Meloset (Melatonin)

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How melatonin works

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) — the master circadian pacemaker in the hypothalamus. MT1 activation reduces wake drive (sleep onset), MT2 activation phase-shifts the circadian clock. Unlike GABA-A agonists (Z-drugs, benzodiazepines), melatonin does not produce general CNS depression, does not impair memory consolidation, does not cause physical dependence, and does not impair next-day cognitive performance at standard doses.

The phase-shifting role is why timing matters. Melatonin taken at bedtime advances onset (helps with falling asleep). Melatonin taken in the late afternoon advances the entire circadian phase (helps with delayed sleep-phase disorder and eastward jet lag). Taken in the early morning, it delays the phase (helps with westward jet lag and advanced sleep-phase disorder).

Dosing by indication

If 3 mg gives inadequate response after 1 week of correct timing and good sleep hygiene, our higher-dose option is Restfine (Melatonin 10 mg).

Side effects

Common (typically mild and self-limiting): drowsiness or grogginess on waking, headache, mild dizziness, nausea. Daytime sleepiness suggests the dose was taken too late — try moving 30–60 minutes earlier.

Less common: vivid dreams (more dose-related at 5–10 mg than at 3 mg), low mood transient, reduced libido, mild gastrointestinal upset, irritability.

Rare but important: seizures (lowered threshold reported in epilepsy — specialist input), allergic skin reactions, autoimmune flare in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Drug interactions

Contraindications and cautions

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — safety not established.
• Active autoimmune disease — specialist input required.
• Solid-organ transplant on immunosuppression — avoid.
• Severe hepatic impairment — reduce dose or avoid.
• Epilepsy — specialist input.
• Children and adolescents under 18 — only under specialist paediatric supervision.
• Driving — do not drive within 5 hours of dose, particularly in the first few nights.
• Alcohol — avoid.

Storage

Store at 15–30°C in the original blister, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Do not refrigerate. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the strip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Meloset compare with higher-dose melatonin?

For typical adult insomnia, 3 mg is as effective as 5–10 mg with less morning grogginess. Higher doses (5–10 mg, our Restfine) make sense for delayed sleep-phase disorder under specialist input, severe shift work, age 55+ with confirmed low endogenous melatonin, or non-responders to 3 mg.

How long does Meloset take to work?

30–60 minutes for sleep onset. Peak plasma concentration is roughly 60 minutes after an oral immediate-release dose; half-life is 30–50 minutes. The circadian phase-shift effect builds over several nights.

Is Meloset habit-forming?

No. Melatonin does not cause physical dependence, tolerance, or rebound insomnia in standard short-term use. This is its main advantage over benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon). Periodic review is sensible for use beyond 3 months.

Can I take Meloset with alcohol?

No. Alcohol fragments sleep architecture and suppresses REM — the opposite of what melatonin is trying to do. The combination produces additive next-day grogginess without improving sleep quality.

Does Meloset help with chronic insomnia?

Modestly at best for chronic insomnia (more than 3 months). The most effective long-term treatment is cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), not pharmacotherapy. Online CBT-I programmes are widely available. If insomnia persists, a sleep-medicine review can identify contributors (sleep apnoea, restless legs, depression, perimenopause, hyperthyroidism).

Does Meloset work for jet lag?

Yes — particularly eastward travel across 5+ time zones. Take 3 mg at local bedtime at the destination for 2–4 nights. Westward travel responds less to melatonin (the body adapts more easily to delaying than advancing the clock). Combine with bright daylight exposure on arrival.

Can I take Meloset for shift work?

Yes — 3 mg before the daytime sleep period helps shift workers consolidate sleep. Avoid taking before driving home from a night shift — wait until you are at home and ready for bed.

What is the difference between Meloset and OTC melatonin gummies?

Meloset is a Sun Pharma pharmaceutical-grade tablet manufactured to WHO-GMP standards with controlled melatonin content. Independent testing of OTC US gummies (Erland 2017, JAMA) found 26% had measured melatonin more than 50% above the labelled dose, and many contained serotonin contaminants. Pharmaceutical-grade tablets give predictable dose.

Can I take Meloset every night long term?

NICE guidance covers melatonin up to 13 weeks for short-term insomnia in adults aged 55+. Beyond that, evidence is thinner — periodic review with your doctor is sensible to confirm continued benefit and rule out underlying causes.

Will Meloset interact with my SSRI antidepressant?

Most SSRIs are safe with melatonin. The exception is fluvoxamine, which inhibits CYP1A2 and raises melatonin levels 17-fold — avoid the combination. If your SSRI is sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, or fluoxetine, no melatonin dose change is needed.

Other sleep aids and hypnotic medications

Medications below treat the same indication via different mechanisms. Choice depends on age, comorbid depression or anxiety, and how short-term or long-term the use will be.

• Restfine (Melatonin 10 mg) — higher-dose melatonin for delayed sleep-phase disorder and shift work.
• Trazalon (Trazodone 50 mg) — off-label low-dose hypnotic — most-prescribed off-label sleep aid globally.
• Mirzacan (Mirtazapine 30 mg) — sedating tetracyclic antidepressant — useful when depression and insomnia coexist.
• Spectra (Doxepin) — low-dose doxepin (3–6 mg) for sleep-maintenance insomnia in older adults.
• Atarax (Hydroxyzine 25 mg) — sedating antihistamine for short-term anxiety-related insomnia.

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice. Persistent insomnia (more than 3 months) warrants evaluation for underlying causes — depression, anxiety, sleep apnoea, restless legs, chronic pain, perimenopause, hyperthyroidism. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective long-term intervention. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining sleep aids — particularly if you take warfarin, diabetes medication, immunosuppressants, fluvoxamine, or oral contraceptives, or if you have an autoimmune condition. If insomnia is paired with persistent low mood, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line (US 988, UK Samaritans 116 123, or findahelpline.com).

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