Melatonin

[pastafreak]

Where to buy? I know it's been mentioned on here.
I have a friend who wanted to buy from a US based supplier of supplements, but they no longer will ship it to the UK. Any suggestions?

[ladybirder]

Try Biovea. I got my last lot from them about 2 months ago but they did take ages to arrive.

[pastafreak]

Thank you lb...I'll pass that on.

[pixie374]

It's prescription-only in the UK. So, she shouldn't be able to order any if she lives here.

[Peter Pedant]

google "Melatonin in the UK" and a few hits come up
including Holland and barrett

Make sure the company is reputable

[pixie374]

When you look at their site, pp, they don't actually sell it though. Only similar herbal drugs, like valerian. Any reputable company, isn't going to sell something illegal and unlicensed here.
No judgement whatsoever, just purely for safety, I would recommend getting a script, if at all possible, just so people can be sure what they are actually taking.

[calmck]

Amazon has natural melatonin products. I use one with Montmorency Cherry which I find effective for my needs. Need to read carefully what each one is used for

[pixie374]

They don't contain any though...

[jennyjoan]

Hollannd barret dont sell them

[ladybirder]

As I said I have been getting them from Biovea UK for years, last time a couple of months ago. Lots to choose from.
https://www.biovea.com/uk/productlist/results?KW=melatonin&FiltersObject=%7B%22SortValue%22:%7B%7D,%22PageSize%22:%2224%22,%22CompareProducts%22:%5B%5D,%22Brands%22:%7B%7D,%22FormValues%22:%7B%7D,%22PriceRanges%22:%7B%7D,%22Categories%22:%5B%5D,%22objects%22:%5B%5D%7D

[pixie374]

I saw it, lb, just wanted pasta's friend to know x

[pastafreak]

Apparently iherb used to send to the UK, but melatonin is on their no list now. I gather it's recent as I know people who have ordered it from them.
Why is it banned here but freely available in so many other countries?
For anyone who can't get melatonin, some forms of magnesium are excellent for sleep and relaxation. Particularly Bisglycinate.

[pixie374]

It isn't banned, pasta, just only by prescription. My niece has it, but it's now a "medication" here.

[pixie374]

Purely out of interest, I googled why some drugs in UK are prescription-only.
And it says
//A medicine will be non-prescription unless it fulfils the criteria for prescription control as set out below. Prescription only status will apply where: a direct or indirect danger exists to human health, even when used correctly, if used without medical supervision.//
Although, I think street value also comes into it.

[pixie374]

The whole list from gov.uk is...
//a direct or indirect danger exists to human health, even when used correctly, if used without medical supervision
there is frequently incorrect use which could lead to direct or indirect danger to human health
further investigation of activity and/or side-effects is required
the product is normally prescribed for parenteral administration (by injection)
In the UK these criteria are laid down in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, regulation 62(3).//

[pastafreak]

Now I'm wondering what the indirect or direct threat is? It's made by the body...does it interact with other drugs?

[pixie374]

It does interact with other meds. However, I'm not sure exactly, as I'm not a doctor... which is why I suspect you need one to prescribe... x

[pixie374]

If you scroll down to side effects, special precautions/ warnings, interactions... it gives you a few ideas here...
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-940/melatonin

[pixie374]

The supplement taken, isn't the same as natural.

[Gromit]

Though available in the US, It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has mo medical use, and most studies say it is harmless, but useless.
A Quack medicine.

[pastafreak]

Thanks for all that pixie. I'll pass it on. x