Circadin (Melatonin)

Circadin is a prolonged-release melatonin tablet that can be used to treat insomnia and jet lag. It supplements your natural melatonin levels and helps to reset your internal body clock. This makes you fall asleep more easily and improves sleep quality. Circadin is an ideal option for those who struggle with sleep or are planning to travel to a different time zone.

It is currently only licensed to treat insomnia in people aged 55 or older, however, it can be prescribed off-label to younger adults.

Circadin is available as 2 mg prolonged-release tablets, which can be purchased from 121doc after a short online consultation.

Melatonin, the active ingredient in Circadin, is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the brain in response to darkness. It signals to your body that it is time to sleep. That is why it is often referred to as ‘the sleep hormone’. Several factors can reduce melatonin levels, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, including travel across time zones and stress.

Prolonged-release (or slow-release) Circadin tablets contain prescription-strength melatonin that is designed to release melatonin gradually through the night. This mimics natural melatonin production. In this way, Circadin can help restore your natural sleep rhythm when it is disrupted.

Jet lag occurs when your internal clock is disrupted by travel across different time zones. Circadin can be used to prevent and treat jet lag, so that your body can adjust to the time difference more quickly and make it easier to sleep at the correct local time. It can help reduce symptoms such as:

• night-time wakefulness
• daytime tiredness
• poor concentration
• headaches caused by disrupted sleep

Circadin can also be prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia. It works best when difficulty falling asleep or poor sleep quality is caused by reduced melatonin production. It can help with the following symptoms:

• taking a long time to fall asleep
• waking up frequently during the night
• feeling unrefreshed in the morning
• experiencing age-related sleep changes

Melatonin has been widely studied and has been proven to offer significant improvement in sleep timing and quality.

Clinical studies have shown that about one-third of patients benefit greatly from using Circadin. In a randomised study including patients who took 2 mg of Circadin for 3 weeks, participants reported that their quality of sleep, number of awakenings during the night, and morning alertness improved significantly compared to a placebo.

It has also been reported to be remarkably effective in preventing and reducing jet lag, particularly for travellers flying across five or more time zones.

Circadin is safe for most adults to use. It is licensed to treat insomnia in those aged 55 and over, but can be prescribed off-label to younger people for short-term treatment of insomnia or jet lag.

However, this medication may not be suitable for you if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have severe liver or kidney problems
• have an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• take other medications that affect your sleep or hormone levels
• you are intolerant to some sugars, like lactose
• are allergic to melatonin or any other ingredients in Cicadin

Circadin can be used to treat short-term insomnia or to prevent and treat jet lag before and after long-haul travel.

How to take Circadin for insomnia

• The usual dose is one 2 mg tablet once a day
• Take it after a meal, 1–2 hours before bedtime
• Swallow the tablet whole with water (do not crush or chew)

How to take Circadin to prevent and treat jet lag

• The typical dose is one 2 mg tablet once a day at local bedtime at your destination
• Take the first dose the first evening after arrival

Taking Circadin 2 mg is particularly effective if you need to shift your clock earlier when flying east. It can also help improve sleep when flying west by helping shift your clock later.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions on melatonin dose for jet lag, as the severity of your symptoms can depend on the time difference and direction of travel.

Avoid taking Circadin during daytime. As it is designed to mimic nighttime melatonin levels, daytime use is likely to disrupt your circadian rhythm and can cause drowsiness.

Circadin 2 mg is a prolonged-release tablet. This means that the melatonin is released into the body gradually. It takes 1-2 hours to take effect. The prolonged-release formula helps you sleep throughout the night instead of causing a short-acting sedative effect.

Circadin is not intended for long-term use and should be used for the shortest possible time. For insomnia, this is usually 1 to 4 weeks up to a maximum of 13 weeks, and for jet lag, 2 to 5 nights, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing long-lasting sleeping problems. In some cases, they may prescribe melatonin for a longer period of time.

Circadin is generally a well-tolerated medication, but like all medications, it can cause some side effects. They are typically mild and rare.

The most common Circadin (melatonin) side effects include:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea or stomach ache
• feeling drowsy the next day
• irritability or restlessness
• vivid dreams or night sweats
• dry mouth
• dry or itchy skin
• pain in arms or legs

Serious adverse effects are very rare, however, if you experience any severe side effects, contact your GP immediately. For a full list of potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet.

No, although Circadin helps with falling asleep, it is not a traditional sleeping pill. It is a hormone supplement that tells your brain to sleep at a different time than normal and helps regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle, but it does not force sleep or have a sedative effect.

No, you cannot buy Circadin tablets without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. However, faster-release versions of generic Melatonin are available over the counter from most pharmacies.

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation. A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects