Joint Formulary & PAD

Melatonin - Sleep disorders in ADULTS with neurodevelopmental disorders

I agree that in using this database I understand that this platform only provides guidance on local prescribing policy and that all prescribing decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the clinician.

Status 1

Blue
Formulations :
  • Modified release tablets
Associated Icons :
Off Label
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important
Preferred

Prescribing in Primary Care may be undertaken on recommendation from the specialist mental health team.

Note the change from previous Amber status (which required shared-care). Formal melatonin shared care is no longer required for this indication.

 

Status 2

Blue
Formulations :
  • Immediate release tablets
Associated Icons :
Off Label
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important

Immediate release tablets may be crushed for administration (licensed use).

 

Status 3

Blue
Formulations :
  • Oral solution
Associated Icons :
Off Label
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important

1mg/ml oral solution sugar free - restricted to patients with significant swallowing difficulties or a feeding tube in situ.

PAD Profile

ChemicalSubstance :
Melatonin
Indication :
Sleep disorders in ADULTS with neurodevelopmental disorders
Group Name :
Keywords :
delayed sleep phase syndrome, DSPS, insomnia, persistent sleep disorder, sleep deprivation, autistic spectrum disorder, autism, learning disabilities
Brand Names Include :
Circadin, Adaflex, Colonis
Important Information :

Prescribing for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in Primary Care - only on recommendation from the specialist mental health team.

Latest Additions Date From :
31 Oct 2025
Latest Additions Date To :
30 Nov 2025
Guidelines :
Supporting Documents :
3
Traffic Light Entries :
3

Committee Recommendations (2)

The Surrey Heartlands Area Prescribing Committee agreed to a change in Traffic Light Status from Amber (requiring shared care) to Blue. Prescribing in Primary Care may be undertaken on recommendation from the specialist mental health team.

Unlicensed use.
The Area Prescribing Committee recommends the use of melatonin for sleep disorders in adults with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The recommended products are:

  • Melatonin 2mg MR tablets (prescribed generically) are recommended 1st line (off-label use)
  • Immediate release tablets (available in strengths of 1mg-5mg)
  • Crushed immediate release tablets (available in strengths of 1mg-5mg)  for patients unable to swallow tablets
  • Melatonin 1mg/ml oral solution sugar free (off-label use) may be considered, for example if the person has a feeding tube, or use of whole or crushed melatonin tablets is unsuitable due to significant difficulties with either the taste or texture. (Note - the liquid preparation, that is licensed in children and for jet lag, is also alcohol free)

Consideration should be given to switching existing melatonin patients to melatonin 2mg MR tablets, following review of treatment.

NON-FORMULARY 
- All other solid dose formulations of melatonin are not supported for use
- other liquid formulations
- Melatonin for use in jet lag
- The Slenyto® brand (1mg and 5 mg prolonged release tablets) has been assigned a BLACK status for all indications - see link for further information https://surreyccg.res-systems.net/PAD/Search/DrugConditionProfile/6243

Primary care prescribers should ensure that patient medication records include any medicine for which prescribing remains the responsibility of secondary or tertiary care. This will ensure that GP records, which are accessed by other healthcare providers, are a true and accurate reflection of the patient's medication


The use of melatonin in adult patients with other conditions has also been considered - please see links to "other conditions" at the top-right of this page
 

Other Drugs

Below are listed other drugs that are used to treat Sleep disorders in ADULTS with neurodevelopmental disorders.

  • No records returned.