Is Melatonin Banned in the UK? Here’s What the Law Actually Says

Visit any social media platform and you’re likely to see melatonin touted as a miracle sleep aid. But if you’ve ever tried to buy it in a UK pharmacy, health store, or even via Amazon, you’ll have been disappointed.

Because, whilst it is freely available in the United States and much of continental Europe, it remains tightly restricted in Britain. Melatonin is not impossible to get hold of, and this guide will explain how to do so. But if you’re seeking alternatives that are easier to obtain, and which be just what you’re looking for if you’re struggling to sleep, we have that information, too.

What Is Melatonin and Why Do People Use It?

Melatonin is not a drug, but a hormone that the body produces naturally. Its source is the pineal gland, situated in the brain, and it plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythm (the internal 24-hour clock that influences when we feel alert or sleepy). Typically, Melatonin levels go up in the evening to encourage sleep, and decrease in the morning to help us wake up.

Of course, there are many reasons why our sleep can be disrupted – from short-term issues like jet lag and shift work adjustment, to longer-term problems like anxiety and insomnia. And it’s when people experience these disorders that they often reach for melatonin supplements. Easy to do if you live in America, where they’re widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets. But rather more complicated in Britain.

Is Melatonin Banned in the UK?

The short answer is no. However, as the law stands, it’s a prescription-only medicine. Which means that although it’s fine to use if prescribed by a doctor, it cannot legally be sold over the counter or marketed as a food supplement.

This restriction applies not only to pills, but to all melatonin-containing products whatever form they come in.

Why Is Melatonin Only Available on Prescription?

Although melatonin is considered safe when used appropriately, it’s not entirely risk-free. The NHS warns that it can interact with other medication,s including antidepressants, certain antibiotics, blood thinners and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen).

Other experts have expressed worries about long-term use, particularly in children, and the potential for people to self-medicate without addressing underlying sleep disorders. There are also concerns over quality control. According to one US study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the contents of over-the-counter melatonin supplements can vary significantly from what’s listed on the label.

All these concerns mean the legal position in the UK is unlikely to change any time soon. According to regulators, keeping melatonin prescription-only helps ensure the dosage is correct, the product is tested, and a healthcare professional is involved in the decision-making process.

Who Can Get a Melatonin Prescription in the UK?

Before prescribing melatonin, a GP will consider the patient’s individual circumstances carefully. Often, doctors will encourage people – especially younger adults – to try non-pharmacological approaches first, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

If the GP does think melatonin is the answer, it will probably be prescribed under the brand name Circadin, which is a 2 mg prolonged-release tablet. Circadin is licensed for short-term treatment of insomnia in people aged 55 and over.

Doctors can also prescribe melatonin off-label if they consider it medically appropriate. For instance, it is sometimes provided to  children with neurodevelopmental conditions - like ADHD or autism -  who often have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It may also be given to people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders like delayed sleep phase syndrome, although this is typically done under the care of a specialist. In addition. melatonin can be used to help manage jet lag. However, as this condition normally corrects itself after just a few days, doctors will only recommend it in rare, and extreme, cases.

Can You Buy Melatonin Online or Over the Counter?

Melatonin is not legally available to buy over the counter in the UK. Nor are any of the main High Street pharmaceutical chains – like Boots and Superdrug – allowed to sell it via their websites.

Some international websites do ship melatonin to UK addresses so, technically, it is possible to import it for personal use. However, buyers  run the risk of Border Force seizing packages that include prescription-only or unlicensed medication, especially if the source is not a legitimate pharmacy.

But – even more important than the prospect of losing your money – is the question product safety. Buying melatonin from unregulated sources comes with the risk of receiving an inferior product with inaccurate dosages, harmful additives, or sometimes no active ingredient at all.

Is It Legal to Take Melatonin in the UK?

Yes, provided it has been prescribed by a medical professional, melatonin is legal to take in the UK.

If you have legally bought it over the counter in a foreign country, like the USA, you can also bring back reasonable amount for your own personal use. The UK government defines this reasonable amount as up to three months’ worthy of supply.

However, sharing melatonin with others or bringing it back from abroad for someone else is illegal.

What About Melatonin Gummies, Sprays or Sleep Drinks?

The UK legal restrictions on melatonin cover all formats: from pills to sprays, gummies, gels and drinks. If any of these are sold without a prescription, the supplier is breaking the law,

This rule applies to products in which melatonin isn’t the only ingredient. Take Lemme Sleep, a supplement developed by Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness company, and marketed heavily on social media. Alongside melatonin, it contains melatonin other ingredients like magnesium and L-theanine. However, despite its popularity abroad, it is not legal for sale in the UK without a prescription.

Are There Legal Alternatives to Melatonin in the UK?

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There are several sleep aids that are legally available in the UK and may offer benefits for those struggling to fall or stay asleep. While they do not contain melatonin, they can support relaxation, help with anxiety, or promote deeper sleep through different mechanisms.

Valerian root is a well-known herbal remedy with mild sedative effects. It has been traditionally used to help with insomnia and is available as capsules, teas, or tinctures. Scientific evidence is mixed, but many users report positive effects.

Magnesium is another option. It contributes to muscle relaxation and nerve function and may improve sleep quality, especially in people who are deficient.

Other supplements sometimes used to support sleep include glycine, an amino acid that helps lower core body temperature; 5-HTP, which the body converts into serotonin; and L-theanine, a calming compound found in green tea.

For a deeper comparison of these supplements, see our full article on natural sleeping aids in the UK.

So, Is Melatonin Banned in the UK?

No, melatonin is not banned in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland – but you cannot buy it in shops or online unless prescribed by a qualified doctor for a legitimate clinical reason. This is in contrast to the United States and much of continental Europe, where it is available to buy over-the-counter, without a prescription.

If you're struggling with sleep, it’s best to discuss the problem with your GP, who can assess whether melatonin is appropriate or whether alternative strategies would be more effective. Often, sleep quality can be improved without prescription medication, thanks to behavioural therapy, environmental changes, and the use of legal supplements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is melatonin banned in the UK?

No, melatonin is not banned in the UK. It is classed as a prescription-only medicine, meaning it is legal to use if prescribed by a doctor, but it cannot be sold over the counter or as a food supplement.

Why can't I buy melatonin from Boots or Holland & Barrett?

Melatonin is not sold in high street shops or pharmacies because UK law restricts its sale to prescription-only use. Retailers are not permitted to sell melatonin in any form unless they are licensed pharmacies dispensing it with a valid prescription.

Can I order melatonin online and have it shipped to the UK?

It is possible to import melatonin for personal use, but there are legal and safety risks. Packages can be seized by Border Force, especially if they come from non-pharmacy websites or unlicensed suppliers. The quality and dosage of imported melatonin products are also often unreliable.

What happens if I take melatonin that I bought abroad?

Taking melatonin itself is not illegal, but bringing it into the country or distributing it to others without proper authorisation may be against the law. Use without medical guidance is also discouraged due to potential health risks and interactions.

Can I get melatonin from my GP?

In some cases, yes. Melatonin may be prescribed by a GP or sleep specialist if it is considered clinically appropriate. It is most commonly prescribed to people over 55 with short-term insomnia or to children with certain developmental disorders. It is not usually prescribed for general sleep difficulties.

Are melatonin gummies legal in the UK?

Melatonin gummies, sprays, and drinks are illegal to sell in the UK unless they are licensed medicines prescribed by a healthcare professional. Any product sold online or in shops that claims to contain melatonin without a prescription is not compliant with UK law.