Why is melatonin banned in the UK?

Melatonin is not banned or illegal in the UK; rather, it is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This contrasts with countries like the US, where it is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement.

Why can't you get melatonin in the UK?

'In the UK, the Medicines Control Agency has banned the high-street sale of melatonin after it was decided the compound was ``medicinal by function,'' and as such requires a drug license. '

Why is melatonin illegal in Europe?

In the UK and most of Europe, it's classed as a medicine, not a health supplement and as such, requires a prescription. This is because melatonin is considered “medical by function” which means that it requires a drug licence.

What happens if you take melatonin every night?

DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2025 — Long-term use of melatonin supplements, often used to promote sleep and address insomnia, was associated with a higher risk of heart failure diagnosis, heart failure hospitalization and death from any cause in chronic insomnia, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American ...

Can I take melatonin from the USA to the UK?

It's not that melatonin is “not allowed” or banned- it is classified differently in the UK and EU. It is classified as a prescription medication so it's not available over the counter. You can legally bring it with you into the country.

Why Can’t You Buy Melatonin in the UK? | NHS Made Simple

What does melatonin do to your brain?

Melatonin's biggest job is regulating your sleep-wake cycle. But it works in other areas of your body, too: Melatonin helps maintain regular menstrual cycles. Melatonin can also protect your brain health and prevent brain cells from breaking down.

What is the UK version of melatonin?

Melatonin Brand names: Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, Syncrodin. Find out how melatonin treats sleep problems like insomnia, and how to take it.

Is melatonin linked to 90% higher risk of heart failure?

Conclusions: In a large, multinational real-world cohort rigorously matched on >40 baseline variables, long-term melatonin supplementation in insomnia was associated with an 89% higher hazard of incident heart failure, a three-fold increase in HF-related hospitalizations, and a doubling of all-cause mortality over 5 ...

Is melatonin bad for your liver or kidneys?

No, melatonin isn't generally bad for your liver or kidneys; in fact, research suggests it has protective effects against damage, acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in both organs, though more long-term studies are needed, and it can have other side effects like headache or dizziness. While usually well-tolerated short-term, it's wise to consult a doctor, especially if you have existing liver/kidney conditions or take other medications. 

Is melatonin safer than sleeping pills?

Some Americans think melatonin is a natural sleep aid and take extremely high doses of the supplement on a nightly basis. But experts say melatonin isn't meant to be used the same way as a sleeping pill, and overusing melatonin can come with health risks.

Why don't doctors like melatonin?

Doctors are cautious about prescribing melatonin because it's not a strong sedative, its long-term effects are unknown, and it has potential side effects and interactions with other drugs, plus poor over-the-counter quality control makes it risky, so they often prefer sleep hygiene or targeted treatments instead of relying on it for chronic insomnia.
 

What foods are high in melatonin?

Foods rich in melatonin include nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds), tart cherries, fatty fish (salmon), eggs, milk, oats, rice, and certain fruits and vegetables like grapes, bananas, tomatoes, mushrooms, and berries, all offering natural compounds to support sleep, though levels vary. Consuming these foods can naturally boost melatonin levels, complementing a healthy diet for better sleep hygiene.
 

Does Japan allow melatonin?

OTC melatonin has been banned for years in the United Kingdom (UK), European Union, Japan, Australia and most recently Canada. Exogenous melatonin is not outlawed by these countries but regarded as a medicine, available only by prescription.

What is 10 times stronger than melatonin?

The prescription drug Ramelteon (Rozerem) is considered about 10 times stronger or more potent than natural melatonin, working as a melatonin receptor agonist to help with sleep onset, though it's more selective and less prone to dependence than many other sleep aids, and a healthcare professional must prescribe it. 

What is the safest sleep aid?

Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and is among the safest over-the-counter sleep medications. Another supplement is magnesium, which helps calm the mind and body and aids sleep.

Can I bring melatonin on a plane?

While melatonin is not prohibited, it is often sold as a minimally regulated dietary supplement and may risk contamination with prohibited substances. Try melatonin at home or in a safe environment BEFORE using it on your first trip. NEVER take melatonin for the first time on the plane.

Who should avoid melatonin?

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to melatonin or any other medicine.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• have rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus, or any other autoimmune condition.

Which drug is high toxic to the kidneys?

No single drug is universally "most" toxic, but several common medications and illicit substances are known for kidney toxicity (nephrotoxicity), including NSAIDs, certain antibiotics (like aminoglycosides, vancomycin), chemotherapy drugs, antivirals, lithium, cocaine, heroin, and even PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) with long-term use, damaging kidneys through inflammation, crystal formation, or reduced blood flow, emphasizing that high doses, long duration, or existing kidney issues worsen risk. 

What organ does melatonin affect?

Melatonin's target sites are both central and peripheral. Binding sites have been found in many areas of the brain, including the pars tuberalis and hypothalamus, but also in the cells of the immune system, gonads, kidney, and the cardiovascular system (39, 40).

Can melatonin cause AFib?

Melatonin increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in obesity via Akt signaling impairment in response to lipid overload.

What is the new study on melatonin?

Long-term melatonin use for insomnia was associated with a higher hazard of heart failure (HF), an increase in HF hospitalizations and a doubling of all-cause mortality over five years, according to a large, multinational cohort study presented at AHA 2025.

Is there a natural alternative to melatonin?

Valerian root is a popular alternative to melatonin. This herbal supplement has been used to support healthy sleep for more than 2,000 years.

Why can you buy melatonin in the USA but not the UK?

Well, technically no, but the supplement is tightly regulated. Melatonin cannot be purchased in health food shops in the UK without a prescription. In contrast, in countries like the USA, melatonin is commonly available over the counter in health food stores, reflecting a significant difference in regulation.

Does melatonin affect blood pressure?

Melatonin did not alter BP reactivity in healthy normotensive men and women. However, melatonin did decrease nighttime peripheral and central systolic BP, suggesting it may be beneficial in lowering BP even in those with a normal BP.