The active substance of CIRCADIN, melatonin (not of plant or animal origin), belongs to a group of naturally occurring hormones produced in the body. Melatonin works by controlling the circadian rhythms and increasing the propensity to sleep. Your doctor, however, may prescribe CIRCADIN for another purpose.
Circadin is a medicine that contains the active substance melatonin. It is available as white prolonged-release tablets (2 mg). 'Prolonged-release' means that melatonin is released slowly from the tablet over a few hours.
Circadin is indicated as monotherapy for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over. The recommended dose is 2 mg once daily, 1-2 hours before bedtime and after food.
- The active substance is melatonin. Each prolonged-release tablet contains 2 mg melatonin. - The other ingredients are ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, lactose monohydrate, silica (colloidal anhydrous), talc and magnesium stearate.
Circadin is a prolonged release melatonin tablet for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia*, characterised by poor quality of sleep, in adults aged 55 years or over.
The Bottom Line. The scientific evidence of the long-term use of melatonin is limited, says Dr. Weiss. The current clinical consensus is that daily melatonin consumption is considered safe.
On average, melatonin takes effect within 30–60 minutes. OTC melatonin can stay in the body for 4–10 hours, depending on the dose and formulation. People should avoid taking melatonin at or after their intended bedtime. Doing so can shift their sleep-wake cycle and lead to daytime sleepiness.
The recommended dose is one Circadin tablet (2 mg) taken daily by mouth, after food, 1-2 hours before bedtime. This dosage may be continued for up to thirteen weeks. You should swallow the tablet whole.
“When someone takes melatonin, they are either trying to increase the amount of this hormone overall or increase the amount they have in their body at a certain time to help them fall asleep.” While there are some possible setbacks to taking melatonin (depending on how your body reacts), it isn't addictive.
The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Sometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily.
Melatonin begins to have an effect within 30 minutes. You should start to feel peaceful & sleepy. Melatonin is a supplement that works with your natural sleep cycle. This is why it's important to have a relaxing environment to give yourself the best chance possible for a full night's sleep.
Daytime sleepiness is the most common side effect people experience while taking melatonin. Other potential melatonin side effects include sleep changes, headache, and dizziness. Melatonin side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Melatonin Brand names: Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, Syncrodin.
Melatonin is possibly safe when taken long-term. It's been used safely for up to 2 years. But it can cause some side effects including headache, sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea.
What is the strongest sleep aid over the counter? Doxylamine is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is an antihistamine. However, it is only suitable for short-term use.
CIRCADIN has been shown to improve the sleep of most people aged over 55 years, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
Melatonin is generally safe for most people, and many people won't experience major complications when taking too much. Even so, an overdose can cause unpleasant side effects. Keep your dose to no more than 1 to 3 mg per night.
It is typically safe for adults to take melatonin every night for short periods of time. Several factors affect whether an individual should take melatonin every day.
Regardless of whether it truly helps with sleep or not, Dr. Ramkissoon doesn't recommend taking melatonin long-term. "Namely, because if you think you need to take melatonin every night to get to sleep, we need to understand why that's the case," explains Dr. Ramkissoon.
However, in the UK, Melatonin is not authorised to be sold without a prescription. This means that it's illegal to sell it in health food shops as Melatonin supplements, like Melatonin gummies. Any sale of Melatonin without a doctor's prescription is illegal in the UK because it's a prescription-only medicine.
Melatonin is not associated with weight gain.
Who can take melatonin. Most adults aged 55 years old or over can take melatonin to help short-term sleep problems. Adults under the age of 55 and children with longer-term sleep problems can take melatonin if a specialist recommends it.
How and when do I take Circadin? Circadin is most effective when taken after food, 1-2 hours before going to bed – preferably taken at the same time each day.