Melatonin - any thoughts?

[Allfednonedead]

Hi, we've started giving our DS(7) who has an ASD melatonin to help him go to sleep at night. After 2 weeks of going to sleep around 8.30/9, instead of 10/10.30, his anxiety has significantly reduced and he's brighter and happier.
So we're very pleased with it, but there's a problem. We haven't had it prescribed, just given some that a friend had for her ASD DNiece. Our GP says it has to be prescribed by the local ASD services, but the clinic is not returning my calls.
I've only got enough for another week - has anyone experience of buying melatonin online, how do you know whether it's a trustworthy source, is this a good idea?

[Sirzy]

I wouldn’t buy it online. Keep pushing to talk to your consultant but I certainly wouldn’t risk buying online.

[BoogleMcGroogle]

No, but keep
Persisting with the consultants. A private consultant will give a private prescription, but that’s an expensive early night. We have had it prescribed by NHS consultants and do sometimes use melatonin we’ve picked up in the US, but I halve the tablets as the doses aren’t always what they say on this pack ( it’s a good supplement there, so Jess precise)

[ShineySquirell]

My son who has ADHD takes melatonin and we get it online. His paediatrician told us a website to safely get it from it was never offered to us on prescription.

[Allfednonedead]

Just to update - I got through to our local ASD service, who have to sort out a referral to specialist CAMHS to get a prescription, so I’ve ordered some online in the interim. Sounds like they’ll be happy to help, but we just have to hack our way through the undergrowth of bureaucracy to get there!