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Original poster

Melatonin - told to buy it myself?

62 replies

Aparecium · 01/08/2023 16:50

I was seen by the Long Covid clinic, and I'm sure the doctor there said he would write to my GP asking him to prescribe Melatonin, as it is licensed for sleep disorders in patients over 55y, which I am.

Now I find that the letter he sent my GP recommends that I buy the medication myself, from Amazon, so the GP won't prescribe it.

Why am I expected to source drugs? How am I supposed to know whether it is genuine or of good quality?

AIBU to expect the GP to prescribe me melatonin?

OP posts:
Original poster
Aparecium · 01/08/2023 23:43

DesparatePragmatist · 01/08/2023 23:34

You can order it online from Chronodorm. In tablet or teabag form. I've always found them very good, quick and reliable. Agree that the clinic should give you an idea of the dose you need though - worth ringing and asking them perhaps.

Clinic letter said 3mg. At least they have the dosage!

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 01/08/2023 23:52

Aparecium · 01/08/2023 23:41

This is crazy. GP won't prescribe a prescription-only drug approved for my condition by the NHS and recommended by the specialist clinic. Instead I am told to buy it online, despite the official NHS guidance discouraging this.

From www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/about-melatonin/

The doctor in the clinic can write prescriptions too - maybe they should do it given that they’re the one with the specialist knowledge of long covid?

Gwenhwyfar · 02/08/2023 00:05

QueenPB · 01/08/2023 23:40

In my area melatonin is classed by the ccg as a “black” medication meaning gps are not allowed to prescribe it. Was also told to buy it online which I did

This makes no sense to me.

BungleandGeorge · 02/08/2023 00:07

Why are you annoyed with your GP? Your consultant has not asked them to prescribe. Your GP has not recommended the treatment, your consultant has. The 3mg tablet is also only licensed for jet lag I think. Your consultant has suggested you purchase an item that is prescription only in this country. This has nothing to do with your GP you need to go back to the consultant.

Shutuptrevor · 02/08/2023 00:12

Yeah, it’s a stupid set up in the UK.
Just buy it online, I’ve used piping rock and biovea before. I take 5mg.

Blanketenvy · 02/08/2023 00:17

I buy it from biovea. Have for years, absolutely fine to buy from there.

Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 00:20

I'm annoyed because the GP won't do what NICE guidelines recommend. I shouldn't even have to have the specialist ask the GP to prescribe it, the GP should be able to do so off his own bat.

I'm annoyed that the specialist said he would ask the GP to prescribe a medication (standard procedure) but then did not do so.

I'm annoyed because I'm being told to source and buy a prescription drug online - which is totally contrary to NHS advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 00:21

I'm also annoyed because I can't bloody sleep.

OP posts:
Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 00:23

And, yes, I know I should be practicing good sleep hygiene and not be on my phone. But I'm so bored and every sound is magnified.

OP posts:
Shutuptrevor · 02/08/2023 00:31

Yes. It IS annoying. 100%.

But honestly, you can keep being annoyed, to no avail as this has been (stupid) NHS policy for years and years, or you can just sort it out and order yourself some.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 02/08/2023 07:33

AlfietheSchnauzer · 01/08/2023 23:30

@Aparecium GP's are not licensed to prescribe Melatonin, only Paediatricians.

Melatonin is now licensed for jet lag so of course GPs can prescribe it. Whether the local CCG will permit it is another matter.

OP needs to complain to the hospital. First raise it as a query via the secretary, then PALS.

Or you could speak to your GP’s prescribing team if they have one. These will be pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who should have some grasp of medicines law.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 02/08/2023 07:34

Shutuptrevor · 02/08/2023 00:31

Yes. It IS annoying. 100%.

But honestly, you can keep being annoyed, to no avail as this has been (stupid) NHS policy for years and years, or you can just sort it out and order yourself some.

This is not NHS policy. It’s an error, or maybe a systemic failing, but it’s not policy.

Spacecowboys · 02/08/2023 07:49

The specialist clinic who felt you would benefit from melatonin should prescribe it for you. It must be frustrating for gp ‘s when they receive instructions to prescribe for a patient that they haven’t actually assessed themselves. It’s also not good practice. Maybe speak to the clinic staff and ask them to organise it for you.

ThickSkinnedSoWhat · 02/08/2023 07:51

KnickerlessParsons · 01/08/2023 18:33

I buy it from Piping Rock. It hasn't killed me yet.
It isn't a sleeping tablet. It helps you go to sleep but it doesn't keep you asleep like a sleeping tablet would IYSWIM.

This. It is essentially a doze of the hormone that makes you nod off.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 02/08/2023 07:56

I had it from my GP but I just buy it from France now and have it sent to me.

I buy 3 bottles at a time.

Secondwindplease · 02/08/2023 08:05

OP, I have had melatonin for jet lag on tough work trips. I used Dr Fox, which is a safe and reliable online pharmacy. I know it’s madness that you’ve been recommended but not prescribed it, but if you just use Dr Fox you’ll have it in a few days with no hassle.

Good luck with the sleeping and I hope the melatonin makes a difference - it worked for me on the odd occasion I’ve needed it and is very gentle (no side effects, no grogginess etc).

Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 08:57

It was the GP's prescribing pharmacist who explained to me why I hadn't been issued with the prescription.

It is normal practice for the specialist to request that the GP prescribe a drug. Apparently my GP won't prescribe the melatonin because the specialist wrote that I should buy it myself, rather than request the GP to prescribe it.

The NHS is telling me to contravene its own advice and buy a drug that is illegal to sell in the UK.

OP posts:
saraclara · 02/08/2023 09:05

Aparecium · 02/08/2023 08:57

It was the GP's prescribing pharmacist who explained to me why I hadn't been issued with the prescription.

It is normal practice for the specialist to request that the GP prescribe a drug. Apparently my GP won't prescribe the melatonin because the specialist wrote that I should buy it myself, rather than request the GP to prescribe it.

The NHS is telling me to contravene its own advice and buy a drug that is illegal to sell in the UK.

So have you pointed out to the practice that legally it can only be given on prescription? And shown them your link?

I get your frustration, but you've been given good advice and haven't referenced taking any of it.

So either:
A)Contact your specialist and ask him to either prescribe, or write another letter to your GP
B) Show your link at your GP surgery and ask what they're going to do in light of it
C) Order it via Dr Fox or Pharmacy 4U with their own private prescription

This is an irritant, not a big deal. And easily resolved.

PinkFootstool · 02/08/2023 09:07

Agree, kick it back to the surgery and ask why you are being advised to buy prescription only medicine illegally.

Drives me nuts that people advocate this, let alone a GP who should damn well know better.

54isanopendoor · 02/08/2023 09:16

following with interest

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 02/08/2023 09:50

Aparecium · 02/08/2023 08:57

It was the GP's prescribing pharmacist who explained to me why I hadn't been issued with the prescription.

It is normal practice for the specialist to request that the GP prescribe a drug. Apparently my GP won't prescribe the melatonin because the specialist wrote that I should buy it myself, rather than request the GP to prescribe it.

The NHS is telling me to contravene its own advice and buy a drug that is illegal to sell in the UK.

You’re absolutely correct in your facts and are right to be annoyed. Incandescent, even. But the only person who can make any changes happen is you.

Even more annoying? Yes, but we are where we are.

Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 09:53

I get your frustration, but you've been given good advice and haven't referenced taking any of it.

I stated this thread yesterday afternoon, too late to contact either my surgery or the specialist.

The thread has helped me with information gathering. Now I have the info I need to contact them and ask the question.

I have ordered melatonin from one of the companies recommended on this thread. I appreciate that it is an OTC medication in other countries, but am still very uncomfortable with the position I have been put in.

OP posts:
Secondwindplease · 02/08/2023 09:55

Aparecium · 02/08/2023 08:57

It was the GP's prescribing pharmacist who explained to me why I hadn't been issued with the prescription.

It is normal practice for the specialist to request that the GP prescribe a drug. Apparently my GP won't prescribe the melatonin because the specialist wrote that I should buy it myself, rather than request the GP to prescribe it.

The NHS is telling me to contravene its own advice and buy a drug that is illegal to sell in the UK.

Sorry but you’re not quite right here. It’s only illegal to buy it without prescription. So go and get a private prescription from one of the online pharmacies recommended by previous posters. It’s annoying but easily solved using safe, convenient and legitimate suppliers.

Original poster
Aparecium · 02/08/2023 10:03

Sorry but you’re not quite right here. It’s only illegal to buy it without prescription. So go and get a private prescription from one of the online pharmacies recommended by previous posters. It’s annoying but easily solved using safe, convenient and legitimate suppliers.

I was told by two NHS practitioners of appropriate grade and knowledge to go and buy it off Amazon. They did not tell me to get a private prescription from an online pharmacy. I did not even know this was possible until MNers told me about it.

OP posts:
UnbeatenMum · 02/08/2023 10:05

My GP prescribes melatonin for my autistic DD. It was after a paediatrician requested it but the GP is actually doing the prescribing so I don't think it's true that they can't, although policies may vary.