this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2024
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I'm on Concerta(though, I was thinking about asking about Vyvanse.. But maybe not), so haven't had any shortage issues, but the authorization for my GP to manage my meds expired and I have to find and pay for a new psych. It's such bullshit that I need to pay so much to get meds for a condition I was diagnosed with at the age of 8.
I feel you (and owl). I don't have ADHD or take related medication, but I do have a lot of trouble sleeping so used to take a small dose of melatonin to help. Unfortunately my script lapsed just after I moved back in July, but because I'm under 18 the GP can't prescribe sleeping medication without authority from a paediatrician. I still haven't managed to get that sorted out yet. The whole medication system seems pretty messed up
Get thee to iHerb and don't look back. You can order it in without a prescription no problems. And much cheaper too (while you're on that website might as well get some bulk vitamins or supplements to make the shipping worthwhile, still a lot cheaper than the chemists).
My only advice is, more is not better in terms of melatonin dosage; avoid being tempted by those 10mg tablets (even 3mg is too much in my experience. I believe 0.1-0.5mg per night is meant to be ideal)
Wow I've never heard of this. I thought that melatonin was a prescription only thing when under 55. I was on a 2mg dose, so I might try a 1mg and see if that works, otherwise just continue on with 2mg.
I used to be a fussy child and found it really hard to swallow medication (not the case anymore) so my carers used to go to a compounding pharmacy and get little capsules made up for me, so they were even more expensive than regular melatonin (and since they were custom compounded, there weren't any rebates or concessions available either). I believe my paediatrician did actually recommend this site or one similar back in 2019 too. I distinctly remember her bringing up a website that sold melatonin gummy bears she could recommend, that looked somewhat similar to this iherb one. But child protection wouldn't allow it because of concerns over imported medication or something. It was kinda odd, and I think that's why I ended up with a prescription in the first place. They're not allowed to go against the formal recommendation of a medical practitioner though, so they just dealt with the more expensive capsule things.
Edit: I think calling it a "supplement" rather than being prescription medication also means I wouldn't have to go through the VicRoads medication review tribunal thing, right?
It is technically prescription-only for under 55s but because of whatever schedule it is under somehow you could still get it imported without a problem. Maybe because it's instant release, not modified release - It's totally bs how there's a whole bunch of different rules around it.
Looking it up now, I see in 2021 modified-release melatonin was downscheduled to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only) - meaning its behind the pharmacy counter but no presceiption needed - but only for over-55s again ๐ if you can't use iherb... Know any old people? Lol
It also won't come under any vicroads scrutiny I believe, because it's not even a supplement, it's a naturally occurring hormone (which is part of the reasoning for ot being fully OTC in many other parts of the world. Hell, even in highly strict Singapore you can buy it at the chemists at any shopping centre, even the airport before your flight!)