported seizure frequency occurring during the trial compared to the baseline, and only one trial evaluated the direct influence of melatonin on quality of life. It is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions about the role of melatonin in reducing seizure frequency or improving the quality of life in people with epilepsy.