Why do I feel guilty for using medised

[clairejo]

My ds of 4.5 months has had a snotty cold and a bad chest for 3 weeks now - no sleep, vomiting, etc. He has been to doctors twice and had nose drops. We also think (the doctor) that he may have eczema and he is scratching a lot. We have tried olbas oil, vicks, humidifier but nothing seems to behelping and someone on mn suggested medised so when dp was off to the shops today I asked him to get some. I gave ds some about 1 hour ago and he is now sound asleep after screaming for 4 hours. But since giving it to him I have read that it is a sedative. I feel awful. I wanted to takeaway all the discomfort he was feeling but not to sedate him.

I think it's fine to use medised to ease snotty symptoms, and help him get better. It's not like you're giving it to him because you want him to have a kip so you can go to the pub!

Thing is, if he doesn't sleep, he won't get better, will he?

(I use medised only when snottiness and phlegm are keeping my kids up. Only a couple times a year, if that.)

It is a mild sedative, you have given him a good nights sleep. No problem.

The problem comes if you are using it every night for months on end.

As long as it says ok for that age on the bottle I really wouldn't worry about it.
He needs to sleep to get better.

X post NQC ...........how is the hair, will it be back in time for Easter ???

My hair is fine, looks normal now. You can tell I have a scalp still, but you can't count the moles on it any more.

I am still considering getting the initials of the happy couple shaved into the back of my head for the wedding, though.

I dare you.

NO I double dare you.

Medised contains an antihistamine which dries up all the snot, etc. It's only a sedative in the way that other antihistamines and stuff like Night Nurse, Piriton and Benylin is, it's not like you've given him a mega dose of valium! Honestly, don't worry, the stuff is a godsend when they're really snotty and can't sleep because they're so bunged up. Please don't feel guilty, as NQC says, a good night's sleep will make him feel much better.

Medised is a decongestant as well as paracetanol. The sedative affect is very mild and is a side affect. The decongestant effect might prevent your son's ear drum for perforating or relieve his headache.

Is not as if you have given your child valium! Its a bit like some cough mixtures make you feel mildly sleepy.

I sugggest that you get some sleep yourself before it wears off.

I had spirals once. Looked good.

Hmmm, he's an S and she's an R. Wouldn't it be a bit ... stalkerish?

(I am also contemplating getting a wig.)

I dont see a problem, you have done what you could, and everyone is right, they need sleep to help get over the cold.

I used it with both of mine, when symptoms werent relieved with a dose of calpol or two.

Unfortunately, they both came down with hideous colds the other week, so off I trot for the trusted medised, would they take it?! NO! Medised all over the floor!

Please dont feel guilty, but only use it in the right circumstances xxx

You do NQC and I will disown you....

How about the date in Roman Numerals ??

medised is brilliant at drying up mucous (sp) which means dd can breath easier at night - breathing easier has to be good - right?

I always swear by medised as capol never worked for my daugther. I think you are doing whats best for your baby, he needs sleep to help him feel better and you need rest too. Dont feel bad, your doing great

Lisa

Don't.

He needs to get some sleep.

Medised is a godsend. I took some advice about its uses from a trusted friend who is mum to 5 teenage kids (all healthy and vibrant) who has used medised over the years to help illness and also to break any unwanted emerging patterns such as return from holiday sleep interruptions, post illness etc. I do the same thing if my 2 suffer from the same - much, much more humane (in my opinion) for all concerned than leaving them to cry it out etc. All children need some help sometimes, same as we as adults do. Don't feel guilty, there is nothing wrong with helping your children through something temporary. There would be a problem if you were drugging your kid(s) to sleep every night but you aren't.

Thank you for all your reassurances. I don't fel as bad now and I am off to bed as he is still asleep.

I've never heard of it, I have been out of the UK for a few years though. Is it a new medication?

Oops just read mummy2angels post.

I never knew that......sneaks off to buy some with a DD that doesn't STOP CRYING....but hey, you can't use it on 'em till they are big... Oh fuck

As I uderstand it (and I am prepared to be corrected) it's the antihistimen (sp) in medised that adds gives it the sedative affect. So if your DS is scrathing and you used an individual antihistimen, piriton etc you would probably have the same affect of sedating him.

Medised is brilliant for helping LO's who are poorly and fretful. And it's great when they have colds. DS is 11 weeks and has had a bad cold for about 8 weeks of his little life, so I am looking forward to a weeks time when I can use the medised - however hopefully ny then there will be no need for it.

Dont feel bad - your son needs the sleep to get well again!

Yeah, it's a side-effect of the antihistamine. Same as night nurse etc etc. Personally, I take drowsy-making antihistamines if I have a filthy cold that's keeping me from sleeping (can't stand antihistamines if I'm staying awake for their effects). Why shouldn't my kids get the same relief?