Does tasimelteon have any advantages or disadvantages compared to regular melatonin?

Try melatonin first: tasimelteon is specifically indicated for a sleep disorder associated with being totally blind. It is a prescription drug. it is likely more expensive than melatonin depending on insurance coverage. I would recommend trying the melatonin over the counter at 3 mg daily about 3 hours before going to bed. If there is no benefit and you are blind, then discuss with your doctor.

More side effects: Tasimelteon is only indicated for use in totally blind patients with non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder Theis a question about how reliable the studies are. Here is a trial on a small number of patients: 39 and there were some affects on lab work including lowering white and red blood cell count. Melatonin is a much safer drug. More studies need to be done on Tasmelteon's use to see if works/safe

Benefits?: Tasimelteon is FDA approved only for individuals with complete blindness and the treatment of non-24hour sleep-wake disorder.It is not approved for non-blind individuals or individuals who retain any sort of photosensitivity.Early studies suggest it might have a role in transient insomnia and circadian sleep disturbances, but trials are on-going.I can't find head to head comparisons to melatonin

Maybe: Tasimelteon is a prescription product that works on the melatonin receptors in the brain. OTC Melatonin hasn't been well studied and the dosing range not well identified. If sleep issues persist, I would ask your doctor to see if you can try the Rx product and see if it works better.