Slow-release Circadin canon >55 yo · Spain OTC immediate release · sublingual fast onset for flights/jet-lag.
Prolonged 7-8h release · mimics endogenous
Best for
Ideal use: maintenance insomnia early waking >55 yo · EMA canon.
Advantages
Mimics physiological nocturnal endogenous profile. EMA approved >55 yo primary insomnia. 7-8h half-life full-night coverage.
Disadvantages
Only Spain Rx (>2 mg medicine). Price ~€15-25/month vs OTC ~€5-10. Needs doctor.
Tablets/capsules fast onset 30 min
Best for
Ideal use: difficulty falling asleep · jet-lag · <55 yo.
Advantages
Spain OTC free. Affordable. More RCTs for sleep onset latency. Available 0.3, 0.5, 1, 1.9 mg doses.
Disadvantages
Short half-life 30-60 min · may not cover 3-4 AM waking. Single nocturnal dose.
Onset 15-20 min mucosal absorption
Best for
Ideal use: acute jet-lag · fast onset emergency · flights.
Advantages
Fast onset (15-20 min). Useful for flights / jet-lag emergency. Bypasses hepatic first pass.
Disadvantages
High brief plasma peaks. Taste (some formulations). More expensive vs tablet.
High-dose capsules Rx onco-functional
Best for
Ideal use: advanced solid cancer adjuvant · under integrative oncology.
Advantages
Therapeutic dose Lissoni canon · chemo cancer adjuvant.
Disadvantages
Rx onco-functional only. NOT recreational. Significant sedation.
Ideal use: maintenance insomnia early waking >55 yo · EMA canon.
Ideal use: difficulty falling asleep · jet-lag · <55 yo.
Ideal use: acute jet-lag · fast onset emergency · flights.
Ideal use: advanced solid cancer adjuvant · under integrative oncology.
Slow-release Circadin canon >55 yo · Spain OTC immediate release · sublingual fast onset for flights/jet-lag.