Triathlon Tips

Schiff Melatonin Ultra was a popular melatonin supplement sold by Costco that was discontinued in 2018. In addition to melatonin, Schiff Melatonin Ultra featured a few additional ingredients to help people get to sleep and stay asleep. It was a phenomenal product at a great price that I used as a professional triathlete and Ironman Champion.

What happened to Schiff Melatonin Ultra? Why is Schiff Melatonin Ultra Unavailable?

In short, it was discontinued. I do not know why.

Looking for a Schiff Melatonin Ultra alternative replacement?

I have switched back to Nature's Made Melatonin - 3mg. It is inexpensive and convenient to purchase via Amazon here.

Another product I have had success with is Vicks ZzzQuil.

Interested in getting Schiff Melatonin Ultra back on the market? Sign this petition to make your voice heard. Share it with others to get them to sign it as well. Maybe if enough people sign it then Schiff will bring it back.

Original backstory on discovering that it was discontinued: Today I was at my local Costco and I was looking for my all-time favorite sleep aid, a specific version of Melatonin made by Schiff called Melatonin Ultra. This product was made exclusively for Costco and sold over the past several years. The proprietary blend of Melatonin featured not only 3mg of Melatonin, but also 25mg of L-Theanine, 25mg of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and a blend of Chamomile and Valerian Extract totaling 8.5mg. The product really does work wonders and other Melatonin just isn't the same.

Anyway, after coming up empty-handed at Costco I figured I would just order it from Amazon as I have ordered it this way before. For those that are not aware, there is an entire cottage industry of people who purchase products in bulk from their local Costco and then resell them on Amazon. This appeals to both people that don't have a Costco membership or simply don't want to visit the store for a single item. Tonight I went to Amazon and was astounded that the price, almost like the infamous pharma-bro Martin Skirelli's Daraprim, had risen over 2000% to $149.95. My last purchase which from Amazon was $9.99 shipped via 2-day prime, and I have purchased it at a Costco store for $7.99 from Costco. It was even $4.99 when it was on a Costco coupon promotion. Given the discontinuation, I wasn't exactly surprised that it had increased but I was shocked by how large the increase was in a short period of time.

For those that doubt that this is selling or is just a temporary pricing error think again. According to eBay completed sales, which is public knowledge, it shows that these bottles are selling for north of $200. It is safe to say that I will be looking for a new brand but it goes to show how much we as a society value our drugs, products, and our brands and at any cost.

Completed eBay Sales of Schiff Melatonin Ultra

I have to imagine that Schiff will make this product again if there is enough interest, but I have switched to Vicks ZzzQuil for now. Because supplements are unregulated I prefer to go with big, stable, and trusted brands. With ZzzQuil you get 2mg of melatonin + the valerian & chamomile. You also get some lemon balm and lavender which was not in Melatonin Ultra.

Vicks ZzzQuil
My replacement for
Schiff Melatonin Ultra

For those that are unfamiliar with melatonin. Melatonin is what your body produces in the Pineal gland to put itself to bed naturally. I have used a 3mg tablet 30-60 minutes before bed as an effective way to help set the bedtime process in motion.

Relevant Links

- Bring Back Schiff Melatonin Ultra Petition - via Petition.com

- Nature's Made Melatonin on Amazon
- Vicks ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs on Amazon

- Schiff Melatonin Ultra on Amazon

- Melatonin on Amazon

- Sleepytime Tea on Amazon

- Chamomile on Amazon

- Schiff Melatonin Ultra completed ebay sales

- Schiff Melatoinin Ultra on eBay

Pedal the Perimeter Bike Trip

For readers who may be interested, my cousin, Matt "BikerBroshat" Broshat, is attempting to bike the Perimeter of the USA #PedalThePerimeter. His trip is starting today, August 8th, 2018, and he is planning on taking about 6 months to complete his journey. This will be a self-supported ride with a bike that is built to carry all his gear and camping equipment - it is not a fast bike but he hopes to ride 60 miles a day.

I am sure he will need plenty of help, a wash of clothes, and a place to stay on his route. Being the athlete myself, I know what this is going to take logistically, solo, so there are no hard dates about where he will be, and when, but follow his Instagram account for updates. I am sure he would be appreciative of any support. Matt is a very religious person and kind person who has committed, even in cold and blustery Minnesota winters, to commuting and traveling by bike. His goal is to raise $25,000 for a youth group for special needs kids. Matt has been involved in helping these kids live a better lives through his own donation of time. Stay safe Matt!