Circadin (Melatonin)

What Is Circadin (Melatonin)?

Circadin is a treatment for secondary insomnia in adults. Circadin contains a naturally occurring hormone called melatonin.

Melatonin is a hormone which influences your sleep-wake cycle daily. It is produced by the pineal gland. While the functions of the pineal gland are not yet fully understood, it does play a key role in regulating the body's natural clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.

Throughout the day, the pineal gland secretes melatonin. The secretion of melatonin can be influenced by environmental factors such as light or darkness.

Light disrupts the production of melatonin which can impact your sleeping patterns. If enough melatonin is not present when you are ready for bed, you may struggle to fall asleep naturally. This difficulty sleeping is known as insomnia.

What is melatonin used for?

Melatonin is used primarily as a short-term treatment for insomnia in adul age of 55. Your doctor will tell you how long you should take melatonin. They may tell you only to take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week.

Melatonin is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat jet lag, which occurs when travelling across time zones.

If you have insomnia, it's important to speak to your doctor to determine the cause of your condition before buying melatonin online. Your doctor will be able to discuss your condition with you and suggest treatments.

How does melatonin help adjust circadian rhythms?

According to Timeshifter, Melatonin tablets can help regulate the sleep cycle by moving the timing of the internal circadian rhythm. Receptors for melatonin are located in the bilateral structure located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus and can reset the rhythms generated by the circadin pacemaker.

Melatonin taken in the evening will shift the clock earlier (a phase advance), whereas melatonin taken in the morning will shift the clock later (a phase delay). Taking melatonin at the right time for the required shift will help reset the clock more quickly when travelling across time zones.

These combined effects of melatonin, when timed properly, will help reset the clock and overcome your jet lag.

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How does melatonin work?

Melatonin is a key hormone which promotes and regulates sleepiness. The more melatonin is produced, the sleepier you become.

During the day, when there is natural light, the level of melatonin in the body is low.

During periods of diminished light exposure, such as evenings and during the night, the hypothalamus in the brain triggers the release of melatonin.

Throughout the day, the amount of melatonin in the body gradually increases, reaching its peak at around midnight.

If there is not enough melatonin in the body near bedtime, the body doesn't feel tired, so it can be difficult to fall asleep. By introducing a synthesized melatonin near bedtime, the body can fall naturally into a deep and restful sleep.

How long does melatonin take to work?

You may need to take melatonin for a few days before you notice the effects.

For insomnia, melatonin is usually prescribed for up to 4 weeks. If you still experience insomnia after taking melatonin for this prescribed time, speak to your doctor about alternative treatments.

How does melatonin compare to other sleeping aids?

Synthesized melatonin, found in Circadin 2mg, is similar to the natural melatonin produced by the body. As a result, melatonin is well tolerated and unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms, dependence, cognitive impairment or daytime sedation.

The mechanism of melatonin is more subtle than the mechanism of other sleep aids such as Z-drugs. Unlike non-benzodiazepines, such as Zopiclone, melatonin does not cause immediate drowsiness, nor does it pose a risk of a 'come down once the hormone is metabolised. Instead, melatonin induces a gradual and natural progression to sleep.

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How do I take melatonin?

Melatonin is available in a slow-release tablet called Circadin. Each Circadin tablet contains 2mg of melatonin.

Swallow one slow-release tablet whole after food with a glass of water. Circadin should be taken 1 or 2 hours before you intend to go to bed in order to work effectively.

For best results, aim to go to bed at the same time each night and take melatonin up to 2 hours before you go to sleep.

Circadin 2mg is typically prescribed for 21 days in adults with insomnia. After completing treatment with melatonin, you should arrange an appointment with your doctor to review how effective the treatment has been for you.

Other sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines, can worsen the effects of melatonin or render the medicine ineffective.

If you are unsure how to take Circadin, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

What should I do if I forget to take Circadin (melatonin) when I should

If you forget to take melatonin when you should, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take more Circadin (melatonin) to make up for the dose you missed.

What should I do if I accidentally take more Circadin (melatonin) than I should?

If you accidentally take more melatonin than you should, you may feel very sleepy.

Make sure you are in a safe place to sleep off the effects. It will take approximately 12 hours for the effects of melatonin to wear off. After this time, you should avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel well enough to do so.

There is little evidence to suggest that taking too much melatonin can cause significant harm. However, it is imperative that you inform your doctor if you accidentally take more than the prescribed dosage.

For jet lag, melatonin can be used for up to 5 consecutive nights.

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Melatonin side effects and cautions

Before you take Circadin (melatonin), it is important to read the patient information leaflet (PIL) enclosed with your medicine.

This leaflet contains important information, such as instructions on how to use and store your medicine, as well as a complete list of side effects, ingredients and contraindications.

You should always keep the leaflet in case you need to read it in the future.

Due to its ability to initiate a deep and restful sleep pattern, melatonin can indirectly improve daytime functioning.

Who cannot take melatonin?

Circadin may not be suitable if you:

• are lactose intolerant
• have an autoimmune disease
• have diabetes
• have hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment
• have or have had an allergic reaction to Circadin (melatonin) in the past

Important: Melatonin must not be taken with other sleep medications such as:

• Benzodiazepines
• Zaleplon
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are unsure whether melatonin (Circadin 2mg) is suitable for you, speak to your doctor. In cases where the medicine is not safe for you, your doctor may recommend or prescribe an alternative treatment.

It is important that you inform our doctor of any other medication you are currently taking, including health supplements, regardless of whether they were prescribed by your doctor or bought over the counter at a pharmacy.

Side effects of melatonin (Circadin)

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Before taking any medication, it is important to familiarise yourself with the full list of all known side effects, cautions and drug interactions associated with your medicine. This can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Melatonin is relatively safe and well tolerated. Clinical trials show that melatonin has a low incidence of adverse effects. There is no evidence that states it causes dependence, nor that the treatments cause daytime sleepiness, as seen in other hypnotic medications.

While melatonin is well tolerated, there is still a chance melatonin (Circadin) may cause side effects in some people.

Common side effects of melatonin include:

• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Headache
• Stomach ache or feeling sick (nausea)
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Dry or itchy skin
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Strange dreams or night sweats

These side effects have been observed in patients taking melatonin.

Uncommon melatonin side effects include:

• Chest pain

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Circadin, including a full list of side effects, can be found in the patient information leaflet (PIL) enclosed with your treatment.

The patient information leaflet for Circadin (melatonin) can also be viewed online.

Allergic reaction

Do not take melatonin (Circadin) if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Dry, red, cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of lips, tongue, eyes, face or throat
• Tightness of the chest
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Taking melatonin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

For more information regarding the safety of melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, speak to your doctor.

Other safety information

Always read the enclosed patient information leaflet before you take Circadin.

Do not take melatonin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not throw away melatonin via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of them safely on your behalf.

Always store medicines out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

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Frequently asked questions

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