Circadin (Melatonin)

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Circadin (Melatonin) is a mainstay agent used in persons suffering from abnormal sleep patterns and insomnia. '.

If you think Circadin (Melatonin) is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Where can I buy Circadin (Melatonin) online?

Melatonin UK / Circadin UK

If you are looking to purchase Circadin (Melatonin) online then you can get yours today from UK Meds.

You can safely buy melatonin supplements at UK Meds, but you will need to have first an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Circadin is the right medication for your medical condition.

Can you buy Melatonin over the counter in the UK?

No, melatonin is not available over the counter in the UK, it is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

• It is not approved for sale without a prescription and you can only get melatonin through a prescription from a healthcare professional.

If you're struggling with sleep issues, consult a healthcare professional through the NHS or a private medical service such as UK Meds, to see if melatonin is suitable for you.

Can I get Circadin (Melatonin) on subscription?

Yes, you can get Circadin (Melatonin) on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!

What is Circadin?

Melatonin

Circadin is a synthetic form of melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. This hormone helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, with melatonin levels typically increasing at night as it gets dark and decreasing with morning light. Circadin is commonly prescribed in the UK for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults aged 55 and over.

How does Circadin (Melatonin) work?

Melatonin plays a key role in regulating your body’s natural sleep patterns. When it gets dark, the body produces more melatonin, signalling that it’s time to sleep. With exposure to daylight, melatonin production decreases, helping you wake up. For individuals with low melatonin levels, falling and staying asleep can be difficult. Circadin supplements these levels, supporting a more natural and restorative sleep.

What are the benefits of taking Circadin (Melatonin)?

• Improves Sleep Quality: Circadin is especially effective for people aged 55+ experiencing insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
• Supports Shift Workers: Melatonin can help regulate disrupted sleep schedules caused by work shifts.
• Treats Jet Lag and Other Sleep Issues: It’s also used for sleep problems related to changes in routine, like jet lag.

By supplementing natural melatonin levels, Circadin provides a safe and effective way to promote better sleep.

Melatonin is a popular aid for sleep issues and jet lag, but its effectiveness varies from person to person. Users’ experiences often depend on their health conditions and lifestyle choices.

Melatonin Reviews

If you’re considering melatonin, reading reviews can help you understand how others have used it to improve sleep:

• UK Meds Reviews: Explore feedback from UK Meds customers who have used Circadin (Melatonin) to support their sleep.
• Additional Resources: Visit trusted platforms like Drugs.com and WebMD for broader user insights.

Remember:

1. Results Can Vary: Some people find melatonin highly effective for improving sleep, while others may experience minimal benefits. Each person’s response is unique.

2. Consult Your Doctor: Before using melatonin, seek advice from a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your needs.

3. Learn From Patient Insights: Reviews can offer practical advice and highlight what to expect. However, remember that your experience may differ. Always base your judgment on how well it works for you, under your doctor’s guidance.

By combining reviews with professional medical advice, you can make a well-informed decision about whether melatonin is the right choice for you.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Circadin (Melatonin) patient information leaflet.

How do I use Circadin (Melatonin)?

Circadin Tablets / Melatonin Tablets

Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice when taking Circadin. If you’re unsure, consult with them for clarification.

What if you take too much?

• If you accidentally take more Circadin than recommended, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
• Overdosing may cause drowsiness, so avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving.

What if you miss a dose?

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember before bedtime.
• If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal.
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Can you stop taking Circadin?

• Yes, it is safe to stop taking Circadin. There are no known withdrawal effects if treatment is interrupted or discontinued early.

If you have any other questions or concerns about using Circadin, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

What is the recommended dosage?

• Take one Circadin tablet (2 mg) daily.
• Consume it by mouth after food, 1-2 hours before bedtime.
• Continue this routine for up to 13 weeks, as advised.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or cut the tablet in half.

Melatonin is generally safe for most people, but a few may experience mild or rare side effects. Here’s what to expect and how to manage them:

Common side effects

While uncommon, some people may notice these effects:

1. Headache or Dizziness

   • Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol as it can make symptoms worse.
   • If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down until it passes. Avoid driving or using machinery during these times.
   • Consult a doctor if headaches persist for more than a week or become severe.

2. Stomach Upset and Nausea

   • Take melatonin after meals to reduce nausea.
   • Stick to simple, bland meals and avoid rich or spicy foods.
   • Use a heat pad or hot water bottle on your stomach if you experience aches.

3. Feeling Sleepy or Tired During the Day

   • Avoid activities that require focus, such as driving or operating machinery, if you feel drowsy.
   • Skip alcohol, as it can worsen tiredness.
   • If this persists, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

4. Dry Mouth or Dry/Itchy Skin

   • Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free sweets for dry mouth.
   • Apply a moisturiser regularly for dry skin.
   • If these symptoms last more than a week, consult your doctor.

5. Strange Dreams, Night Sweats, or Restlessness

   • If these symptoms persist for several days, stop taking melatonin and speak to your doctor.

6. Pain in Arms or Legs

   • If pain doesn’t improve after a few days, consult your doctor for advice.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are very rare (fewer than 1 in 1,000 people). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Low mood or signs of depression.
• Blurred vision or eyesight changes.
• Fainting or feeling extremely dizzy.
• Persistent bleeding, bruising, or blood in urine.

Allergic reactions

Rarely, melatonin may cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Blue or pale skin, lips, or nails (check palms or soles for darker skin tones).
• A raised, blistered, itchy, or peeling rash.
• Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or fainting.

Note: Do not drive yourself to A&E. Follow emergency advice from 999.

Other Important Notes

• Always consult the information leaflet included with your medicine for a complete list of side effects.
• Report side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme to help improve medication safety.

By understanding these potential side effects, you can manage them effectively and seek medical attention when necessary. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for safe use of melatonin.

Who is Circadin suitable for?

Melatonin is generally safe for adults aged 55 and older to help with short-term sleep issues like insomnia. For younger adults and children, melatonin may be prescribed, but only if a sleep specialist determines it’s necessary to treat long-term sleep problems.

Who should avoid Circadin?

Melatonin isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s important to consult with your GP or pharmacist before taking melatonin, especially if you:

• Have allergies: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to melatonin or any other medicines in the past, you should avoid it.
• Have liver or kidney problems: These organs are responsible for processing melatonin, and issues could make the medication unsafe.
• Have autoimmune conditions: If you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, melatonin may not be right for you.

Before starting melatonin, always check with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s the best option for you. This is particularly important if you have any existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Proper advice ensures melatonin is both safe and effective in helping you get a good night’s sleep.

Below are a selection of answers to the most common questions that customers ask UK Meds about the sleeping aid:

Why is Melatonin banned in the UK?

Melatonin is not banned in the UK, but it is strictly regulated and only available with a prescription. This ensures it is used safely and effectively under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

When Is Melatonin prescribed in the UK?

Melatonin is approved for:

1. Adults over 55: For short-term treatment of primary insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).
2. Children with neurological conditions: For certain sleep disorders, if recommended by a specialist.

If you think melatonin may help you, speak to a healthcare professional who can assess your situation and prescribe it if appropriate.

What does Melatonin do?

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your brain to help you sleep and regulate your body's internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. Levels of melatonin naturally increase when it gets dark, helping you feel sleepy at night. It helps to:

• Improves sleep: Helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Eases jet lag: Supports your body in adjusting to a new time zone after travel.

It could also help with:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Low doses of melatonin might reduce symptoms linked to this winter-related mood condition.
• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: It may play a role in maintaining a regular menstrual cycle.
• Cell and Brain Health: Research suggests melatonin may help protect cells and support brain health (Arendt and Aulinas, 2022).

Can I take 10mg of Melatonin?

The typical starting dose for melatonin is 2mg of a slow-release tablet, taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Depending on how effective it is and whether you experience any side effects, your doctor might gradually increase your dose.

• Maximum dose: Up to 10mg (5 tablets) can be taken once daily, but this should only be done under medical advice.
• Always follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure melatonin is safe and effective for your needs.

If you have questions about your dosage or experience side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalised guidance.

Is Melatonin addictive?

No, melatonin is not considered addictive like some other sleep aids.

• Natural Hormone: Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate sleep, and using it is generally safe for short-term sleep issues.
• No Physical Dependence: You’re unlikely to become physically dependent on melatonin, and stopping it typically won’t cause withdrawal symptoms. 

Remember:

Monitor Usage: Even though it’s not addictive, it’s a good idea to monitor your reliance on melatonin.

Discuss Long-Term Use: If you’ve been using melatonin for an extended period, talk to a healthcare professional about your concerns. They can guide you on whether continued use is necessary.

Gradual Reduction: If you want to stop using melatonin, reduce your dose gradually over a couple of weeks. Plan how to taper off during the day, rather than deciding last minute at bedtime.

Always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure or need support managing your melatonin use.

• Melatonin - NHS
• Melatonin Tablets for Insomnia (Adaflex, Circadin) - Patient.info
• Melatonin - BNF
• Melatonin - WebMD
• Melatonin - Mayo Clinic
• Melatonin for Sleep Disorders - Medicines for Children
• Melatonin Information for Children - The Sleep Charity
• Melatonin and Sleep Science - Sleepstation

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