Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Diazepam for child’s blood test

51 replies

Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 20:42

My 6 year old has been really ill over the summer, she’s developed high anxiety, following illness. She needs blood tests to find out what’s going on. She’s petrified of getting them done, I tried with her, was very positive, brought along a little bag full of a few, new toys to open to distract her. She got in the chair but then was hysterical, wouldn’t let us anywhere near her and it was impossible to hold her down, I just couldn’t do that as I could see the anxiety was just far too high.
The dr has suggested we give a small
amount of diazepam beforehand and said she’ll probably be asleep for it, this seems an extreme thing to do, is it? has anyone else done it? She really needs these tests.

OP posts:
Amanitacae · 03/10/2024 20:44

If the Dr is suggesting it then yes 100% would do this

Icanttakethisanymore · 03/10/2024 20:45

If she needs the blood test and you don’t think you can talk her round then yes, I’d do this.

Yumyi · 03/10/2024 20:49

For us at age 7 I used emla cream on for 30 minutes before appt (use cling film to hold in place on arm)

I then briefed him to not look at his arm at all to just focus on the Pokémon card packs I was opening . I opened pack after pack and he focused on them the whole time and we got it done.

Original poster
Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 20:52

@Yumyi We tried a similar way, the way she is at the moment, just couldn’t happen

OP posts:
Original poster
Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 20:53

@Icanttakethisanymore @Amanitacae But take her in asleep basically 😬what if she were to wake halfway through and freak out

OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 03/10/2024 20:55

Diazapam will calm her not make her sleep I would do it on Dr's advice

Yumyi · 03/10/2024 20:55

I am not convinced diazepam would keep her asleep and not wake if there was a sting /scratch from the needle. Although I am not a doctor

Original poster
Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 20:55

@Theunamedcat The dr said she may fall asleep, it just seems such a heavy drug to calm a 6 year old

OP posts:
Original poster
Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 20:56

@Yumyi Yes, I think that would be scarier to wake and it’s being done

OP posts:
Yumyi · 03/10/2024 20:58

What do they do if for instance 2 year olds need blood tests? General anesthetic?

Fireangels · 03/10/2024 21:00

My adult daughter is severely needle phobic. When she needed dental work done at a hospital under sedation, she was given sedative nose drops. She was then able to have a canula placed in her hand. It may be worth asking about this. That aside, if the nose drops are not an option, I absolutely would give a sedative under medical advice. Hope your daughter feels better soon.

mindutopia · 03/10/2024 21:01

It actually sort of sounds like some of this anxiety is coming from you, OP. I would absolutely let her have the drug (have you had diazepam? No one just pops awake with it) and I would consider if you have someone who could take her who might be a bit more relaxed about it. I suspect she is probably picking up on your anxiety.

XenoBitch · 03/10/2024 21:02

If the GP has recommended it, then follow their advice and let her have the diazepam.
It is vital that you make things like this as easy as can be whilst she is still young, as she could end up as a severely needle phobic teen/adult.

GailTheSnail · 03/10/2024 21:03

It is a heavy drug but she'll get a dose appropriate to her size and weight. If your other options are 1) not to test or 2) hold her down while hysterical, I'd definitely be going with doctors advice and giving her something to make the process less traumatic

Marblesbackagain · 03/10/2024 21:03

Toddlers are wrongly but smaller and weirdly easier I found. Some are fascinated, the tricky age was 5-8 .

Sorry used to donr reception at children's hospital when young was often asked to have stickers or help distract.

Loopylu60 · 03/10/2024 21:08

Yumyi · 03/10/2024 20:58

What do they do if for instance 2 year olds need blood tests? General anesthetic?

Two of mine had regular blood tests annually from 12 months. Used numbing cream and cuddling with distraction ( toy or tv ) until they were about 6-7 when they both said no cream just do it as it meant we were released quicker.
sadly the op daughter was more aware for her first time and possibly both mum and child were very anxious

Original poster
Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 21:12

@mindutopia Of course, blame the mum.

I’ve never had diazepam, no, I just wondered if it would be an ok drug for a 6 year old and if it seemed extreme.

She had to have blood tests at age 4, I thought they did it well at the time, but she was upset and hasn’t forgotten it since then.

She’s had illness over the summer and part of it has increased her anxiety, which is making her more anxious that she would ordinarily be, no projection from me, I’m a pretty relaxed person and have been positive about it, but it’s just not happening,

OP posts:
Loopylu60 · 03/10/2024 21:15

Op agree to the sedation - she will be more relaxed but probably not asleep so won’t wake up startled.
where will she have the tests done? Children’s opd often have play specialists who can really help. You may be able to speak to them first?
take the oppertunity before to reassure her that although it was very scary this time that it WILL be different next time and that the meds WILL work and practice relaxation with her

noctilucentcloud · 03/10/2024 21:18

I think use it. The doctor has recommended it, she needs the tests and this hopefully will make it a more positive experience for her. I don't think it's extreme. Children often have sedation when needed for medical examinations and some adults need it for some examinations or things they have a phobia of too. Your options are: 1) use the sedation, 2) don't get the tests (not advisable), or 3) you go to another appointment, she gets more distressed, she doesn't have the tests, it makes her phobia worse and you're back in the position you are now in a month's time. Longer term you can try and ease her phobia but that's not a short fix and for the here and now, whereas the diazepam is.

bergamotorange · 03/10/2024 21:22

Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 21:12

@mindutopia Of course, blame the mum.

I’ve never had diazepam, no, I just wondered if it would be an ok drug for a 6 year old and if it seemed extreme.

She had to have blood tests at age 4, I thought they did it well at the time, but she was upset and hasn’t forgotten it since then.

She’s had illness over the summer and part of it has increased her anxiety, which is making her more anxious that she would ordinarily be, no projection from me, I’m a pretty relaxed person and have been positive about it, but it’s just not happening,

Why are you asking randoms on the internet instead of trusting a highly trained doctor?

It would not be suggested of not ok for a child. Ask about side effects but a doctor is suggesting this.

BrainLife · 03/10/2024 21:30

It's fine. The reason diazepam isn't often prescribed to adults long term is because it can have negative effects when used long term, and is incredibly addictive so some people end up hooked and purchasing it illegally (as well as other drugs) to maintain their addiction.

A 6 year old who has had one tiny dose isn't going to start calling up dealers.

It isn't a dangerous drug when prescribed as a one-off.

My son had fentanyl when he injured himself at age 5, was no big deal.

Cobblersorchard · 03/10/2024 21:40

Yumyi · 03/10/2024 20:58

What do they do if for instance 2 year olds need blood tests? General anesthetic?

My DD has had loads, they just use numbing cream and distraction- for most kids it’s very quick and easy. DD got a teddy each time and stickers, she’d go weekly given the choice.

In @Ohnotrobbieagain case though I think there’s no option other than medicating. I’d do it without hesitation but I’ve always been very matter of fact and let’s crack on with DD and she’s very rational. Once they have had a bad experience though you need something radical.

pavementgerms · 03/10/2024 21:44

Why would the opinions of randoms on MN be better than your child's doctor's advice?

planAplanB · 03/10/2024 21:49

Ohnotrobbieagain · 03/10/2024 21:12

@mindutopia Of course, blame the mum.

I’ve never had diazepam, no, I just wondered if it would be an ok drug for a 6 year old and if it seemed extreme.

She had to have blood tests at age 4, I thought they did it well at the time, but she was upset and hasn’t forgotten it since then.

She’s had illness over the summer and part of it has increased her anxiety, which is making her more anxious that she would ordinarily be, no projection from me, I’m a pretty relaxed person and have been positive about it, but it’s just not happening,

Anxiety is actually a mental illness. Do you mean that your young child is worried/scared?

Frontedadverbials · 03/10/2024 21:54

I took diazepam for a procedure recently and honestly didn't feel a thing to the point I can only imagine the doctor prescribed such a low dose as a placebo. I feel more effect from a few sips of wine. Would it really send her to sleep?