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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for melatonin experiences?

64 replies

ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:43

In particular prescribed to children. Been having absolute hell with my 3.5 year old for about 2/3 months now - every night the same. Extremely hyper at bedtime, not able to relax, can't drift off. Taking hours to get him to sleep.

We've tried a few things, such as no screens before bed and all the usual stuff but nothing works.

We're awaiting an autism diagnosis but I can't go on like this anymore. I have a paediatrician appointment next month so I will be explaining everything then, but are they really likely to do anything to help?

OP posts:
DairyMilk76 · 16/07/2023 20:47

Melatonin was a game changer for us - my 7 year old DD who has autism has been on it for roughly 2 years now. Before she was prescribed it, it would take HOURS to get her to sleep, sometimes up to 4-5 hours a night, it now takes her 30 mins at the absolute most to fall asleep and stay asleep all night. X

44PumpLane · 16/07/2023 20:48

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

Original poster
ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:49

@DairyMilk76 Thanks for replying. What is the process in getting it prescribed and do you have to meet any criteria etc?

OP posts:
DesparatePragmatist · 16/07/2023 20:51

We ordered melatonin online from chronodorm - excellent service and price. We had the dissolce in the mouth tablets and treated it as part of the bedtime routine after cleaning teeth. The crucial thing is to have them in bed when it hits, or they power through it with adrenaline and you miss the moment.

We used it from age 2 months up to 5 or 6, nightly, with no ill effects and a massive improvement in quality of life, for all of us including DD who wasn't shattered all day after almost no sleep.

At 6ish, she naturally stopped needing it as her brain natured enough to start producing melatonin enough to go to sleep alone. If she still needed it, I wouldn't hesitate to keep using it.

You need your sleep, and so does your DC. Good luck, OP.

44PumpLane · 16/07/2023 20:51

Ooh my reply has been hidden.....how strange!

CopperSeahorses · 16/07/2023 20:52

My 3 year old takes it. He's never had a problem falling asleep but staying asleep is a whole different ball game. I don't think the melatonin has helped us much but I think it is one of those things that either works or it doesn't.

SataumaMeddler · 16/07/2023 20:52

Life changing bit we had to provide a LOT of sleep diaries before we were prescribed and do a couple of courses on good sleep habits etc. My DD was prescribed at 7 after work 3 years waiting. Wasn't given until post diagnosis though.
It can also cause early onset puberty

DesparatePragmatist · 16/07/2023 20:53

Incidentally, ours wasn't prescribed, I couldn't jump through the hoops fast enough. I'm completely open with medics about why we used it and no-one ever questioned it.

FloofCloud · 16/07/2023 20:53

It works for us. It's a bit of a juggle to get it at the right time, so literally just before bed works for my two likely ASD / ADHD children.
We also use piriton too from time to time

DairyMilk76 · 16/07/2023 20:53

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

Original poster
ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:54

@FloofCloud never thought of piriton, does that actually work then?

OP posts:
DairyMilk76 · 16/07/2023 20:56

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

DairyMilk76 · 16/07/2023 20:56

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

Original poster
ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:56

Why do MNHQ keep hiding replies? Confused

OP posts:
FloofCloud · 16/07/2023 20:58

@ronan1 - yes but saying that my children are older than yours so you should talk to the paeds first

FloofCloud · 16/07/2023 20:59

ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:56

Why do MNHQ keep hiding replies? Confused

Probably because it's talking about meds ... it sure if it's not that

ghostyslovesheets · 16/07/2023 20:59

DD3 was prescribed it following a brain injury and it's worked well - she doesn't use it much now (she's almost 15 and can give herself a spoon if needed.).

44PumpLane · 16/07/2023 20:59

It will be suggesting non GP routes to get Melatonin perhaps?

My reply was hidden and it was simply suggesting a 100% legal but non GP route to access Melatonin.

Imagine they just want to ensure no one is advising anything dodgy.

VelvetLiesAndChickenPies · 16/07/2023 21:01

ronan1 · 16/07/2023 20:56

Why do MNHQ keep hiding replies? Confused

There's probably certain keywords that automatically activate a "hidden until reviewed" response. Hard to know without seeing the text that was hidden but that's most likely

PenguinLove1 · 16/07/2023 21:02

You can buy melatonin in the chemist in the us - do you know anyone travelling that could get it for you?

Ive also bought it online here - i dont sleep well as an adult and its the only thing guaranteed to make me sleep every night.

Its literally sold next to vitamins in america so i dont see why you cant get it here

Original poster
ronan1 · 16/07/2023 21:03

I don't think it can be bought over here can it. Just wondering if there is any possible, natural alternatives we could try first

OP posts:
roarrfeckingroar · 16/07/2023 21:07

You can buy it in France. I've just stocked up.

Upandonward · 16/07/2023 21:08

You can buy it from Piping Rock in the UK - GP recommended this website to my SIL.

Trollfeet · 16/07/2023 21:08

I know quite a few people who buy from Biovia.

CanYouReachThem · 16/07/2023 21:08

I order it from a US online pharmacy for my autistic DC and it's been an absolute game changer.

They only take 0.5mg but they're settling to sleep hours earlier and able to get up much easier in the mornings.

I only wish I'd done in sooner.