I’ve taken melatonin frequently for years. I don’t recall the details, but my doctor told me when he recommended it that it’s a different class than what we normally think of as ‘hormones’and their action.
I’ve never had any unusual side affects or withdrawal. The most that happens is ease in falling asleep and sometimes unusual dreams. I’m not groggy or anything like that the next day.
Don’t misunderstand: I’m an avid proponent of melatonin and use it semi-regularly, but we have a tendency of overdoing it when we find something that works just a little too well.
Melatonin requires a prescription overseas, because it’s classed as a “hormone,” but yeah, in consistent doses, it’s very effective.