Expert calls for melatonin approval
03 May 2002
A travel medicine expert has called for melatonin to be more widely available in Australia after Cochrane reviewers found that it was 'remarkably effective' in preventing and reducing jet lag.
Dr Bob Kass, chief medical advisor for Travel Doctor Group TMVC, was commenting after reviewers said adults flying across 5 or more time zones would benefit, particularly when flying in an easterly direction.
All doses between 0.5 and 5 mg are effective in preventing jet lag, although those taking 5 mg were found to doze off quickest and sleep better.
It was best taken at the target bedtime at the destination (10 pm to midnight).
The reviewers warned that the drug could cause harm in people with epilepsy or patients taking warfarin.
'I think we've buried our heads in the sand at the moment, believing that people don't use it, because they do,' Dr Kass said.
'Business travellers would pick it up travelling to and from the US all the time and I'm sure others are picking it up from the Internet ... we should at least be using it on a trial basis to try and get it approved in Australia.'
How to get it
Although melatonin is an unregistered therapeutic good in Australia, some highly diluted homoeopathic melatonin productions are available.
The Cochrane review, however, looked at oral melatonin containing higher levels of active ingredient.
Small quantities of melatonin can also be imported under the Personal Import Scheme, but only with a prescription from an Australian doctor.
Postscript from myDr
Therapeutic doses of melatonin are available from compounding pharmacies or chemists with a prescription from your doctor.
Last Reviewed: 17 May 2002
- Medical Observer Weekly 03/05/02
