Since 2020, it has been possible to buy the drug melatonin prescription at Swedish pharmacies, and it has become increasingly popular to use it in sleep problems. But the Swedish Medicines Agency has now gone out with one Press release Where they warn that there is not enough knowledge about the effects of long -term use.
Today, prescription drugs containing melatonin will only treat sleep problems in some children with ADHD, adults over 55 years and for short -term treatment of jet lag in adults. Prescription -free melatonin, on the other hand, is only approved for short -term treatment of jet lag in adults.
According to the Swedish Medicines Agency, drugs used in sleep problems should only be used for a short period of time and for temporary complaints. The drugs do not cure the causes of sleep problems but only provide symptom relief. Today, there is no ideal sleep medication without any side effects, but everyone affects the function of the brain – even prescription melatonin.
– It is better to try to deal with the problems and find a long -term solution instead of medicating their symptoms. We also do not know how the body is affected by melatonin use for a long time, says Elin KimlandSenior investigator at the Swedish Medicines Agency, in the press release.
Instead, the Swedish Medicines Agency recommends that you review their sleep habits, and above all seek help if the problems remain.
– We see a risk that melatonin use is made too easily as it is more easily accessible. In the first place, patients who seek help for sleep problems should receive advice on sleep hygiene or be offered psychological efforts, says Elin Kimland.
Furthermore, the Swedish Medicines Agency tips on five other tricks to get better sleep hygiene: