Circadin is a prescription medication that can be used to help manage the symptoms of jet lag and the safety and efficacy has well been established. Circadin contains the active ingredient Melatonin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. Circadin can help you fall asleep quicker, improve the quality of sleep and help you adapt to your new surroundings allowing you to leave jet lag behind.  

Circadin (Melatonin) is a prescription medication that can be used to help manage the symptoms of jet lag and the safety and efficacy has well been established. Circadin contains the active ingredient Melatonin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. Circadin can help you fall asleep quicker, improve the quality of sleep and help you adapt to your new surroundings allowing you to leave jet lag behind.  

Circadin (Melatonin)

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Brand (only) / 2mg / 5 Tablets

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Circadin is a prescription medicine containing 2mg of melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is primarily used to treat short-term insomnia, particularly in adults aged 55 and over who struggle with poor-quality sleep. Unlike traditional sleeping tablets, Circadin works by supporting your body's natural sleep rhythm rather than directly sedating you.

What is Circadin and what is it used for?

Many people ask whether Circadin is "just melatonin" or whether it genuinely improves sleep. Circadin is designed as a prolonged-release melatonin tablet, meaning it slowly releases melatonin throughout the night to better mimic the body's natural production. This can help people fall asleep more easily and improve overall sleep quality, particularly when sleep problems are linked to age-related reductions in melatonin production.

Does Circadin actually work for insomnia?

Some people notice improvements within the first few nights, while others may need one to two weeks of regular use before seeing the full benefit. Because Circadin works by helping regulate your natural sleep cycle rather than acting like a sedative, the effects can be more gradual than traditional sleeping tablets.

This is one of the most searched questions online. Circadin contains melatonin but uses a prolonged-release formulation that gradually releases the hormone throughout the night. Many over-the-counter melatonin products are immediate-release, meaning they release the entire dose quickly. Circadin was specifically designed to mimic the body's normal overnight melatonin pattern and help maintain sleep.

What's the difference between Circadin and regular melatonin?

Most people do not experience significant next-day drowsiness when taking Circadin as prescribed. However, individual responses vary and some people may feel sleepy or less alert, especially when first starting treatment. If you feel drowsy the next morning, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Will Circadin make me feel groggy the next day?

Unlike many traditional sleeping tablets, Circadin is not considered addictive and does not usually cause dependence. Studies have not shown evidence of withdrawal symptoms, rebound insomnia or tolerance developing in the same way as some prescription sleep medications.

Circadin is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Your prescriber will advise how long you should take it based on your symptoms. If sleep problems continue despite treatment, it's important to discuss this with a healthcare professional rather than self-managing indefinitely.

There are several reasons why Circadin may not seem effective. Poor sleep can be caused by stress, anxiety, lifestyle factors, medical conditions or other sleep disorders. Circadin works best when sleep problems are related to disrupted circadian rhythms or reduced melatonin production. Maintaining good sleep habits alongside treatment is also important.

Alcohol can interfere with normal sleep patterns and may reduce the effectiveness of Circadin. It can also increase the likelihood of feeling drowsy or less alert. For the best results, many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding or limiting alcohol while taking melatonin-based treatments.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Circadin?

Many travellers search for this specifically. Melatonin has been shown to help reduce jet lag symptoms and support adjustment to new time zones. However, Circadin is a prolonged-release formulation licensed primarily for insomnia. Timing is particularly important when using melatonin for jet lag, so you should follow professional advice regarding the most suitable product and schedule.

Most people tolerate Circadin well. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea and mild drowsiness. Side effects are generally mild and often improve as your body adjusts to treatment.

What are the most common side effects of Circadin?

Circadin and traditional sleeping tablets work differently. Sleeping tablets often have a stronger sedative effect and may be more appropriate for certain short-term sleep problems. Circadin works by supporting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and is often preferred by people looking for a treatment that is less likely to cause dependence. The best option depends on the underlying cause of your sleep difficulties and your individual circumstances.

What's better: Circadin or sleeping tablets?

Circadin is designed to release melatonin gradually throughout the night, which may help maintain sleep as well as support sleep onset. If you continue waking regularly despite treatment, it may be worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional to explore whether another sleep issue is contributing.

What should I do if I wake up during the night while taking Circadin?

The recommended dose of Circadin for the management of jet lag is one tablet at bedtime in your new time zone on the day of arrival. You can continue taking Circadin for the following days depending on the response. Circadin does not cause instant drowsiness but promotes natural sleep 1-2 hours after taking. 

Possible side effects associated with Circadin use include:

·      Very common (1 in 10 people) – none

·      Common (1 in 10 – 1 in 100 people) – none

·      Uncommon (1 in 100 – 1 in 1,000 people) -  irritability, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, abnormal dreams, nightmares, anxiety, migraine, headache, lethargy (tiredness, lack of energy), restlessness associated with increased activity, dizziness, tiredness, high blood pressure, upper abdominal pain, indigestion, mouth ulceration, dry mouth, Feeling sick (nausea) , changes in the composition of your blood which could cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, inflammation of the skin, night sweats, itching, rash, dry skin, pain in extremities, menopausal symptoms, feeling of weakness, excretion of glucose in the urine, excess proteins in the urine, abnormal liver function and weight increase.

Please visit the product’s Patient Information Leaflet for a complete list of possible side effects. Note possible means that not everyone will get affected and not all side-effects may appear in one person.

If you experience any side effects, you must stop taking Circadin and consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can always contact your pharmacist at My Private Pharmacist during our pharmacy opening hours for further advice. 

In case of any severe and potentially life threatening events, always call 999 and seek urgent medical care.

Circadin (Melatonin)2 mg prolonged-release tablets

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Circadin (Melatonin)