Melatonin 13yo No SN

[JamesGetIn]

DD13 has never slept well. Has always taken hours to fall asleep but sleeps well eventually. We have tried all sorts over the years.

I'm considering melatonin which I know need to be prescribed and when searching on MN it seems to be used a lot for children with SN. DD has no SN.

I've seen it available online but don't know if it is safe/reputable. I thought about using the spray or gummies. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

Wd you consider discussing with his GP? They cd potentially prescribe?

It can also be used for people with sleep disorders. Might be worth asking for your ds to be seen at a sleep clinic.

GP’s don’t prescribe melatonin to under 55’s.

It’s over the counter in America so if you know anyone going theee they can pick up a reputable brand. I’ve used it myself and on my kids for jetlag.

GP prescribed for daughter.
V good. We all use as a family now and buy online

Hi thank you everyone - we are seeing GP soon for a different issue so I will definitely mention the sleep issue.

@MyDcAreMarvel they definitely do. My dd has been on it for 3 months now. They did issue a warning re who it is authorised for but they have definitely prescribed it. My dd is 14.

Hi just an update to say that NHS GP and private GP have said no. NHS referred me to an online resource which I will look into, however I expect we will have tried most things.

For those whose children have been prescribed it, or for whom have you have bought it OTC/online, what ages are your children?

Thank you.

My boy uses it but we can buy it OTC here. He is 12 and sleep is important due to health needs. We only use it as required- lately hardly ever. Best used in small doses to simulate normal sleep patterns.

My husband recently told me it can affect puberty. I know literally nothing about that side of things but might be worth looking into

My dc is on it, he’s 7. Taken it since age 5.

He has liquid melatonin called ascomel.

It's over the counter in France

It's illegal to sell and illegal to buy melatonin in the UK without a prescription. That Biovea site is acting illegally.

I also wouldn't trust that it's a genuine product when buying prescription medicines online without a prescription....

I accept I'm very black and white on this subject, but why would you risk giving a hormone to a child when Drs have said no? This has been this way since 1995, so not a new decision.

This is an interesting article on the subject: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5263069/

@PinkFootstool. Thanks for posting that. I have had doubts and that confirms some of my suspicions. I just wish those of us with kids that need help could access reliable services without having to pay £££ for (what could be) spurious advice.