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Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that also exists as a licensed medicine. It is indicated for short-term treatment of jet lag in adults and for insomnia in children and adolescents with ADHD when sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient. It acts on receptors involved in circadian rhythms and sleep timing.

Medicine containing Melatonin

Sleepose

Insomnia

10mg

Sleepose is oral prolonged-release melatonin in a tablet for insomnia. It is supplied in one strength and several pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.13/ tabletView

Key points

  • Its onset is 1–2 hours and its duration is 6–8 hours.
  • Minor side effects include headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain and arthralgia.
  • Moderate side effects include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, abnormal dreams and hypertension.

What it is used for

Melatonin is used for insomnia, including in children and adolescents with ADHD where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient, and for short-term treatment of jet lag in adults. For jet lag, it should not be taken before 20:00 or after 04:00 at the destination, as incorrectly timed intake may have no effect or an adverse effect on re-synchronisation.

How it works

As a melatonin receptor agonist, it acts at the MT1, MT2 and MT3 receptors, which are involved in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep timing, and it promotes the onset of natural sleep.

Forms and brands on MayChemist

MayChemist supplies Sleepose 10mg tablets, and melatonin also appears as a prolonged-release tablet. Orders are shipped to Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.

Safety

Hypersensitivity to melatonin and severe hepatic impairment are contraindications. Melatonin is not recommended in moderate hepatic impairment, and the effect of renal impairment on its pharmacokinetics has not been studied. Anaphylaxis and seizures are serious effects requiring immediate medical attention. Avoid fluvoxamine. Alcohol, benzodiazepines and warfarin are listed interactions. Consult a doctor before use in pregnancy; breastfeeding is not recommended. Medical advice should be sought for patients under 18 years.

What the sources say

  • Melatonin may cause drowsiness, so caution is needed where drowsiness could pose a safety risk. (SmPC)
  • In children and adolescents with ADHD, treatment should be started by physicians experienced in ADHD or paediatric sleep medicine. (SmPC)
  • Occasional case reports describe exacerbation of autoimmune disease in people taking melatonin, and there are no data on use in autoimmune disease. (SmPC)

Further reading

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