"Lazy Cakes"- The Dangers of the Melatonin Snack

 “Lazy Cakes”- The Dangers of the Melatonin Snack

Lazy Cakes have been labeled as the world’s first relaxation brownie. Containing the ingredient Melatonin, a medication that can help promote sleep, Lazy Cakes act similar to a hypnotic. Although Melatonin is a hormone produced within the brain and is a legal supplement, Lazy Cakes are not necessarily harmless and youth consumption is especially dangerous. The human brain normally produces 0.3 milligrams of Melatonin, and an average Lazy Cake contains about 3.9 milligrams of this ingredient. Thus, Lazy Cakes are categorized as a drug, can be fatal when taken excessively and should never be consumed by children.

Since Lazy Cakes look like regular brownies, there is a high risk of overdose through consumption, as well as probability of accidental children consumption. There have been a number of reports of Melatonin overdose in young people in association with Lazy Cakes, categorizing Melatonin as the cause of more calls to Poison Control than any other herbal supplement. Though the Lazy Cake package specifies adult use only, youth Melatonin consumption is common and has been associated with such effects as diarrhea and nausea.

Perhaps more alarming than the increase of calls to the Poison Control Center in association with Melatonin overdose are the uses of Lazy Cakes as marketed through advertisements. The website which sells Lazy Cakes associates their product with such stimulants as Red Bull, marketing Lazy Cakes as a means to come “down” after being “up” on energy drinks. The use of “uppers” and “downers” together is concerning in that injuries and deaths have been associated with high Melatonin and/or Caffeine levels, and the combination of such substances can be harmful to the human body. Based on the Lazy Cake website content, Lazy Cake manufacturers also advertise their product as food rather than as a drug. This is concerning to parents and medical professionals, as children may not have the ability to distinguish the difference between a food and a drug, and may consume Lazy Cakes irresponsibly, (in excess).

Lazy Cakes are easily accessible to all populations, as they can be obtained both at local convenience stores and over the internet. Lazy Cakes are also reasonably priced, thus; such Melatonin snacks can be purchased by minors at ease. Since drugs with similar effects as Melatonin, such as Marijuana, are generally more expensive than Lazy Cakes and cannot be obtained as easily; Melatonin goodies have become a common snack of choice for individuals seeking a “mellow” effect.

Just as such drugs as Marijuana have been labeled as “gateway drugs”, (drugs which lead individuals to more potent and dangerous drug use), there are concerns that Lazy Cakes may also serve as a “gateway”.  Just as a large number of individual rely on caffeine to get through the day; the heightened use of Lazy Cakes has sparked a trend of regular and sometimes often daily Melatonin use. The “gateway” possibilities present one more concern for parents of teens who may have or continue to consume Lazy Cakes.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Lazy Cake use, or if you would like more information about the dangers of Melatonin induced snacks;  Self Empowerment NH, LLC is here to help. Contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

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