What is Circadin Used For?

Circadin is a medicinal product that contains the active substance melatonin. It is widely used for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia, specifically in patients aged 55 years or over. This article explores the uses, benefits, risks, and other essential information about Circadin.

What is Circadin's Therapeutic Indication?

Circadin is indicated as monotherapy for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterized by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over. 'Primary' means that the insomnia does not have any identified cause, including any medical, mental, or environmental cause.

How is Circadin Used?

The recommended dose of Circadin is one tablet per day, taken one to two hours before bedtime, preferably after a meal. This dose can be continued for up to 13 weeks. The tablets are prolonged-release, meaning that melatonin is released slowly over several hours, mimicking the body's natural production of melatonin.

What Benefits Has Circadin's Use Shown During Studies?

Circadin has been found to be more effective than a placebo at improving the quality of sleep and the patient's ability to function normally the following day. In studies, 32% of patients taking Circadin reported a significant improvement in symptoms after three weeks, compared to 19% of those taking placebo. The effects were observed for at least 13 weeks.

What are the Risks Associated with Circadin?

The risks of Circadin include common side effects and specific considerations like drowsiness and alcohol consumption. Below, we outline these side effects to provide a better understanding of potential reactions to this medication.

Common Side Effects

• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Abnormal dreams
• Anxiety
• Migraine
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• High blood pressure
• Stomach ache
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Itching
• Rash
• Dry skin

Circadin can cause drowsiness, so it should be used with caution if it could pose a risk to safety, including in individuals who need to drive or operate machinery. Patients should avoid alcohol before, during, and after taking Circadin.

Why Has Circadin Been Approved for Use?

The European Commission granted marketing authorisation for Circadin on 29 June 2007. Although Circadin has only been shown to have a small effect in a relatively small number of patients, its benefits are considered greater than its risks.

Conclusion

In summary, Circadin is specifically used for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia in patients aged 55 years or over. Circadin works by mimicking the body's natural production of melatonin, helping to improve sleep quality. The treatment is administered as a prolonged-release tablet taken one to two hours before bedtime and has been approved by the European Commission due to its benefits outweighing the risks.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 21/08/2023 Reviewed on: 05/06/2025