Melatonin Tablets 2mg – Treatment For Short Term Insomnia, 30 Tablets

Regular price £30.00

Promotes Sleep

Prescription Strength

Prolonged Release

Helps Adjust Body Clock


As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This decline can lead to restless, light, or poor-quality sleep and short-term insomnia. A prolonged-release melatonin supplement can support the sleep-wake cycle and enhance overall sleep patterns and promote better daytime functioning, making it easier to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.


Please note that all orders that contain melatonin will only be dispensed once approved by a prescribing pharmacist. This product is only available in the UK, and we offer free delivery for this product.

Description

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates your sleep cycle, promoting restful sleep and supporting your body’s circadian rhythm. As we age, melatonin production declines, leading to lighter, more restless sleep and often short-term insomnia. Melatonin tablets mimic the body’s natural melatonin release, helping to improve sleep quality—an essential part of restorative rest.

How does melatonin work?

As night falls, your body increases melatonin levels, signalling it’s time to sleep. However, stress, screen exposure, and aging can disrupt this process, causing short-term insomnia. Melatonin tablets help supplement declining melatonin levels, promoting healthy sleep and realigning your natural sleep-wake cycle for a deeper, more refreshing rest.

Where to buy melatonin?

You can buy melatonin from The Naked Pharmacy by completing a short consultation. Melatonin tablets cannot be purchased over the counter and require a prescription.

What side effects could I experience?

Melatonin has been shown an excellent side effect profile meaning most would not encounter side effects at all.
However the British National Formulary show the following and potential side effects that may occur with those that take Melatonin:

Common or very common (1 in 100)
Arthralgia; increased risk of infection; pain

Uncommon (1 in 1000)
Anxiety; asthenia; chest pain; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gastrointestinal discomfort; headaches; hyperbilirubinaemia; hypertension; menopausal symptoms; mood altered; movement disorders; nausea; night sweats; oral disorders; skin reactions; sleep disorders; urine abnormalities; weight increased

Rare or very rare (1 in 10000)
Aggression; angina pectoris; arthritis; concentration impaired; crying; depression; disorientation; electrolyte imbalance; excessive tearing; gastrointestinal disorders; haematuria; hot flush; hypertriglyceridaemia; leucopenia; memory loss; muscle complaints; nail disorder; palpitations; paraesthesia; partial complex seizure; prostatitis; sexual dysfunction; syncope; thirst; thrombocytopenia; urinary disorders; vertigo; vision disorders; vomiting

Frequency not known
Angioedema; galactorrhoea; hyperglycaemia

Delivery Details
  • Free UK delivery on orders over £25
  • International shipping calculated at checkout
  • We aim to ship orders received before 14:00 PM the same day, orders received after 14:00 PM will be shipped the next day (excluding weekends and public holidays).
How to take

Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
 
The recommended dose for adults 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.  Circadin tablets should not be crushed or cut in half.
 
If you take more Circadin than you should, or if you have accidentally taken too much of your medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
 
Taking more than the recommended daily dose may make you feel drowsy.
 
If you forget to take your tablet, take another as soon as you remember, before going to sleep, or wait until it is time to take your next dose, then continue as before.
 
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
 
There are no known harmful effects if treatment is interrupted or ended early. 
 
The use of Circadin is not known to cause any withdrawal effects after treatment completion.
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use melatonin
- If you are allergic to Melatonin
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.

If you are taking any of the following medications:
- Adrenergic agonists/antagonists (such as certain types of medicines used to control blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, nasal decongestants, and blood pressure-lowering medicines)
- Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (medicines used to induce sleep such as zaleplon, zolpidem, and zopiclone)
- Carbamazepine (used in the treatment of epilepsy)
- Cimetidine (used in the treatment of stomach problems such as ulcers)
- Fluvoxamine (used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder).
- Oestrogens (used in contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy)
- Opiate agonists/antagonists (such as medicinal products used in the treatment of drug addiction)
- Prostaglandin inhibitors (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines), antidepressant medication, tryptophan, and alcohol
- Psoralens (used in the treatment of skin disorders, e.g., psoriasis)
- Quinolones and rifampicin (used in the treatment of bacterial infections)
- Thioridazine (for the treatment of schizophrenia) and imipramine (for the treatment of depression)

If you have any of the following health conditions:
- Alcohol dependency
- Any Autoimmune condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease)
- Depression requiring treatment with medication, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, epilepsy (or a history of seizures)
- Galactose intolerance, LAPP lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems

For more information, please review the patient leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2809.pdf

Ingredients

Circadin contains the active substance melatonin. Each prolonged-release tablet contains 2 mg of melatonin.

Creating a consistent bedtime routine and reducing blue light exposure before bed can help support healthy sleep patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melatonin and what does it do?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.

  • Promotes Sleep – Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening as it gets dark, signalling to the body that it’s time to sleep.
  • Regulates the Body Clock – It helps synchronise sleep patterns, making it particularly useful for those with jet lag, shift work, or irregular sleep schedules.
  • Supports Relaxation – Melatonin interacts with neurotransmitters to promote a sense of calm, making it easier to wind down before bed.
  • Acts as an Antioxidant – Research suggests melatonin also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.
How does Melatonin work?

Melatonin helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it particularly effective for short-term insomnia caused by factors like stress, travel, or changes in routine.

It works by:

  • Adjusting the Body Clock – Melatonin supplements signal to the brain that it's time to sleep, helping those whose natural melatonin production may be delayed (e.g., due to jet lag or irregular sleep schedules).
  • Reduces Sleep Onset Time – Research shows that melatonin can help people fall asleep faster, making it useful for those experiencing temporary difficulties getting to sleep.
  • Enhances Sleep Quality – While it doesn’t act as a sedative, melatonin improves sleep efficiency, leading to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
  • Minimises Sleep Disruptions – By supporting a stable sleep cycle, melatonin can help reduce nighttime awakenings in those with short-term insomnia.
What Melatonin would I be receiving?
  • If you buy melatonin from us for short-term Insomnia:

    You would be receiving Circadin 2mg Modified Release tablets
  • The medication has a prolonged-release action, meaning melatonin is slowly released from the tablet over a few hours.
  • Circadin is used on its own for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia (persistent difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep, or poor quality of sleep) in patients aged 55 years and older. Melatonin can be prescribed for individuals under 55; however, it is an off-label use of the medication in the UK. Primary insomnia means that insomnia does not have any identified cause, including any medical, mental or environmental cause.
What are the side effects of taking Melatonin (Circadian)?

If you take and buy Circadian, it can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

You can find a full list of side effects in the Circadian tablet’s patient information leaflet. If you are concerned about side effects, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Uncommon side effects include:

  • Irritability and restlessness
  • Insomnia and abnormal dreams
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness,
  • High blood pressure
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea

You can find a full list in the Circadin patient information leaflet that will come with your medication. Please read before you take or buy Circadin.

Can you buy Melatonin in the UK?
  • Yes, you can legally buy Circadin tablets online from registered prescribers such as The Naked Pharmacy.
  • Whenever you buy Circadin tablets or any other sleeping medication, even if it is over the counter, make sure you check for the green GPhC logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.
  • You can use the GPhC website to check if a pharmacy is registered. This will ensure that when you buy Circadin tablets online, the medication is genuine.
Why would you need to use or buy Melatonin?
  • Poor sleep can mean that you have difficulty getting to sleep, that you wake up for long periods during the night, that you wake early, or that you do not feel refreshed in the mornings.
  • Insomnia is a fairly common condition, but it does not usually last for long.
  • Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and is associated with the control of the body’s sleep pattern. As we grow older, the amount of naturally occurring melatonin in the body reduces. Taking melatonin adds to the body’s natural supply and helps to promote and improve the quality of sleep.
  • If you find that you cannot improve your sleep, then you can buy Circadin. However, you will need to consult with your GP or prescribing pharmacist before you can take this medication.
How do I take Melatonin?
  • If you buy circadian, you should use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • 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. If you buy Circadin, you should not be crushed or cut in half.
  • If you have accidentally taken too much of your medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Taking more than the recommended daily dose may make you feel drowsy.
  • If you forget to take your Circadin tablet, take another as soon as you remember, before going to sleep, or wait until it is time to take your next dose, then go on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • There are no known harmful effects if treatment is interrupted or ended early. The use of Circadin is not known to cause any withdrawal effects after treatment completion. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you want to buy Circadin, where can you get more information?
  • You can find more information before you buy Circadin in the Circadin tablets patient information leaflet.
  • You can call us at The Naked Pharmacy and speak to a UK-registered pharmacist.
If you buy Circadin, how do you store it?
  • If you want to buy Circadin, you need to keep the tablets out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use Circadin tablets after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton (EXP). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not store above 25 °C. Store in the original package to protect from light.
  • Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Can you improve your sleep if you don't want to buy Circadin?
  • To improve your quality of sleep, you could try:
  • Sticking to a set sleep schedule.
  • Create a relaxing environment for sleep in your bedroom.
  • Avoid last night’s distractions, such as gaming or social media.
  • Exercise during the day.
  • Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine or alcohol.
  • Avoid other stimulants such as nicotine.
  • Try our Marine Magnesium
  • If you find that the above points do not improve your sleep, then you can buy Circadin. However, you will need to consult with your GP or book a consultation with us before you can take this medication. 

GPhC Registration Number: 2066282

Ritee Saini - GPhC Registered Pharmacist

Ritee is an independent pharmacist prescriber with a special interest in cardiovascular health. Since qualifying in 2019, she has gained extensive experience across both NHS and private pharmacy services. Her approach combines clinical expertise with a patient-centred focus, supporting individuals in making informed, sustainable choices for long-term heart health and overall wellbeing.

GPhC Registration Number: 2222462

Charlotte Parker-Lennox - GPhC Registered Pharmacist

Charlotte is a qualified pharmacist prescriber with a strong foundation in community pharmacy and recent experience supporting patients through the NHS 111 service. Her diverse clinical background allows her to provide calm, confident guidance in both urgent and everyday health matters. Charlotte is passionate about accessible healthcare and empowering people to take charge of their wellbeing.

Our clinicians are experts in delivering healthcare of the highest quality and have a people-centred approach to everything that they do.

Kevin Leivers, CEO & Pharmacist

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