Melatonin
The hormone 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 3mg tablet and is a prescription-only medication. You must speak to one of our prescribers to ensure Melatonin is prescribed for your needs.
Melatonin tablets are a medicine used to treat jetlag and adjust to an irregular sleep pattern. Melatonin is produced naturally in the body as it helps regulate sleep patterns. These melatonin tablets include an artificial version of this hormone and increase the melatonin levels in the body at night, which aids sleep. It's suitable for adults aged 55 or above but can occasionally be used by adults under the age of 55 and by children if recommended by a GP.
There are risks of possible side effects when using Melatonin, 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 Melatonin. Feel free to contact a member of our team if you have any questions regarding the side effects and use of Melatonin tablets.
Common side effects can include:
· Headache
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Drowsiness
· Taste disturbance
You should stop using Melatonin 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 Melatonin?
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 your 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 melatonin 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 Melatonin tablets, it will not have any withdrawal symptoms or harmful effects.
Can I use Melatonin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Melatonin should not be used in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Melatonin?
Alcohol and Melatonin should not be mixed as this can result in increasing the side effects of drowsiness
How long will it take Melatonin 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.
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 Melatonin?
Melatonin 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 Melatonin over the counter?
Melatonin 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 Melatonin 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.10405.pdf