Why is melatonin banned in the uk?

Describing melatonin as “banned” in the UK isn’t quite accurate—rather, it is strictly regulated. Unlike in some countries where melatonin is sold as a supplement, in the UK, it is classified as a prescription-only medication used to treat sleep disorders. This means it can only be legally obtained with a prescription from a doctor or from Courier Pharmacy.

Key takeaways

• Melatonin regulation in the UK: Melatonin is not banned in the UK but is classified as a prescription-only medication (POM). It can only be obtained legally with a doctor’s prescription or from courierpharmacy.co.uk.
• Uses and benefits: Melatonin is effective for managing sleep disorders, including jet lag, Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD), and sleep issues in children with ADHD. When used appropriately, it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve overall sleep quality.
• Potential risks: While generally safe, melatonin can cause mild side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
• Forms of Melatonin: Available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid formulations, and soluble oral patches (exclusive to courierpharmacy.co.uk) which allow for rapid absorption and are ideal for individuals with difficulty swallowing pills.
• Legal status vs. other countries: Unlike countries where melatonin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement, UK regulations require a prescription to mitigate risks, ensure proper dosing, and prevent misuse.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. Since the brain produces melatonin in response to darkness, it’s also known as the Dracula hormone [1].

Supplemental melatonin, available in tablets, capsules, liquid forms and now soluble oral patches, is often used to address sleep disorders like insomnia and jet lag.

Why is melatonin banned in the UK?

Melatonin is a prescription-only medication in the UK, meaning it is legal but must be obtained through a doctor or courierpharmacy.co.uk. This regulation exists because melatonin can interact with other medications and may cause side effects [2]. Therefore, it should only be used under medical supervision to ensure safe and effective use.

In the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription-only medication (POM), meaning you must have a doctor’s prescription to obtain it legally. As a result, fewer people in the UK rely on melatonin for sleep disorders compared to countries where it is readily available as an over-the-counter supplement. This regulation impacts how sleep disorders are managed in the UK, limiting treatment options for individuals struggling with poor sleep.

How can melatonin support sleep?

Melatonin is particularly useful for individuals struggling with sleep issues, including those with ADHD. Research from 2010 found that melatonin helped children with ADHD fall asleep faster and improved overall sleep quality. [3]

The study focused on children aged 6-14, who were given doses of melatonin 3mg to melatonin 6mg bedtime. The results indicated that melatonin could play a key role in regulating sleep patterns for those who find it difficult to drift off at night.

Potential risks of melatonin

While melatonin can be beneficial, it is not entirely risk-free. The same study noted that side effects were generally mild and short-lived, but caution is still necessary.

A 2014 review of over 35 studies highlighted potential side effects of melatonin supplements, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, palpitations, and abdominal discomfort. [4]

Additionally, the long-term effects of melatonin use in children remain unclear. Experts stress the need for further research to determine safe and effective dosing for extended use.

Melatonin as a prescription medication in the UK

In the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription-only medicine. This means that a doctor must assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks for each individual. This careful approach ensures that melatonin is used safely and appropriately when needed.

Can you buy melatonin in the UK?

In some countries, melatonin is available over the counter in health food stores or online in forms like capsules, tablets, and liquid supplements. It is often marketed as a natural sleep aid.

However, in the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription-only medicine. This means it cannot be legally sold as a supplement, and you can only obtain it with a valid prescription from a doctor or courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing an online health questionnaire.

Can melatonin help with jet lag?

Yes, melatonin can be an effective aid for jet lag. When traveling across multiple time zones, your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, can become misaligned with the local time. This often leads to difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and a general feeling of being out of sync.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep, and taking it as a supplement can help reset your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Research from 2002 found that melatonin significantly reduces jet lag symptoms, especially when traveling eastward, where adjusting to an earlier bedtime can be challenging. [5]

However, melatonin isn’t an instant cure. The key to its effectiveness is proper timing. It is most beneficial when taken in the evening of your new time zone, helping your body adapt more quickly to the change.

Can melatonin help with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD)?

Melatonin can be beneficial for individuals with Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD), a condition where the body’s internal clock is naturally set later than usual. This makes it difficult to fall asleep at a conventional time and leads to waking up much later than most people. [6]

For those with DSWPD, melatonin production occurs later in the night, delaying the natural sleep cycle. Taking a melatonin supplement at the right time—typically a few hours before the desired bedtime—can help reset this cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up earlier.

Studies have found that melatonin can be particularly effective for children and teenagers with DSWPD, helping them establish a more regular sleep pattern that aligns with school or work schedules.

However, melatonin alone isn’t a complete solution. It works best when combined with good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting exposure to bright lights before sleep, and following a structured sleep routine.

Can melatonin help with sleep disorders in children?

Melatonin, when prescribed, can assist some children with sleep disorders, but it should be used with caution and under medical supervision. A 2012 study published in Paediatric Child Health found that melatonin may help manage certain sleep issues in children and teenagers.

Research indicates that melatonin is most beneficial for children with specific medical conditions that affect sleep. It has been shown to help them fall asleep faster and maintain a more stable sleep pattern. [7]

One advantage of melatonin is that its side effects are generally mild and short-lived, making it a safer alternative to some other sleep medications. However, experts recommend that melatonin should not be the first solution for childhood sleep problems. Instead, parents should first focus on establishing healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime routine.

It’s also worth noting that long-term effects of melatonin use in children remain unclear. The study highlights the need for more large-scale, well-controlled trials to fully understand how melatonin affects children over extended periods.

Is melatonin illegal in the UK?

Melatonin is not illegal in the UK, but it is regulated differently compared to countries where it is sold as a dietary supplement. In the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription-only medication (POM), meaning it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription. Unlike in the US or some European countries, you cannot buy melatonin over the counter in pharmacies or health stores.

Some experts believe this regulation is necessary. While melatonin is generally considered safe, it can have side effects, especially when taken in high doses (above melatonin 2mg) or used for extended periods. Potential side effects include:

Headaches

• Dizziness
• Daytime drowsiness
• Mood changes

Additionally, melatonin may interact with other medications and affect hormonal balance, which is why UK regulations ensure it is used under medical supervision.

Forms of melatonin

Melatonin is available in different forms, including:

• Tablets
• Modified-release tablets (which release melatonin gradually throughout the night)
• Capsules
• Liquid formulations
• Soluble oral patches: exclusive to courierpharmacy.co.uk

Why consider a compounded melatonin-soluble oral patch?

If you’re looking for a more effective way to improve your sleep, the compounded melatonin oral patch offers a smart, fast-acting solution.

Unlike traditional tablets or gummies, this dissolvable patch is placed inside the mouth, allowing melatonin to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. By bypassing the digestive system, it works more quickly—helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Key benefits:

• Fast-acting relief – Works in as little as 15–20 minutes by delivering melatonin straight into your system.
• Discreet and convenient – Slim, easy to use, and perfect for travel, jet lag, or shift work.
• Tailored strengths – Choose from a range of strengths from 2mg to 8.5mg to match your personal sleep needs

References:

1. Medical Mojo. (n.d.) What is melatonin? – Normal melatonin release. Available at: https://medicalmojo.co.uk/what-is-melatonin/#h-normal-melatonin-release (Accessed: 21 March 2025).
2. Courier Pharmacy (2025) Melatonin side effects. Available at: https://courierpharmacy.co.uk/melatonin-side-effects/ (Accessed: 21 March 2025).
3. Bendz, L.M. and Scates, A.C., 2010. Melatonin treatment for insomnia in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 44(1), pp.185-191.
4. Costello, R.B., Lentino, C.V., Boyd, C.C., O’Connell, M.L., Crawford, C.C., Sprengel, M.L. and Deuster, P.A., 2014. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutrition journal, 13, pp.1-17.
5. Herxheimer, A., Petrie, K.J. and Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group, 1996. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(1)Mantle, D., Smits, M., Boss, M., Miedema, I. and van Geijlswijk, I., 2020. Efficacy and safety of supplemental melatonin for delayed sleep–wake phase disorder in children: an overview. Sleep Medicine: X, 2, p.100022.
6. Cummings, C., Canadian Paediatric Society and Community Paediatrics Committee, 2012. Melatonin for the management of sleep disorders in children and adolescents. Paediatrics & Child Health, 17(6), pp.331-333.

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