AIBU to want to call DCP

[Anonymous136]

my mum has told me that she is giving my siblings 10mg of melatonin every night. The youngest being 4yo. They have no issues sleeping it’s just easier for her and she can put them to bed earlier. From what I can see 10mg is really high for kids and it should be 1-2mg if problems sleeping. I feel like intentionally overdosing kids even on natural remedies is harmful. There are other concerns atm but wanting to know if this is something DCP will remove kids for as there isn’t strong evidence for the other concerns. So AIBU to want to make a report over the melatonin? I’m sick of my siblings being grumpy and out of it when they wake up, my sister is even wetting the bed because she’s so knocked out from it.

In the UK, Melatonin has to be prescribed by a psychiatrist. You cannot buy it over the counter. I understand that it’s different in the USA.

my son was prescribed it when he was younger, and it was slow release: I cannot remember the mg though.

she shouldn’t be giving anything like that to children in my opinion, unless she has spoken to a doctor. It sounds like she’s trying to have “the easy life” instead of a proper bedtime routine.

personally, anyone that uses drugs in this way should be reported to children’s services, especially if you have other concerns too.

She hasn’t seen a doctor for prescription and is buying it online 😩

Yes, so that’s a massive red flag for me and I would be reporting.

Yes, I think if they are grumpy and knocked out then they need protecting. Have you made your thoughts known to her? I would report to their school and GP as well so that other adults in their life will know to keep an eye on things even if DSC assess and discharge if she denies it. You are making a report in good faith 'my siblings appear tired and unwell and I have been told they are being given an unnecessary medication which is not for their benefit, I don't think this is ok and so I have no option but to try to safeguard them'.

An adult would have to speak to a doctor to be prescribed 3mg for insomnia. If she’s giving them ten it’s a wonder they’re not zombies bless them.

What she’s doing isn’t just highly illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous. Get on the phone today.