Jet lag and Melatonin

I used to take Melatonin regularly (sleeping better now and don't need it) and my understanding is that both over the counter sales and importation is illegal in most European countries. If you take it along and are searched is it likely to be taken? Odds are low. I actually had some with me in 2009 (in my carry on) and had no issues but I had no idea of legalities then. But it technically is not allowed and it could be confiscated depending on the customs agent. If you have a prescription you should have zero issues. Pete

The EU governs the marketing and sale of "supplements" much more strictly than the ridiculously lax standards the US applies. Basically, in much of Europe, if you want to make a health claim for any product (whether you´re calling it a drug, supplement, nutriceutical, etc), you need to provide some pretty hefty data supporting both your claim and the safety of the product. In the US, if you call your product a "drug", the same standards apply, but if you label it a "supplement", you can claim the product does almost anything without showing any evidence and conducting only rudimentary studies for safety. Because most supplements can´t be patented, there´s not much incentive for a manufacturer to conduct the rigourous efficacy and safety studies that would be necessary to bring it to market. Hence, you can´t buy melatonin over here. For the same reason, you can´t buy paracetamol in the US (as commonly taken in Europe as acetaminophan is in the US). A manufacturer isn´t going to waste their valuable research and development money on a simple drug they can´t patent. But honestly, the worst thing that would probably happen is that your supply would get confiscated.

I had no idea! I've used melatonin for 15+ years for jet lag. It gets thrown in with my vitamins and I've never had anyone look twice at my vitamins. I've never heard of anyone having this issue, either. I'll continue to bring it and not worry about it.

I live in The Netherlands, and I did buy melatonin, 1mg or 3mg capsules, as prescribed by my doctor.

Must be marketed as a drug in the Netherlands, then.

Based on what Tom and Andre wrote.... If you do bring it, I suggest bringing along a "prescription" from your doctor back home.

I can remember at the height of Melatonin's popularity in the mid-90s, that there were media reports of Canadian Customs actively looking for and seizing melatonin from US travelers. At the time it was only available via prescription up north. There was actually a black-market for it:)

I just returned from Europe three weeks ago and brought Melatonin with me in the original bottle. No problem at all. My carryon bag was searched twice in Venice and Paris and no one said a thing. I use it a lot when I travel as it really helps me and so far I have not had any issue. I was more worried about my husband's Saw Pametto he takes as it is just a green herb in a gelatin capsule and that could be anything so I brought the original bottle of that also.....no problem.

I asked a pharmacist about it in Switzerland in 2001 and was told it was by prescription only. That does not mean it is illegal, just that you cannot buy it over the counter. Just bring what you think you might need and don't worry about it.