Jet lag treatment

This jet lag treatment contains a hormone that can help you to sleep at night and reduce the effects of travelling across time zones.

Taking jet lag treatment

Take 1 tablet before bedtime for 2-4 days on arrival at your destination.

Jet lag pills should not be taken for more than a few days, and should not be used as a cure for insomnia when not travelling. However, they are safe to use on a short-term basis as prescribed.

How it works

This jet lag treatment contains the active ingredient melatonin. This is a hormone that's produced naturally in the brain and helps to regulate sleep patterns.

Side effects

Side effects are uncommon, but can include feeling sick, headache, runny noise, sore throat, back pain and joint pains.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness

While there's no conclusive evidence that this jet lag treatment works, studies seem to suggest that it can work if you're flying across many time zones.

Drinking alcohol before or after you take this jet lag treatment can reduce how effective it is.

Important information about jet lag treatment

If you forget to take your tablet at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember before going to sleep. If it's day time, wait until it is time to take your next dose, then go on as before. Do not take 2 tablets to make up for a forgotten dose.

This jet lag treatment is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The medicine is licensed to treat insomnia but is not licensed in the UK to treat jet lag.

Safety: taking other medicines

This jet lag treatment can be used alongside most  other medicines, but as with all medication there may be interactions with certain types. It is therefore important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe this treatment safely.

Alternative treatments

We only offer this treatment to treat jet lag. Other ways of managing or minimising the symptoms are to plan ahead and change your sleeping patterns, taking a walk in the fresh air and daylight on arrival, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol on the flight.