Melatonin supplements exceeding 0.3 milligrams remain available without a prescription, following a key court decision.
The Dutch Health Care Inspectorate (IGJ) pushed for prescription-only access to high-dose melatonin to protect public health. However, The Hague District Court ruled it must stay freely available, allowing refusals only after individual assessments.
Commonly used for jet lag and sleep disorders, melatonin poses risks when misused, potentially worsening insomnia. Leading physicians report a rise in patients self-medicating, leading to increased daytime fatigue from improper use.
