Melatonin
About jet lag and melatonin
Melatonin 3mg tablets are licensed in the UK to treat and prevent jet lag. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the body's day night rhythm - the body clock. In jet lag, the internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time zone, due to rapid travel between time zones. Taking extra melatonin, as tablets at bedtime, can help the body clock to adjust more quickly, so reducing the symptoms of jet lag. Melatonin should encourage sleep but it is not a sleeping tablet.
Online Pharmacy 4U can only prescribe melatonin for jet lag not for other conditions such as chronic insomnia or shift work.
How many tablets do I need?
A pack of 30 melatonin 3mg tablets is sufficient to treat between 3 and 6 episodes of jet lag, depending whether one or two tablets is taken each day. The maximum number of treatments is 16 per year.
How to take melatonin for jet lag
Adults only. Once arrived at your destination, take one or two 3mg tablets daily at bed-time. Go to bed at the same time in your new time zone as your usual bedtime.
Take two tablets if one does not work. Do not take before 8pm or after 4am. Best taken with liquid (not alcohol) preferably on an empty stomach (no food for 2 hours before and after). Forgotten tablets can be taken late, but not after 4am. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.
A full course is 5 days, but you can stop early if symptoms have settled.
Taking more than the recommended dose (overdose) is likely to cause drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Seek medical advice if you do not feel well.
Can anyone take melatonin?
For adults only (over 18s). Some people with pre-existing medical conditions or taking certain medications should not take melatonin. This includes people with epilepsy, autoimmune disease, diabetes and kidney and liver impairment. A full list of interacting medicines can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with the melatonin tablets. Checks for suitability are carried out in the online consultation which is part of the ordering process.
Melatonin and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
The effects of melatonin on unborn babies and breast-fed infants is unknown and therefore melatonin should not be taken in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Women who might otherwise become pregnant whilst taking melatonin must use effective contraception.
