Melatonin for Jet Lag in Australia:

A New Over-the-Counter Solution (Soon)

Crossing multiple time zones can wreak havoc on your internal clock, leaving you exhausted during the day and wide awake at night. For Australian travellers, relief is on the horizon with VOQUILY Jet Lag Relief, a melatonin product specifically designed to support sleep regulation during long-haul travel. While currently prescription-only, discussions suggest this product may soon become available over the counter.

Understanding Jet Lag and Its Effects

Jet lag happens when your internal body clock—also called your circadian rhythm—is out of sync with the local time at your destination. This mismatch affects sleep, mood, digestion, and mental performance.

Jet lag typically worsens with the number of time zones crossed and can last several days, especially after eastward travel, such as from Australia to Europe or the US.

Common Jet Lag Symptoms

Jet lag can cause:

• Daytime fatigue and trouble staying awake

• Difficulty sleeping at night

• Poor concentration and brain fog

• Digestive upset, like constipation or diarrhoea

• Mood swings or general discomfort

These symptoms can disrupt your itinerary, reduce productivity, and make travel feel more draining than exciting.

How Melatonin Helps Reset Your Body Clock

Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces in the evening to help you fall asleep. When taken as a supplement, it acts as a signal to your brain that it's time to sleep—helping to shift your internal clock more quickly to match your new time zone.

Melatonin is especially effective when taken at the right time (just before local bedtime at your destination) and in the correct dose. It’s most beneficial when crossing five or more time zones, particularly when travelling east.

Does Melatonin Really Work?

Yes—and the research supports it. A major Cochrane Review of 10 clinical trials found that melatonin:

• Significantly reduced jet lag symptoms compared to placebo

• Cut symptom scores almost in half

• Had a Number Needed to Treat (NNT) of just 2—meaning one in every two travellers benefited

• Was most effective in doses between 0.5 mg and 5 mg

Because it’s well-tolerated for short-term use, melatonin is becoming a popular option for travellers seeking to adjust more quickly and sleep better on arrival.

VOQUILY Jet Lag Relief: Australia’s Targeted Solution

VOQUILY Jet Lag Relief is a 2 mg immediate-release melatonin capsule, approved in Australia for the short-term treatment of jet lag in adults. It comes in a convenient 30-capsule blister pack, ideal for travel.

🕒 Dosing and Administration

• Take 1 capsule (2 mg) once daily

• Timing: 30 minutes before your planned bedtime at your destination (between 10pm and midnight)

• Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or after food

• Duration: Use for 2–5 days after arrival

• Maximum dose: Do not exceed 5 mg per day

Currently Prescription-Only—but That May Change Soon

As of now, VOQUILY is classified as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) medicine in Australia. However, industry discussions—including at recent trade events—suggest that a rescheduling to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only) may be on the way.

This change would mean travellers could access VOQUILY without a prescription, following a brief consultation with a pharmacist—bringing Australia in line with countries like the US, Canada, and much of Europe.

Using Melatonin Effectively: A Quick Guide

To get the most from melatonin during travel:

✅ What to Do

• Take 30 minutes before destination bedtime

• Use for 2 to 5 nights after arrival

• Choose immediate-release formulations for jet lag (not slow-release)

• Get natural light exposure in the morning

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine before bed

⚠️ What to Watch For

Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, but:

• Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, unless advised

• Consult your doctor if you have epilepsy or take blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)

• Possible side effects include drowsiness, headache, nausea, or vivid dreams

Melatonin can interact with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, immune suppression, and sedatives.

Can You Buy Melatonin Over the Counter in Australia?

Currently, only modified-release melatonin (for insomnia in adults 55+) is available as a Schedule 3 OTC product. Immediate-release melatonin—like VOQUILY for jet lag—still requires a prescription.

However, based on regulatory trends and conversations with Link Pharmaceuticals, VOQUILY may soon become available over the counter for general adult travellers, pending rescheduling approval.

Final Thoughts: A Practical Tool for Jet Lag Relief

Melatonin offers a safe, effective way to manage jet lag when used properly. Products like VOQUILY Jet Lag Relief make it easier to adjust your sleep cycle, especially when travelling long distances eastward.

Travellers are most likely to benefit when:

• Crossing five or more time zones

• Travelling eastward

• Taking melatonin at the right time (local bedtime)

• Using the correct dose and duration

As Australia moves toward wider access to melatonin, VOQUILY stands out as a research-backed option for frequent flyers.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Please consult a healthcare professional before using melatonin, especially if you have medical conditions or take regular medications.