Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone medicine that resets the sleep-wake cycle. This shelf carries one product, Meloset 3 mg tablets, licensed for short-term jet lag in adults and insomnia in children with ADHD.
Key points
- Jet lag and ADHD insomnia are the two licensed uses: short-term treatment of jet lag in adults, and insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 with ADHD where sleep hygiene measures alone have not worked.
- Timing decides whether it works. The label warns that taking melatonin at the wrong hour can have no effect, or an adverse effect, on re-synchronisation, and sets a window of 20:00 to 04:00 at your destination.
- Drowsiness is a real risk. Melatonin may cause drowsiness, so take care if that could put your safety at risk.
How does melatonin work?
Melatonin is a hormone your body makes at night to signal that it is time to sleep. As a medicine, it nudges the internal clock that governs the sleep-wake cycle back into alignment. That clock is what goes out of sync in circadian rhythm sleep disorders, whether from a long flight or a shift change.
The timing matters as much as the dose. The label states that incorrectly timed intake can have no effect, or an adverse one, on re-synchronisation, and restricts use to between 20:00 and 04:00 at your destination. For children with ADHD-related insomnia, a specialist in sleep management should start the treatment.
Further reading
What is melatonin used for?
Melatonin is a hormone medicine that resets the sleep-wake cycle.
How long does melatonin take to work?
Melatonin starts to work in about 30 to 60 minutes and its effect lasts around 4 to 6 hours. Timing matters, because taking it at the wrong hour can have no effect, or an adverse effect, on re-synchronisation.
What are the side effects of melatonin?
Common side effects are headache and drowsiness. Some people also get vivid dreams, mild dizziness or nausea, and a severe reaction called anaphylaxis needs immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried about any of these.
Can melatonin be taken with other medicines?
Melatonin interacts with fluvoxamine and zolpidem. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take it alongside any other medicine.
Who should not take melatonin?
Melatonin should not be used by anyone who is hypersensitive to it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is suitable for you.
Which melatonin products does Direct Meds sell?
On Direct Meds, melatonin comes as Meloset. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does melatonin cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for melatonin in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order melatonin. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy melatonin online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →