Melatonin Tablets 3mg

What are Melatonin tablets?

Melatonin tablets contain melatonin, a hormone your body makes to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is produced by the pineal gland and helps signal when it's time to sleep. In adults, a short course may help with symptoms linked to jet lag after long-haul travel. These are Melatonin 3mg tablets and our service supplies them only for jet lag. For any other sleep problems, please contact your GP or a health care professional for further advice.

How it works

Melatonin helps reset your internal body clock (circadian rhythm). Taking a dose in the evening can support the natural rise in melatonin levels, which tells the brain and central nervous system that it's time to prepare for sleep. This can reduce time to fall asleep and may improve sleep quality for a short period when adjusting to a new time zone.

Is melatonin safe?

Melatonin treats sleep disorders and is generally well tolerated when used short term for jet lag. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects and is not right for everyone. We will check your health, current medicines, and any sleep problems to ensure it is appropriate for you.

Can I buy melatonin over the counter in the UK?

No. In the UK, it is a prescription-only medicine (POM). Some countries sell it without a prescription, but UK websites offering melatonin without a prescription may be operating illegally or selling counterfeit medication. Always use licensed pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). After a short online consultation, our prescriber may issue a prescription for jet lag if suitable (the prescription cost is included in the price). Orders approved before 3pm are usually dispatched the same day.

How to take Melatonin Tablets

Dose for jet lag (adults): take ONE tablet 30 minutes before bedtime on arrival at your destination. If needed, you may take a second tablet (maximum TWO tablets in one night). Continue for up to 5 nights while you adjust. Take melatonin about 2 hours after eating and avoid food for 2 hours after the dose. This medicine may make you sleepy or drowsy. If affected, do not drive or use machines. Avoid alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and disrupt sleep.

Who cannot take melatonin

Melatonin is not suitable for everyone. Do not take it if you:

1. Are allergic to melatonin or any ingredients in the tablets
2. Have severe liver problems (hepatic impairment)
3. Have kidney problems (renal impairment) — seek medical advice
4. Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
5. Have autoimmune conditions (for example, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease) — speak to your GP

If you have depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health concerns, please speak to your GP.

How to order Melatonin 3mg tablets online

Use our UK online pharmacy to request Melatonin 3mg tablets for jet lag. We are a GPhC-registered pharmacy and offer standard or next-day delivery. Because it is a prescription-only medicine, our prescriber must confirm it is appropriate for jet lag before we can supply it. We do not supply this medication for other uses please contact your GP. Once your assessment is approved, our team will dispense and dispatch your order (usually same day if approved before 3pm).

Melatonin and your sleep cycle

Melatonin levels normally rise in the evening, peak overnight, and fall towards morning. Long-haul flights and rapid time-zone changes can disrupt this rhythm, leading to sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep or waking too early. Short-term melatonin supplements can support your body clock during this adjustment. Good sleep habits (dark room, consistent bedtime, limiting screens) also help melatonin production.

Melatonin for shift work and other sleep problems

Research suggests it may help certain sleep problems, including shift work and delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome. However, these uses are outside our service and may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have ongoing insomnia, snoring, sleep apnoea, restless legs, or daytime sleepiness, please speak to your GP for assessment and tailored care.

Melatonin and blood pressure

Melatonin can make some people feel light-headed, especially when standing up quickly. If you take blood pressure medicines or have cardiovascular disease, seek medical advice before taking melatonin. Do not change your usual blood pressure tablets without speaking to your GP.

Help with jet lag

The following tips can support recovery alongside melatonin:

1. Drink water regularly and avoid dehydration
2. Move and stretch during long flights
3. Align your sleep to the new time zone as soon as you arrive
4. Use an eye mask and earplugs to improve sleep
5. Eat light meals and avoid heavy, late dinners
6. Limit caffeine and alcohol — both can worsen sleep
7. Avoid daytime naps longer than 20-30 minutes

Cold and flu sleep

If you are looking for something to help with cold or flu symptoms that are affecting your sleep, rather than melatonin you may find short-term night-time products helpful: Night Nurse Liquid or Night Nurse Capsules.

Melatonin side effects

Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, or vivid/abnormal dreams. Less commonly, mood changes, irritability, or sleepiness the next day may occur. If side effects are severe or you feel unwell, stop taking it and speak to a healthcare professional.

Driving and using machines

Do not drive or operate machinery if this medication makes you sleepy, dizzy, or affects your concentration. Only drive when you feel fully alert.

Melatonin interactions

Although rare it can interact with some medicines. Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you take:

1. Fluvoxamine (can raise levels)
2. Cimetidine (may increase melatonin levels)
3. Oestrogen therapy (e.g. some contraceptives or HRT)
4. Carbamazepine or rifampicin (may reduce melatonin levels)
5. Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g. warfarin) — monitor as advised
6. CNS depressants (sedating antihistamines, benzodiazepines, opioids) — additive drowsiness
7. Alcohol — increases sedation and worsens sleep quality

Herbal or alternative remedies (for example, St John's wort, valerian, kava) may also interact. Tell your GP and list all products on your consultation so we can check they are safe together. For a detailed list of interactions, see national medicines guidance.

Melatonin and pregnancy

It is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or think you may be pregnant, speak to your GP or midwife for advice on safe sleep support.

Melatonin and breastfeeding

It is not routinely recommended while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and having sleep problems after travel, please speak to your GP or a pharmacist for personalised advice.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date (the date refers to the last day of the month). Return any unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

More information

For more information, see the NHS website on sleep.
For full product information including dosing and safety, see the UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC): Melatonin 3mg tablets SPC