• Melatonin is found naturally within the body
• Synthetic melatonin is sold under the trade name Circadin
• Taking prescribed melatonin helps you to fall asleep more quickly and reduces the risk of waking up during the night
• It can help with jetlag
• As it makes you feel sleepy, it is important not to drive or use machinery after taking it
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the body. It is involved in controlling our sleep patterns. As we get older, the amount of melatonin we produce tends to decrease, and this can lead to difficulty sleeping. 

Melatonin levels should naturally rise around two hours before bedtime, peaking in the early hours of the morning. It naturally reduces again during daylight hours. When you take melatonin in tablet form, it acts on the receptors in the body that encourage you to sleep. By taking melatonin, you are adding to your body’s natural supply of the hormone to encourage a better quality sleep.

Circadin (Melatonin) Tablets

Melatonin is prescribed in tablet form. You should follow the instructions carefully as your prescriber may suggest taking melatonin on only two or three nights each week, rather than every night. Melatonin is not usually prescribed for longer than three months as taking it long term can lead to you feeling dependent on it for sleep.

Circadin 2mg / Melatonin 2mg

Melatonin should usually be taken as one 2mg dose taken 1-2 hours before bedtime with a snack. The tablet is designed to slowly release melatonin to help you sleep through the night. The presence of food in your stomach will allow the melatonin to keep working for longer.

Like all medications, melatonin can have side effects for some people. Those who experience side effects often find that they settle down within a few doses. Side effects include:

• Daytime sleepiness or tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Irritability
• Dry, itchy skin
• Strange dreams
• Night sweats
• Pains in your arms or legs.

Melatonin can also cause some rare but serious side effects. You should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• Low mood or sadness
• Blurry vision or watery eyes
• Feeling confused or dizzy
• Fainting or collapsing
• Bleeding that won’t stop, excessive bruising or blood in your urine
• Psoriasis.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately. 

If you have heart palpitations or chest pain, call 999 immediately.

Melatonin is best avoided in women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Speak to a prescriber if you are breastfeeding as melatonin may make your baby sleepy.

Melatonin may not be suitable for you if you have:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Some autoimmune conditions
• Liver or kidney disease.

Some medications will interact with melatonin. A pharmacist from EU Meds will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that melatonin will not interact with them. 

Can I buy Circadin (Melatonin) online?

You can safely buy Circadin (Melatonin) online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Circadin (Melatonin) is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Circadin (Melatonin)?

Yes, in order to purchase Circadin (Melatonin) you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.