What is Melatonin 3 mg?

Melatonin 3 mg tablets contain melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body clock and sleep-wake cycle. They are used for the short-term treatment of jet lag in adults after travelling across time zones.

This product page refers to melatonin 3 mg tablets supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.

How does Melatonin work?

Melatonin helps regulate the body’s biological day-and-night rhythm. Travelling across time zones can disturb this rhythm and lead to jet lag. Melatonin can help the body adjust to the new local time and reduce symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, daytime tiredness, fatigue, irritability and reduced alertness.

What is Melatonin 3 mg used for on this page?

On this product page, melatonin 3 mg tablets are used specifically for:

– Short-term treatment of jet lag in adults

– Symptoms such as disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness, fatigue, mild mental impairment and irritability after flying across time zones

It is not used here for:

– Long-term sleep problems

– General insomnia unrelated to time-zone travel

– Children or adolescents for jet lag

– Shift work sleep problems without further assessment

Your prescriber will confirm melatonin is appropriate based on your travel plans, symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are using.

Who may be suitable for Melatonin 3 mg?

You may be suitable if:

– You are an adult experiencing jet lag after flying across time zones

– Your symptoms fit the pattern of short-term jet lag

– You are able to take the tablets at the correct local bedtime and follow the timing advice carefully

Your prescriber will consider:

– The number of time zones crossed and the direction of travel

– Your usual sleep pattern and your planned schedule at destination

– Any other medicines or health conditions you have

– Whether there are any reasons why melatonin may not be suitable for you

before deciding if melatonin is suitable for you.

Who should not use Melatonin 3 mg or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

– Are allergic to melatonin or any of the ingredients in the tablets

– Are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking suitability first

– Have severe liver disease

– Have an autoimmune disease unless suitability has been checked

– Have a history of seizures or epilepsy without medical advice

– Need treatment for a child or adolescent

Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:

– Have kidney problems

– Have depression or another mental health condition

– Smoke regularly, as this may affect melatonin levels

– Are taking fluvoxamine, anticoagulants, sedatives, blood pressure medicines, carbamazepine, rifampicin or other medicines that may interact

– Need to drive or use machinery soon after taking the tablet

How do I take Melatonin 3 mg?

Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions. A commonly used adult dosing schedule for jet lag is:

– One 3 mg tablet daily for up to 5 days

Practical advice:

– The first dose is usually taken on arrival at your destination at your usual local bedtime

– Further doses are usually taken at your usual local bedtime on the following nights

– The tablets should not usually be taken before 20:00 or after 04:00 local time

– Swallow with water

– Food should not usually be taken for about 2 hours before or 2 hours after the dose

– If the standard dose does not work well enough, your prescriber may advise a different dose

If symptoms do not improve after 5 days, seek further medical advice.

General self-care advice

– Try to switch to local bedtime and waking time as soon as possible

– Get morning daylight exposure at your destination if appropriate

– Avoid bright screens and stimulants close to bedtime

– Keep caffeine and alcohol low, especially in the evening

– Stay hydrated during and after travel

Side effects and when to get help:

Common side effects can include drowsiness, headache, dizziness and nausea. These are often mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe allergic symptoms, severe dizziness, confusion, or any unexpected severe reaction after taking the medicine.

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