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Circadin is a branded version of Melatonin: a medication containing the active ingredient of the same name. Melatonin is a hormone that makes us tired and helps us sleep. People primarily take melatonin for sleeplessness (insomnia).
Even though melatonin occurs naturally in the body, some people don’t produce enough and need to take melatonin supplements like Circadin to sleep well.
Circadin was approved for use in European markets in June 2007 and is primarily prescribed for insomnia. Melatonin tablets can also be prescribed at a higher dose - 3mg - for jet lag. However, euroClinix currently only offers 2mg tablets of Circadin for insomnia.
The active ingredient in Circadin: melatonin, is produced naturally by the pineal gland when your brain detects darkness. This is why we feel more tired at night after the sun goes down.
People with insomnia often have trouble producing enough of the sleep hormone melatonin. Circadin tablets release melatonin into the bloodstream, helping you drift off more easily and enjoy a good night’s rest.
Circadin melatonin tablets are prolonged-release (PR), which are designed to mimic the body’s natural secretion of hormones. This makes going to sleep feel like a gradual and natural process.
There are many benefits of taking Circadin for your sleep problems:
Benefits of Circadin
Improves sleep quality
Regulates circadian rhythm
Mimics natural sleep processes
Non-addictive
Helps you fall asleep
Clinical trials have found Circadin to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for insomnia.
In one trial, two groups of patients with insomnia were given either Circadin or a placebo every evening for 3 weeks. The effectiveness of Circadin was tested using two metrics:
Here is what they found for each one.
On average, those taking Circadin fell asleep 19.1 minutes faster than they did before treatment. This number is much higher than the placebo group, who fell asleep only 1.7 minutes faster than before on average.
By the end of the trial, the Circadin group woke up 0.24 times less on average during the night. This is a significant improvement compared to the placebo group, who woke up 0.09 times less.
Overall, Circadin has been shown to improve sleep quality and help people function better the next day.
A review looking at 3 clinical studies found that 32% of patients taking Circadin (86 out of 265) reported a significant improvement in symptoms after 3 weeks. In comparison, only 19% (51 out of 272) of the placebo group reported similar improvements.
Circadin typically takes about 1-2 hours to work, however, the effect is gradual. This is because Circadin is designed to mimic the body’s natural release of melatonin.
You should begin to feel the effects of Circadin within 20 minutes. As more time passes, you will gradually feel more and more tired until you eventually fall asleep.
How long melatonin takes to work may differ between individuals. You may find the medicine taking effect sooner or later depending on how fast your body breaks it down.
Follow these instructions when taking Circadin for insomnia:
Since Circadin usually takes 1-2 hours to work, you should take your tablet 1-2 hours before you want to sleep.
This is the most common speed at which Circadin takes effect. However, this may differ between individuals, and it may take some trial and error before you figure out a schedule that works for you.
TIP: Time how long it takes for Circadin to take effect so you can develop a schedule that is specific to your body.
Circadin is a short-term treatment of insomnia, not a long-term cure. This means it should be taken on any night you feel you need it, and it will stop working once you stop taking it.
Circadin is usually prescribed for 1-4 weeks but can be prescribed up to a maximum of 13 weeks. After this point, you must halt treatment.
Melatonin doesn’t cause withdrawal or dependance, so you can stop taking it immediately without lowering your dosage.
euroClinix only prescribes Cricadin in 2mg tablets. This will only be prescribed for those who have completed an online consultation for insomnia.
Some online providers may offer Circadin for jet lag, but you are more likely to be prescribed an alternative brand that offers 3mg tablets instead.
The normal melatonin dosage for adults is 2mg per day. How much melatonin you should take can differ from person to person. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Circadin.
Circadin is commonly prescribed to those who
*While only officially licensed for those over 55, Circadin may be prescribed off-label to those from the ages of 18-54 as well.
Some people should take caution before taking Circadin. Consult your doctor if you have:
Melatonin is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consult your doctor if you are unsure about whether you can take this medication.
As with all prescription medication, Circadin may produce side effects. Some of Circadin’s side effects are more serious than others. You can find the most notable ones below.
The following side effects are rare, but may be serious. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor:
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The following side effects are rarely a cause for concern. If you experience any of the following, consult your doctor for medical advice:
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This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet sent with your order.
Some medications can change the way Circadin works and may be unsuitable to take at the same time. Consult your doctor if you take any of the following medicines.
Since blood pressure medications and Circadin both lower blood pressure, taking them together may lower blood pressure to unsafe levels.
For a full list of interactions, consult the patient information leaflet sent with your order.
Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, even those not mentioned here.
Category | Status | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Caution | Do not drink alcohol before, during, or after taking Circadin. Doing so can reduce its effectiveness. |
Pregnancy | Caution | The safety of melatonin and pregnancy has not been established. Your doctor will be unlikely to prescribe Circadin if you are pregnant. |
Breastfeeding | Consult your doctor | It is unknown how much melatonin passes into breast milk, so it may be unsafe to take. Consult your doctor before use. |
Driving | Unsafe | Do not drive after taking melatonin as it can make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive. |
Hydration | Important | Take your tablet with a glass of water as dehydration can affect levels of melatonin in the body. |
When taking Circadin, there are some things you can do to increase its effectiveness and improve your sleep.
Follow these instructions to store Circadin:
Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Take your unused medicine to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
These measures will help to protect the environment.
No, Circadin can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
While you can’t buy melatonin over the counter in the UK, some online providers offer herbal preparations which may help with sleep problems. However, these are not regulated and clinical efficacy hasn't been proven.
These are not marketed as pharmaceuticals, but rather “dietary supplements”.
Ordering melatonin tablets with euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:
euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.
euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.
The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.
The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.
There isn’t much that separates different brands of melatonin tablets, so most treatment options will likely have a similar effect to Circadin.
However, differences in dosage, price, and intended use can mean one option is more suitable for you than another. Here is a helpful table listing some alternatives to Circadin.
Treatment | Active ingredient | Used for | Dosage(s) available | Method of administration | Unique benefits | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Melatonin treatments | ||||||
Circadin | Melatonin | Insomnia, jet lag (off-label) | 2mg | Tablets | Prolonged-release tablets mimic natural sleep processes | - |
Melatonin (generic) | Melatonin | Insomnia, jet lag | Various | Tablets | Cheaper, various dosage options | - |
Slenyto | Melatonin | Sleep disorders in children | 1mg, 5mg | Tablets (prolonged-release) | Designed for children and adolescents, prolonged-release formula | - |
Adaflex | Melatonin | Jet lag, insomnia in children and adolescents | 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg, 5mg | Tablets | Suitable for children and adolescent with insomnia, treats jet lag in adults | - |
Non-prescription sleeping pills and preparations | ||||||
Antihistamines | Various | Allergies, nausea, insomnia | Dependant on active ingredient | Tablets, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays | Over the counter, also fights allergies | - |
Valerian root | - | Insomnia, migraine, fatigue (non-pharmaceutical) | Various | Tablets, dried herbs, tea, tincture | Natural remedy, safe to sue | - |
Chamomile | - | Insomnia, anxiety, upset stomach | Various | Tablets, dried herbs, tea, tincture | Natural remedy, safe to sue | - |
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Type of medicine | Hormone monotherapy |
Used for | Insomnia or jet lag |
Active ingredient(s) | Melatonin |
Works by | Controlling the circadian rhythm and making you more tired at nighttime |
Effective within | 1-2 hours |
Suitable for | People over 55 with insomnia (off-label for under 55s) |
Available as | Oral tablets |
Available strength | 2mg prolonged-release tablets |
Usage | Take 1 tablet 1-2 hours before bedtime |
Packaging | 30 pill blister pack |
Manufacturer | Various |
Is a generic available? | Yes |
Storage | Store below 25°C in its original packaging |
Prescription required | Yes, get it FREE with our online consultation |
Melatonin side effects and how to manage them
Reviewed by Dr. Caroline FontanaSelect
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