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The role of prolonged-release melatonin in the management of primary insomnia

 



Circadin® is a 2mg prolonged-release melatonin formulation, containing a type of hormone that is produced naturally in the body.1 Circadin, can help restore the natural rhythm of sleep2 which is particularly important for elderly patients, as natural melatonin reduces with age.3

Circadin is indicated as monotherapy for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over.1 It helps restore the natural sleep rhythm by increasing the body's own level of this naturally occurring hormone at night 2 and can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks, if required.1

In considering the treatment of primary insomnia, the British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) consensus statement on evidence-based treatment of insomnia, parasomnias and circadian rhythm disorders 4 recommends that prolonged-release melatonin should be offered to patients over 55 when considering use of a hypnotic agent.4

In a study evaluating treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged-release melatonin, a subgroup of Circadin patients aged between 55 and 80 years fell asleep significantly more quickly at 13 weeks vs. placebo (p=0.007). 5,6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Symptoms of primary insomnia may include:7

• Experiencing trouble drifting off to sleep

• Experiencing restless sleep

• Waking up during the night and too early in the morning

• Feeling tired and irritable the next day

Circadin does not share the same commonly occurring side effects associated with Z-drugs and benzodazapines, which means Circadin is suitable for consideration before Z-drugs and benzodiazepines in the licensed population.1,4

This is a promotional feature article that has been produced by Lundbeck Ltd.

Prescribing information

Graph 2 Circadin