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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Melatonin Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, Syncrodin
About Melatonin
The hormone Melatonin is an antioxidant produced naturally in your body by the pineal gland to help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Your levels of Melatonin increase at night, and return to their normal low levels during the day, helping to control your sleep pattern (circadian rhythm).
Melatonin sleep aid is commonly prescribed to treat short-term sleep problems in older adults over the age of 55. Sleep disorder may also be due to working night shifts and a disruption to your normal sleep cycle (shift work disorder). The use of Melatonin has not however been shown to improve sleep quality.
It can also be prescribed for longer-term sleep disturbances such as delayed sleep phase in some adults, adolescents and children who may have conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It may also help with the symptoms of jetlag for those who have travelled across varying time zones.
In the U.S., Melatonin is marketed as a dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, so Melatonin is not actually FDA-approved for any medical conditions in the U.S.
It is available with a prescription as generic Melatonin or under the brand names Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, and Syncrodin. NowPatient offers Melatonin for the treatment of jet lag only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Melatonin
- Melatonin takes 1 to 2 hours to work
- Melatonin is normally taken for up to 13 weeks, but you may take it for longer
- Melatonin may cause a headache, tiredness, or a feeling of sickness or irritability the day after you take it
- Alcohol or smoking can stop Melatonin working as well as it should
- It can be dangerous if you take Melatonin with herbal remedies, as it can make you very drowsy. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Melatonin suitable for?
Melatonin is suitable for most adults, 55 years of age and over, for short-term sleep problems. Those under 55 and children with longer-term sleep problems can also take Melatonin, if recommended by a specialist.
Who is Melatonin not suitable for?
Melatonin may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Melatonin if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Melatonin previously
- Have kidney or liver problems
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis
- Are pregnant. If your baby is healthy, you may take Melatonin while breastfeeding
How and where to get Melatonin?
You can buy Melatonin safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of jet lag, you can discuss if Melatonin is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Melatonin for jet lag
Melatonin is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form and when used for jet lag, it is available as 3mg tablets. The amount of Melatonin taken for jet lag is 3mg once a day for 5 days. Some Melatonin products may be placed in the cheek or under the tongue to absorb faster.
Information about how to take Melatonin for jet lag
The dose for jet lag is one 3mg tablet once a day, with food, for up to 5 days. You should take your first dose when you arrive at your destination, at your normal bedtime, but not before 8pm or after 4am.
If you need to take doses after this, take them at the same time. You may increase your dose to two 3mg tablets if needed. You should not use more than 16 courses of treatment in a year.
How does Melatonin work?
Melatonin works by activating Melatonin receptors in the brain, regulating the body’s circadian rhythm.
What happens if you take too much Melatonin?
It is unlikely to harm you if you take 1 or 2 extra Melatonin tablets.
What are the side effects of Melatonin?
Side effects of Melatonin are split into common and serious. The list below shows the common side effects of Melatonin in clinical trials when compared to placebo:
- Tiredness, sleepiness
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headache, dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Irritability or restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Strange dreams or night sweats
- Pain in your arms or legs
Serious side effects include:
- Depression
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
There is little data about the long-term effects of Melatonin in children or adults. Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here: how and where do i report side effects of my medication
Information about taking Melatonin at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
It can be dangerous if you take Melatonin supplements with herbal remedies, as it can make you very drowsy. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Tell your healthcare provider if you’re taking any of the following medicines before taking Melatonin:
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline
- Temazepam or diazepam
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- Carbamazepine for epilepsy
- Warfarin for blood clots
Why might Melatonin not work for jet lag?
Melatonin may not work for you if you drink alcohol or smoke.
Will Melatonin affect my contraception?
Melatonin will not affect your contraception, including emergency contraception or the combined pill. Your levels of Melatonin may however increase when you take the combined pill or HRT.
Is there a herbal Melatonin?
No. Herbal Melatonin does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Melatonin?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Melatonin, but you should avoid alcohol or smoking as they can stop Melatonin working as well as it should.
Alternatives to Melatonin for jet lag
Alternatives for the treatment of jet lag may include Valerian root, camomile, aromatherapy, yoga, and acupuncture.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Melatonin
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate the body’s sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm). In the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription-only medicine and is available in both immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. The branded prolonged-release version, Circadin, contains 2 mg of melatonin and is licensed for short-term treatment of primary insomnia in adults aged 55 and over. Melatonin is also prescribed off-label for other sleep disorders, jet lag, and sleep difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
What is Melatonin used for?
Melatonin is primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly in adults aged 55 and over where the quality of sleep is poor. It is also used off-label for jet lag, delayed sleep–wake phase disorder, shift work sleep disorder, and sleep disturbance in children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodevelopmental conditions. NICE has issued guidance supporting the use of melatonin in children and young people with sleep problems when sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient.
How does Melatonin work?
Melatonin works by mimicking the action of naturally produced melatonin in the body. Melatonin levels normally rise in the evening in response to darkness, signalling to the brain that it is time to sleep. By supplementing with exogenous melatonin, the sleep–wake cycle can be reset or reinforced. Prolonged-release formulations like Circadin release melatonin gradually throughout the night, mimicking the natural secretion pattern. This helps reduce sleep onset latency (time to fall asleep), improve sleep quality, and increase total sleep time without the dependency risk associated with benzodiazepines or Z-drugs.
Is Melatonin available over the counter in the UK?
No, melatonin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK, unlike in some other countries such as the United States where it is sold as a dietary supplement. You need a prescription from a doctor or qualified prescriber to obtain melatonin in the UK. This can be through your GP, a sleep specialist, or an online prescribing service like NowPatient. The prescription-only classification ensures proper assessment, appropriate dosing, and identification of any underlying sleep disorders that may need different treatment.
What is the usual dose of Melatonin?
For adults aged 55 and over with primary insomnia, the licensed dose is Circadin 2 mg, one tablet daily taken 1–2 hours before bedtime and after food, for up to 13 weeks. For jet lag, doses of 0.5 mg to 5 mg are commonly used for 2–5 days. For children with neurodevelopmental conditions, doses typically start at 1–2 mg and may be gradually increased up to 6 mg, as guided by a specialist. Always follow your prescriber’s specific dosing instructions as melatonin dosing varies considerably depending on the indication.
When should I take Melatonin?
Take melatonin 1–2 hours before your intended bedtime. Prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) should be taken after food and swallowed whole — do not crush or chew them, as this destroys the prolonged-release mechanism. For jet lag prevention, take melatonin at the local bedtime at your destination on the day of arrival and for 2–5 subsequent evenings. Taking melatonin at the correct time relative to your intended sleep time is crucial for its effectiveness.
What happens if I take too much Melatonin?
Melatonin is generally considered safe even at higher-than-recommended doses, but taking too much can cause excessive drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Very high doses may paradoxically disrupt sleep patterns. If you accidentally take an extra dose, you are unlikely to experience serious harm, but you may feel excessively drowsy the following day. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy. If you are concerned about an overdose, contact NHS 111 or your local poisons centre for advice.
What are the common side effects of Melatonin?
Common side effects of melatonin (affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people) include headache, drowsiness the next day, dizziness, and nausea. Uncommon side effects include dry mouth, vivid dreams or nightmares, irritability, restlessness, and abdominal pain. Melatonin is generally well-tolerated and is considered safer than many other sleep medications with a low risk of dependence, tolerance, or rebound insomnia. If side effects persist or concern you, speak to your prescriber.
Is Melatonin addictive?
No, melatonin is not considered addictive and does not carry the dependence risk associated with benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or temazepam) or Z-drugs (such as zopiclone or zolpidem). You will not develop physical dependence or experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping melatonin. This is one of the key advantages of melatonin for insomnia management. However, it is still best used for the shortest duration necessary while addressing any underlying causes of poor sleep through good sleep hygiene practices.
What medications interact with Melatonin?
Melatonin has several drug interactions to be aware of. Fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant) significantly increases melatonin levels and should generally be avoided together. Quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin) and cimetidine may also increase melatonin levels. Carbamazepine and rifampicin may reduce melatonin’s effectiveness. Melatonin can enhance the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and antihistamines. Warfarin’s effects may be altered. Alcohol should be avoided as it impairs melatonin’s sleep-promoting effects and reduces natural melatonin production.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Melatonin?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking melatonin. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of melatonin and impairs natural melatonin production. It also disrupts sleep architecture, reducing the restorative deep-sleep stages. Combining alcohol with melatonin may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration. If you are using melatonin to improve sleep quality, avoiding evening alcohol consumption will significantly improve your outcomes.
Can I take Melatonin during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Melatonin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Melatonin crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Although it is a naturally occurring hormone, the effects of supplemental doses on foetal development and breastfed infants are not well established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding and struggling with sleep, speak to your doctor about non-pharmacological sleep strategies or alternative treatments that have better-established safety profiles.
How can I get a prescription for Melatonin in the UK?
You can get a melatonin prescription from your GP, a sleep specialist, or through an online prescribing service such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your sleep difficulties, rule out underlying causes of insomnia, and determine whether melatonin is appropriate for you. For children, melatonin is typically initiated by a specialist (paediatrician or child psychiatrist) before being continued by the GP. NowPatient offers a convenient online consultation process with qualified UK prescribers.
How should I store Melatonin?
Store melatonin tablets below 25°C in the original packaging, away from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use melatonin tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Return any unused or expired melatonin to your pharmacy for safe disposal. If you are travelling with melatonin, keep it in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription, as melatonin regulations vary between countries.
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