Choosing Generic Vs Branded Melatonin
XGeneric medicines contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and medically equivalent as the branded products but are available at a lower price. Generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that they are medically identical to the branded product - i.e. they offer the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness.
Generic medicines are required meet the same standards of safety, quality and efficacy as the branded medication. To receive market approval from the European Medicines Agency and MHRA, a generic medicine must be 'bioequivalent' to the originator product.
Melatonin
Jet Lag Treatment
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that our body releases after the onset of darkness. It makes people feel sleepy and it helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm.
Melatonin is licensed for the treatment of jet-lag and it has been found to be particularly effective in those travelling eastwards.
It can also be used short-term in people aged 55 and over, who find it difficult to get to, or to stay, asleep.
How can I buy melatonin?
Melatonin is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and cannot be bought over the counter.
Is there anybody who cannot use Melatonin?
Melatonin should not be taken by anybody with a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
It is not recommended for use in those with an autoimmune disease.
Melatonin should be used in caution in people with renal or liver impairment and you should speak to your doctor before use as its use is not recommended.
Melatonin interacts with various medicines and you should discuss with your doctor before use if you are taking other medications.
Some of the medicines that can interact with Melatonin include fluvoxamine, contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy oestrogens, quinolones, carbamazepine, and rifampicin.
How do I take Melatonin?
The usual dose is one 3mg tablet to be taken by mouth after food, 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush.
It should not be taken before 8pm or after 4am in the time zone that you are in and should not be taken for more than 5 days in a row.
If one tablet is ineffective, the dose can be increased to a maximum of two 3mg tablets (6mg).
Side Effects
Side effects with melatonin are uncommon.
Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so it is important not to drive or operate machinery within 8 hours of taking it.
Recent studies have suggested melatonin may increase the risk of falls, accidents, memory disturbance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms and an increased risk of dementia.
In addition, melatonin can cause anxiety, fatigue, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, a rise in blood pressure and mood changes.
Very rarely, melatonin has been associated with aggression, muscle complaints, seizures, urinary problems and vomiting.
Always read the label of any medication that you take and only take according to the instructions provided. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Information Leaflet
Patient Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Delivery
1st Class (signed for)£2.90
Estimated Thu 5th Dec
Special Delivery Next Day (by 4pm)£5.95
Guaranteed before 4pm Thu 5th Dec
Special Delivery Next Day (by 11am)£13.95
Guaranteed before 11am Thu 5th Dec
Same Day Courier (London)£4.95–19.95
Today, price depending on distance
Post Office Collection£3.95
Collect locally Thu 5th Dec (estimate)
Delivery to remote Scottish Highlands & British Isles may not be guaranteed and may take longer than 1 day. Learn more
Discreet Service
Plain packaging
guaranteed
Option to collect from
your local Post Office™
10,500+
local branches
How our service works
It’s quick and easy to order from MedExpress — your fully regulated, London, United Kingdom based online pharmacy.
consultation
Start a free 2 minutes online consultation with simple questions about your health.
medication
Our UK medical team will then recommend a treatment and issue a free prescription.
delivery
Your treatment will be sent direct from our London pharmacy in discreet packaging.
Our qualified team
All our doctors and pharmacists are based in the UK and are registered with the General Medical Council and General Pharmaceutical Council.
