Circadin (melatonin)
Many long haul airplane travellers now use Circadin to alleviate typical jet lag symptoms. Each Circadin tablet contains 2mg of the active ingredient melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that controls certain bodily functions. It is produced in the pineal gland and its release photo-dependent, i.e. it depends on a human’s exposure to daylight or, to be more precise, lack thereof. Melatonin facilitates sleep, which is why we naturally feel tired as soon as the sun goes down, which is the reason many people feel particularly tired and sluggish during the winter months when the days are short.
Order your Circadin online from Prima-Med
Dosage Information
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| Quantity | Price | Euro | Order | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 x 2mg | £34.00 | €42.11 | Order | |
| Click on the table above to order | ||||
How to take Circadin to alleviate Jet Lag
If you fly to a far flung destination and cross three or more time zones, you will most likely be affected by jet lag symptoms in some form. Taking Circadin 2mg tablets can effectively alleviate these and speed up your body’s adjustment to the new time zone. Expose yourself to as much sun- or daylight as possible during the day to inhibit melatonin release.
Take 1 Circadin slow release tablet before going to bed at your new destination. To work out the number of days you should take melatonin for, divide the number of time zones you crossed by 2 and add 1. For example, if you crossed 4 time zones, take Circadin for 3 days, starting on the day you arrive at your destination. To obtain best results, it is important that you take melatonin at the right time. This point in time may vary in each individual, as a rule of thumb take it around midnight before going to sleep. Do not chew or halve the tablet as this will cancel out the slow release effect. Swallow it whole with a glass of water if you need to.
What are the Side Effects of Circadin?
Although melatonin is a natural hormone, Circadin can have side effects just like any other medicine. Most people tolerate it well, but if you have any concerns at all please speak to your prescribing healthcare practitioner. The most common side effects or Circadin are:
- Headache and migraine
- Dry mouth
- Increased sex drive
- Back pain
- Unusual dreams
- Gastrointestinal problems such as ingestion, constipation or diarrhoea
- Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)
Circadin tablets have been developed with the intention of facilitating sleep and may therefore cause drowsiness. Please remember this and do not drive or operate any machinery while taking Circadin.
Melatonin Precautions
Melatonin should not be used in case of:
- Autoimmune diseases e.g. lupus
- Decreased liver or kidney function
- Lactose intolerance
- Children under the age of 18
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Prior to seeking a prescription for Circadin 2mg slow release tablets, please inform your doctor of any medicines (prescription, over the counter and herbal products) you take to ensure the treatments are compatible.