Jet Lag

Melatonin medication for the treatment of jet lag is considered to be a 'travel medication', and like other travel medicines, is not available through the NHS. It is a prescription medicine that Numark pharmacy online supplies through a pharmadoctor patient group direction , posted from our UK pharmacy.

For oral administration .

• Tablets should not be broken or crushed.
• Frequency of administration One 3 mg tablet to be taken once daily
• Take the first dose 30 minutes before going to bed on the day of arrival at the destination .
• Continue to take the tablets (30 minutes before going to bed) for a maximum of 5 days. They should not be taken before 20:00 hr or after 04:00 hr. If you forget to take a tablet at bedtime and wake up during the night you may take the forgotten dose but at no later than 04:00 hr. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
• Take tablets whole with water or other liquid (not alcohol), not within 2 hours before or after food. 
• The dose may be increased to 6 mg (2 tablets taken together) if the standard dose does not adequately alleviate symptoms. The dose that adequately alleviates symptoms should be taken for the shortest period .
• If required you can start another treatment period on your return, taking the first dose 30 minutes before going to bed on the day you arrive back from your destination, for a maximum of 5 days.
• If you stop taking Melatonin tablets, they will not have any withdrawal symptoms or harmful effects.
• If you have taken more than recommended, please contact your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy. Common symptoms of overdose are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Melatonin 3mg strength can be taken for up to 5 days after arriving - take one or two tablets each evening for jet lag. One pack of 30 tablets is enough for up three or six treatments depending on the number of tablets taken each day.

Courses can be repeated for each episode of jet lag up to a maximum of 16 treatment periods per year.

Melatonin is not suitable for under 18 years of age .

Most people can take Melatonin for jet lag, although people with some pre-existing medical conditions or those taking certain medicines should not take it.

Information on drug interactions, cautions and side effects are listed in the patient information leaflet supplied with the tablets.

• Before you travel try going to bed at a time closer to the destination bedtime If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your trip. If you're flying west, go to bed one hour later for several nights before you fly..
• If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them during your trip..
• Try to make sure you have enough sleep in the days before you travel.
• Keep as calm and relaxed as possible during travel.
• Drink plenty to keep hydrated. Avoid more than a little alcohol.
• Move around during the flight when you can.
• Adjust the time on your watch to the destination time at the start of the journey.
• Sleep during the journey if travelling West.
• On arrival try to sleep and eat at destination times.
• Try to avoid naps during the day.
• Spend time out of doors where natural light helps with adjustment.

Alcohol should be avoided during treatment, as it can reduce the effectiveness of melatonin on sleep and and potentially worsen certain symptoms of jet lag (e.g. concentration, headache, morning fatigue). 

Cigarette smoking should be avoided where possible, as it may decrease melatonin levels. 

Food can enhance the increase in plasma melatonin concentration especially carbohydrate-rich meals which may impair blood glucose control for several hours. It is recommended that food is not consumed 2 h before and 2 h after intake of melatonin; ideally at least 3 hours after meal if you have significantly impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.