Circadin (Melatonin) Prolonged-release Tablets

What are Circadin 2mg Prolonged Release tablets?

Circadin 2mg Prolonged Release tablets are a sleep aid designed to treat short-term insomnia, especially in the over 55s. Circadin tablets use an active ingredient that’s naturally produced in your body when you fall asleep, helping to make you feel drowsy so you can drop off for a restful night’s sleep. If you’re struggling to get the sleep you need at night and find that regular over the counter remedies aren’t right for you, Circadin could be the perfect solution.

How to take these tablets

Take one Circadin 2mg tablet a day 1 - 2 hours before your bedtime. Take after food with a sip of water. You can take this product for up to 13 weeks, if your symptoms have not improved after this time, speak to your doctor.

How will the melatonin 2mg in Circadin tablets help me to sleep?

The active ingredient in Circadin tablets is 2mg of melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced in your body when it gets dark outside and your body prepares to go to sleep. Melatonin makes you feel drowsy and if your body does not produce enough melatonin then you can find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. By providing a prolonged-release source of melatonin these tablets can help you to fall asleep at night.

What is insomnia?

When you have insomnia it means that you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. You may wake up several times in the night and find yourself lying awake staring at the ceiling wondering why you can’t just get some sleep. When you’re suffering from insomnia it can make you feel tired and irritated, and you may find it more difficult to concentrate on your work or other things you may be doing during the day.

Why do I have insomnia?

Lots of people suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives, and it can happen for lots of different reasons. Some of the most common reasons why people struggle to fall asleep at night include:

• Stress, worry, anxiety, or depression
• Poor sleep hygiene, e.g. an inconsistent sleep schedule
• Sleeping in a noisy room
• Your room is too bright
• Your room is too hot or too cold
• Shift work
• Jet lag
• Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee or energy drinks
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Taking recreational drugs, e.g. cocaine, ecstasy

Can I take these tablets if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should not take Circadin tablets. If you’re suffering from insomnia during this time, ask your doctor to recommend a suitable treatment or some changes to your bedtime routine that could help you to get to sleep.

Are these melatonin tablets suitable for children?

Circadin 2mg melatonin tablets are not suitable for children or adolescents under the age of 18. However, there may be some prescription medicines which use melatonin as their active ingredient which will be suitable for those aged 2 - 18. If your child is suffering from sleepless nights and you think melatonin could be the right treatment for them, ask your doctor for advice.

Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including herbal remedies and medicines obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Circadin tablets. This especially applies if you are already taking:

• Fluvoxamine, which is used for depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Psoralens, which is used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis
• Cimetidine, which is used for stomach problems such as stomach ulcers
• Quinolones and rifampicin, which are used to treat bacterial infections
• Oestrogens, which are used in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
• Carbamazepine, which is used for epilepsy
• Adrenergic agonists/antagonists, which are used to control blood pressure and in nasal decongestants
• Opiate agonists/antagonists, which are used to treat drug addiction
• Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen
• Antidepressants
• Tryptophan
• Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, which are used to help you to sleep, e.g. zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone
• Thioridazine, which is used to treat schizophrenia
• Imipramine, which is used to treat depression

Can I drive after taking this product?

Circadin tablets are designed to make you feel drowsy, so you should not attempt to drive or use tools or machinery after taking this product. If you do feel drowsy after taking these tablets, wait until you are absolutely sure that the feeling has passed before attempting to drive.

Can I drink alcohol while I’m taking Circadin tablets?

You should not drink alcohol while you’re taking Circadin tablets as it can make this treatment less effective. Alcohol can sometimes make it more difficult for you to fall asleep, so we would recommend avoiding alcohol if you’re having sleeping problems.

When should this product not be used?

Circadin tablets are not suitable for those under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are allergic to melatonin or any of the other listed ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have:

• Liver or kidney problems
• An intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains lactose monohydrate
• An autoimmune disease
• Are a smoker

Do Circadin tablets have any side effects?

Like all medications, Circadin tablets can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following serious side effects you should stop use and seek immediate medical help:

• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness, fainting
• Severe chest pain caused by angina
• Feeling your heartbeat (palpitations)
• Depression
• Visual impairments or changes
• Blurred vision
• Feeling disoriented
• Vertigo, causing a feeling of dizziness or spinning
• Red blood cells in your urine
• Reduced number of white blood cells in the blood
• Reduced blood platelets, increasing your chances of bruising or bleeding
• Psoriasis

Other uncommon side effects you may experience include:

• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Abnormal dreams, nightmares
• Anxiety
• Migraines or headaches
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Upper abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Mouth ulcers
• Dry mouth
• Feeling sick
• Yellowing skin or eyes
• Inflammation of the skin
• Night sweats
• Itching
• Rash
• Dry skin
• Pain in your extremities
• Menopausal symptoms
• Feeling weak
• Glucose in your urine
• Excess proteins in your urine
• Abnormal liver function
• Weight gain

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For a complete list of potential side effects of this product, please see the patient information leaflet included with your medicine. For more information about reporting the side effects of this product, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

Do I need a prescription for Circadin?

You do need a prescription for Circadin in the UK. Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition. When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs. Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you. You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Store in original packaging to protect from light. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support