Circadin (Melatonin) Tablets
Circadin (melatonin) is a prescription sleep medication for short-term treatment of primary insomnia in patients aged 55+. This prolonged-release formulation is available through Chemist Doctor's regulated online service following a consultation with UK-licensed clinicians.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
Assessment
Answer some questions about your health concerns & symptoms
Treatment
Connect with a clinician 100% online, no appointment needed
Delivery
Get your medication delivered directly, if prescribed
What Is Circadin (Melatonin)?
Circadin (melatonin) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia in adults aged 55+. This 2mg prolonged-release tablet contains synthetic melatonin identical to your body's natural sleep hormone, specifically formulated to address sleep maintenance difficulties in secondary insomnia.
Circadin Treatment for Insomnia: Approved Uses
The MHRA-approved Circadin 2mg tablets are indicated for:
- Short-term treatment of primary insomnia (≥4 weeks)
- Sleep quality improvement in age-related melatonin deficiency
Off-label applications may include jet lag management under medical supervision. Always consult your GP before starting treatment.
How Circadin Regulates Sleep-Wake Cycles
Circadin's prolonged-release formula mimics natural melatonin secretion patterns:
Daily Progression:
- 18:00 - Initial release (0.3mg)
- 22:00 - Peak concentration (2mg)
- 06:00 - Complete metabolism
This graduated release helps maintain therapeutic blood levels for 6-7 hours, supporting continuous sleep.
Circadin vs Z-Drugs: Key Differences
| Feature | Circadin 2mg | Zopiclone |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Circadian rhythm regulation | GABA receptor activation |
| Dependency Risk | Low | High |
| Efficacy Duration | 36 hours cumulative effect | 7 hours immediate sedation |
Circadin Treatment Protocol
MHRA-approved dosage guidelines for Circadin 2mg:
- Swallow one prolonged-release tablet whole with water
- Take 1-2 hours before bedtime (20:00-21:00 ideal)
- Always administer after food for optimal absorption
Standard treatment duration: 3 weeks continuous use (NICE guidelines).
Circadin Timing Considerations
| Administration Time | Phase Shift | Sleep Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 18:00-20:00 | Phase advance (+90 mins) | Earlier sleep onset |
| 21:00-23:00 | Neutral phase | Sleep maintenance |
Managing Circadin Doses
Missed Dose Protocol
- If <4 hours late: Take immediately
- If >4 hours late: Skip dose
Never double-dose - excess melatonin clears within 12 hours (eMC SPC).
Circadin Safety Profile
Absolute Contraindications
- Autoimmune disorders (RA, lupus)
- Hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh ≥B)
- Concurrent MAOI use
GDPR Compliance: All consultations adhere to UK data protection laws (2018 DPA).
Where Can I Buy Circadin (Melatonin) Online in the UK
Secure Circadin Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Circadin (Melatonin) with confidence through our UK-registered prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our MHRA-licensed Circadin service ensures:
- Dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacies
- 2mg prolonged-release tablets (UK licensed formulation)
- Discreet packaging with dosage guidance
Our clinical team provides:
- Travel schedule assessment
- Medication interaction checks
- Personalised treatment duration planning
Important: Circadin® is only prescribed for adults (55+) experiencing jet lag. Always consult your GP for chronic sleep issues or if taking blood thinners/immunosuppressants.
Getting your medication is quick and easy with our simple 4-step process:
Start Consultation
Complete our brief health questionnaire about your medical history and current health.
Medical Review
UK-registered clinicians review your consultation for safe prescribing.
Pharmacy Processing
If approved, our partner pharmacy prepares your medication.
Fast Dispatch
Your order is dispatched via your chosen delivery method.
What does the online consultation involve?
You'll answer questions about your medical history and current health to ensure safe prescribing. Honest responses are vital for your safety.
How do I reorder medication?
Use the login details emailed after your first order to access your account and reorder.
How does the secure chat portal work?
Clinicians may contact you via your account's chat portal to discuss your treatment. Respond securely within your account.
At Chemist Doctor, we respect your privacy and ensure complete discretion at every step.
Discreet Packaging
All orders are shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging sealed inside anonymous mailing bags.
Secure Data
Your personal and medical information is kept strictly confidential with SSL encryption.
Private Consultations
All consultations are conducted privately by UK-registered clinicians.
Anonymous Billing
Credit card statements show a neutral descriptor with no reference to medications.
Will my GP be informed about my order?
Only with your consent. We recommend updating your GP directly for seamless care.
We offer two reliable delivery options to suit your needs:
| Service Type | Delivery Speed | Order Cut-off | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | No cut-off | Royal Mail |
| Premium Next-Day Delivery | Next business day | 3 PM weekdays | Royal Mail 24 |
Next-day delivery guarantee applies to orders approved before 3 PM to these regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Service Restrictions: We currently cannot deliver to: Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, USA, or Canada
Is packaging discreet?
Yes. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging via tracked courier services.
Do I need to stay home for delivery?
No. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel's progress.
Do you deliver on weekends or bank holidays?
Deliveries occur Monday–Friday only. We do not ship on weekends or UK bank holidays.
What should I do if my order hasn't arrived?
Use your tracking number to locate the parcel or contact our support team for assistance.
Can I receive delivery updates via SMS?
Yes. Provide your mobile number at checkout for courier updates. We will not use it for marketing purposes.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express
Secure 3D authentication
Bank Transfer
Select at checkout for unique reference details
Order processes once payment clears
We use SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance to secure transactions. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
How long do refunds take to process?
Card payments: Refunds appear in 3–5 days.
Bank transfers: We'll contact you for account details to return funds.
Why was my order declined?
Declined orders are not charged. Card authorisations release funds within 3–5 days (contact your bank for details).
Can I return prescription medication?
No. UK law prohibits returns of dispensed prescription treatments for safety reasons.
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Circadin (Melatonin) FAQs
Why is Melatonin primarily recommended for people over 55?
Melatonin production naturally decreases with age. Clinical trials for licensed Melatonin medications like Circadin primarily involved participants aged 55+, which is why this age recommendation exists. While melatonin may benefit younger adults and children, online services typically restrict prescriptions to the licensed age group for safety reasons.
Can Melatonin cause side effects like headaches?
Some people (between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 users) may experience headaches after taking Melatonin. This can sometimes be related to dehydration, so we recommend maintaining good hydration while using Melatonin.
How does slow-release Melatonin help with sleep maintenance?
Slow-release formulations like Circadin gradually release Melatonin throughout the night, helping both with falling asleep initially and maintaining sleep until morning.
What are the different brand names for Melatonin?
Melatonin is available under various brand names including Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto and Syncrodin. These contain the same active ingredient but may have different release formulations.
Is Melatonin effective for jet lag?
Yes, Melatonin can help reset your sleep-wake cycle when experiencing jet lag. The recommended regimen is one tablet nightly for up to 5 nights at your destination's bedtime. Combine this with other jet lag management strategies for best results.
How is Melatonin different from sleeping pills?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates your sleep cycle, while sleeping pills are sedative medications that induce drowsiness. Melatonin works with your body's natural rhythms rather than forcing sleep chemically.
Can I obtain Melatonin on the NHS?
Melatonin for jet lag or general sleep issues typically isn't available through NHS prescriptions. You'll need a private prescription, which can be obtained through some GP services or reputable online clinics.
Is there a difference between synthetic and natural Melatonin?
Pharmaceutical-grade synthetic Melatonin is preferred as it's produced under controlled conditions. Natural melatonin derived from animal sources carries potential contamination risks and isn't recommended.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Melatonin?
Alcohol should be avoided as it can reduce Melatonin's effectiveness and may cause excessive drowsiness or disrupted sleep patterns.
Does Melatonin affect contraceptive pills?
Melatonin doesn't reduce contraceptive effectiveness. However, contraceptives or HRT may increase melatonin levels in your body. Consult your doctor for personalised advice.
Is Melatonin addictive?
When used as directed, Melatonin doesn't typically cause addiction. Doctors usually prescribe it for short-term use to minimise any risks.
How long does Melatonin stay in your system?
Melatonin is metabolised relatively quickly, typically leaving your system within 12 hours after consumption.
Will Melatonin make me feel drowsy?
Melatonin isn't a sedative but helps prepare your body for sleep. You shouldn't feel excessively drowsy the next day if taken correctly at the right dosage.
Can I drive after taking Melatonin?
Avoid driving or operating machinery for 8 hours after taking Melatonin. If you feel sleepy the next morning, refrain from any activities requiring full alertness.
Is Melatonin legal in the UK?
Melatonin is legal but prescription-only in the UK. It cannot be sold over the counter as it's not licensed as a supplement.
Can people under 55 take Melatonin?
While Circadin is only licensed for over-55s, doctors may prescribe melatonin off-label for younger adults after careful assessment of their individual circumstances.
 | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 15 May 2025
Next Review: 21 December 2025
Published on: 15 May 2025
Last Updated: 16 May 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
 | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |
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Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
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