Circadin Tablets
Circadin is a branded version of modified-release melatonin. Melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle. Natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest at night.
Some research suggests that melatonin supplements might help treat sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep phase, and provide some relief from insomnia and jet lag.
Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. Unlike with many sleep medications, with melatonin, you are unlikely to become dependent, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation), or experience a hangover effect.
It comes in a 2mg tablet and is a prescription-only medication. You must speak to one of our prescribers to ensure Melatonin is prescribed for your needs.
Circadin is a medicine that is used to treat jetlag and to adjust an irregular sleep pattern. It contains the active ingredient melatonin, which is also found naturally in the body. It works by increasing the levels of melatonin in the body at night, which aids sleep. The body produces more melatonin at night, which produces a regular night cycle. Light prevents the production of melatonin, which means we are more alert during the day.
There are risks of possible side effects when using Circadan, as with any medication. Most side effects are quite mild and subside over time. Others can be more serious and, in this stance, should be reported to your GP right away when using Circadan. Feel free to contact a member of our team if you have any questions regarding the side effects and use of Circadan tablets.
Common side effects can include:
· Headache
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Drowsiness
· Taste disturbance
You should stop using Circadan and inform your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects
· Signs of an allergic reaction (Difficulty breathing, talking, or swelling of the face and tongue)
· Swollen legs, ankles, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat that doesn’t go away
· Struggling to breathe, shortness of breath, or wheezy
How do I use Circadan?
Adults only - 1 tablet daily for a maximum of 5 days. If not working, 2 tablets daily. Take the first tablet(s) on arrival at the destination at your usual bedtime. On the following days take at your usual bed-time - should not be taken before 20:00 hr or after 04:00 hr. Take tablets whole with water or other liquid (not alcohol), not within 2 hours before or after food.
Courses of Circadan treatment can be repeated for each episode of jet lag up to a maximum of 16 treatment periods per year.
If you have taken more than recommended, please contact your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy. Common symptoms of overdose are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea.
If you forget to take a tablet at bedtime and wake during the night you may take the forgotten dose but at no later than 04:00 hr. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you stop taking Circadan tablets, it will not have any withdrawal symptoms or harmful effects.
Can I use Circadan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Circadan should not be used in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Circadan?
Alcohol and Circadan should not be mixed as this can result in increasing the side effects of drowsiness
How long will it take Circadan to work?
This can vary from patient to patient but should affect symptoms within 30 to 1 hour after taking a dose. It is most effective taken every day at the same time and is released over an 8-10 hour period
If no improvement after 5 days there are a variety of treatments that can be trialed and you should consult your doctor
How long should I use Circadan for?
Circadan should be used for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. If there are no improvements after 5 days then your doctor should be consulted to discuss an alternative.
Can I buy Circadan over the counter?
Circadan can only be obtained with a prescription, which means it can’t be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy. You can get it online at Pharmacy7days. You will need to complete an online medical prescriber to ensure it is appropriate for you.
Before taking any medicines such as this Circadan treatment, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2809.pdf