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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To give ds(13) Kalms tablets?

16 replies

cakedup · 16/04/2018 14:29

Ds suffers from anxiety linked to school (he is dyslexic). The transition from school holidays to going back to school is especially difficult. This morning he was getting heart palpitations, getting hot and clammy, feeling dizzy and nauseas. I had no choice but to let him stay at home.

A couple of people have recommended Kalms. I'm sure these used to be for use from 12 yrs of age but now minimum age is 18.

Aibu to give him half the dose, one tonight and one in the morning to help him get into school?

(He is seeing a counsellor, and am working with SENCO to apply for EHC plan).

OP posts:
KirstenRaymonde · 16/04/2018 14:34

It’s herbal, I’m sure it’s fine. It’s not even a controlled medicine, they’ve probably stuck 18 on it to cover their backs. Tbh I was on lithium at 13 so Kalms doesn’t make me bat an eyelid! I hope your DS gets the help he needs and feels better soon x

KurriKurri · 16/04/2018 15:14

Kalms have absolutely no effect on me at all. If you want something herbal and safe for kids, Rescue Remedy do a kids version (and you can mix it into a bottle of water and he can have sips at it all day)

KurriKurri · 16/04/2018 15:15

Sorry - that sounded a bit terse - i meant to put 'kalms have absolutely no effect on me so I think they would probably be fine for a 13 yr old'

TantricTwist · 16/04/2018 15:19

Take him to your GP.

Ilovehamabeads · 16/04/2018 15:20

I would also recommend the Bach rescue remedy for children, my ds (9) has this for dental anxiety. The ones I bought came as a chewy pastille.

House4 · 16/04/2018 15:23

I would recommend Bach rescue remedy too. For the physiological effect alone - a couple of drops on his tongue may make him feel calmer because he knows it is meant to

House4 · 16/04/2018 15:24

*physocological effect that was meant to say!

LimonViola · 16/04/2018 15:27

I think it would be pretty dangerous to start your DS off with them. He will likely learn that the only way to cope with anxiety is medicine (not that kalms is medicine but to a child it is) and may grow to be reliant on taking something whenever he's anxious. Which may be in your control at this age, but as he gets older you never know what he might start trying to seek out.

I would work first on some psychological techniques for managing anxiety, is it more anxiety or panic do you think? Requesting counselling via school would be a good idea. Let me know if you want any resources to work through with him to help him learn to better manage his anxiety.

A tablet is a quick fix but even aside from the negligent physical effects, you really don't want him to learn so young that taking a drug is the best way to reduce his anxiety.

Kirta · 16/04/2018 15:35

Another vote for Bachs rescue remedy. I've always found it really effective.

Original poster
cakedup · 16/04/2018 15:57

We have tried Bachs rescue remedy.

LimonViola I understand what you're saying but I have already considered all of this and it's the only reason I'm considering kalms now, as a last resort. He currently sees a counsellor at school. We've been through cahms. We've tried cbt, meditation, deep breathing, lavender spray, the lot. I've been to the gp several times. I'm constantly liasing with the school about how to make things easier for him to deal with.

OP posts:
Nikephorus · 16/04/2018 16:00

I use the Bachs rescue remedy pastilles and they work really well for me (crappy horrible high anxiety). Has your son tried the pastilles or the drops? It might make a difference trying whatever he hasn't.

Nikephorus · 16/04/2018 16:02

A tablet is a quick fix but even aside from the negligent physical effects, you really don't want him to learn so young that taking a drug is the best way to reduce his anxiety.
Better to learn that there are ways to get through his anxiety than to have to battle on regardless and risk years of depression and the side effects that has.....

LimonViola · 16/04/2018 16:03

Ah, I see. Sorry, I just re read the OP and missed the last paragraph re him already seeing a counsellor.

I'm sorry so little seems to be working. If it's that severe has he been seen at CAMHS?

I would discuss with the GP before giving him any medications for anxiety.

Hont1986 · 16/04/2018 16:07

It's a sugar pill, you can give him the whole box if you want.

spanky2 · 16/04/2018 16:08

Go to the doctor. Get proper help. Rescue Remedy has alcohol in it. I'm not a big fan of over the counter stuff. It didn't do a thing for me. You must tell the senco the depth of his anxiety. I understand what you're going through as ds1 has anxiety linked with asd. Me too actually! There are medications for teens with anxiety. Ds1 is about to start with one.

pompomcat · 16/04/2018 17:22

I don't see any harm in trying half a Kalms tablet @cakedup, hope it helps a little. You sound stressed-I hope things improve for you and your DS.

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