Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Melatonin

46 replies

Charl99 · 27/02/2019 23:27

Not really used this site much before but its the first place I have come to ask for help! I have been advised to get my son Melatonin on the internet by my Dr. My son has real difficulty in getting to sleep, he's 8yrs old and the lack of sleep affects his personality from being moody to lack of concentration and fidgetiness in school.

Has anyone used the drops and if so, which ones are the best to get? I thought drops would be easier but medicine is an option as well.

Thanks.

OP posts:

Lockheart · 27/02/2019 23:35

Your doctor has told you to buy drugs off the internet?

I'm not sure that's sound advice. Can't the doctor just prescribe it? I think you can get melatonin over the counter in places like the US and Canada but I understand in the UK it's only available on prescription (happy to be corrected).

Original poster

Charl99 · 27/02/2019 23:39

Yes the Dr said I could get it over the internet but they cannot prescribe it. A consultant can prescribe it in the UK only.

OP posts:

CatinMyLap · 27/02/2019 23:41

What other things have you tried before this idea?

It did sweet FA for my daughter who has autism

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Sleep

LovingLola · 27/02/2019 23:43

Could the doctor not advise you as to the best online source for the drops? It sounds a bit strange...

Davros · 27/02/2019 23:46

It's not "drugs", It's a hormone but I think it's rather bizarre for a doctor to tell you to get it online. They should refer you to someone who can prescribe it

Original poster

Charl99 · 27/02/2019 23:48

We have tried many options to help him sleep and he has been like this for years. I had a telephone conversation with the Dr who I know well and trust.

I was going to try it for a short term solution to see if it helps to regulate his sleep pattern to help him.

I just wondered if anyone had used a particular brand which did work for them.

OP posts:

Original poster

Charl99 · 27/02/2019 23:50

Yes I know its a hormone not a drug. As I said I do know the dr well but it might be that I get an appointment with a consultant to get it from them.

OP posts:

PointlessUsername · 27/02/2019 23:50

Did nothing for dd with ADHD

It is a hormone naturally produced but that said you can develope a reliance on it to get to sleep.

Has the DR not referred you on to any kind of specialist?

Original poster

Charl99 · 27/02/2019 23:53

I am sure the dr would if I asked yes. As I am struggling to find a particular one and don't want to just buy anything that is not reviewed or safe. I may well go to the consultant and get their professional advice. Thanks.

OP posts:

arast · 27/02/2019 23:54

My son was also recommended to take this medication by his consultant. Apparently it's not licensed for use by children in this country. There's nothing dodgy about it really. I know others whose children respond well to this treatment.

Oliversmumsarmy · 27/02/2019 23:55

Lockheart A doctor can prescribe it but only 2mg of slow acting stuff.

CatinMyLap you have to have the right dosage 2mg of slow acting doesn’t do anything for me. I have to have the fast acting type that knocks me out.

Never had a sleep problem until the menopause now I have 7mg of fast acting to get me to sleep and 5mg of slow acting to keep me asleep. Now getting 5.5 hours sleep per night which for me is amazing.

I get mine from the US. Stocked up when I went over at Christmas.

PurpleAardvark · 27/02/2019 23:59

I would avoid buying from the internet as you don't know what you are buying. I read an article about Melatonin in the USA, because it's classed as a supplement it's less well regulated and different brands tested contained massively varying quantities of Melatonin.

I get Melatonin from CAMHS paediatrician for my son. It has been very helpful for us.

VenusOfWillendorf · 28/02/2019 00:01

Buying any form of medication over the internet is a really bad idea, if not downright dangerous. Melatonin is prescription only through most of Europe so you are unlikely to get it from a reputable supplier.
I would consider changing doctor.

JaneJeffer · 28/02/2019 00:09

Why didn't your GP refer you to a consultant?

onlyjustmillenial · 28/02/2019 00:27

I take this for jet lag (but either from the us when I visit or off Amazon) and it works well!

Oliversmumsarmy · 28/02/2019 00:33

onlyjustmillenial

Which seller off Amazon. I might have to get some over the internet and like others I am worried about taking God knows what from dodgy companies who spend more time and money on perfecting the perfect copy of the tub than on the contents.

I have enough for 6 months. Dp was supposed to be going to the US in March but his trip has been cancelled and he is not going till November now so

Oliversmumsarmy · 28/02/2019 00:35

PurpleAardvark can I ask the mg of the pills you get from CAHMS

dreaming174 · 28/02/2019 00:35

I have used melatonin and it was helpful in getting to sleep but you do get used to it and the effects diminish over time. Great for the odd night though.

Gingerkittykat · 28/02/2019 00:53

I've also used melatonin, as has DD. I agree with dreaming174 that it works really effectively at first but stopped working after a few weeks.

I've had it on prescription, but in my area is consultant only.

With DD we just used the drops from the internet, GP was fine about it and was just curious about where we got it from!

I can't remember the brand name but cherry flavoured drops from the USA seemed reputable. I ordered on Ebay.

Oliversmumsarmy · 28/02/2019 00:53

I hope it doesn’t diminish.

If it starts to diminish i think I will end up taking bigger and bigger quantities

PCohle · 28/02/2019 00:55

I'd be shocked if a UK GP genuinely suggested you purchase a prescription only drug over the internet. There is no guarantee that what you are being sold is what you are actually getting. If your doctor believes melatonin would be beneficial then he/she should take the necessary steps to allow you to access that medication.

665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast · 28/02/2019 06:38

It is available in this country, but as a dietary supplement.
Gummies work well. (Easy internet search) But can cause depressive mood swings the next day.

Montmerancy cherry supplements also containe melatonin, in lower quantities, you can also buy sour cherry juice as a night time drink, or concentrate to make up a drink.
Anecdotally these have less of a mood altering effect.

665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast · 28/02/2019 06:41

I just re read that...can cause mood swings....but may not, doesn't in lots of people, just something to keep an eye out for..

Flurgle · 28/02/2019 06:43

You can buy it otc in Italy in 1mg tablets as a supplement and I think France too. But you ave to be careful as the quality can vary. We have some we brought back for occasional (Need a good night of sleep for a reason) use as insomnia is a family thing

Zoflorabore · 28/02/2019 06:49

Hi op, my ds had ASD and we've been prescribed this by his consultant at AH for a couple of years. We had a letter off them last autumn stating that the name of the medication was changing to Circadin which is the only brand licensed for use in the U.K.
He gets 2mg tablets and is allowed up to 4/6 of a night but we don't use them often.

On holiday in Spain we bought some over the counter as are freely available and called Melatonina.
They work very quickly and can be crushed into food/drink.

Flip

1 2