Psychiatric Bulletin (2004) 28: 222-224. doi: 10.1192/pb.28.6.222
© 2004 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2004) 28: 222-224
© 2004 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Drug information quarterly

Melatonin in the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents

*David Armour

Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Oxleas NHS Trust, Pinewood House, Pinewood Place, Dartford, Kent DA2 7WG

Carol Paton

Chief Pharmacist, Oxleas NHS Trust

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To review the efficacy and safety of melatonin in the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents, through a Medline search covering the years 1966 to November 2003.

RESULTS

Five placebo-controlled studies and several case series were identified. Melatonin reduces sleep latency, but does not consistently improve other aspects of sleep disturbance. Safety, particularly in the medium- and longterm, is poorly evaluated; short-term concerns include exacerbation of epilepsy and asthma.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Melatonin might be effective in the short-term treatment of sleep onset insomnia. The optimal dose is unknown. It cannot currently be recommended for the treatment of other forms of sleep disturbance or for routine long-term use. Melatonin is not a licensed medicine in the UK.




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