Melatonin every night???

[jogalong]

Ds (7) ASD was recently prescribed melatonin because he cannot go off to sleep until around 11 every night. So we started giving him the melatonin and he was out like a light by 9.30. All was going well for about a week then bang he's awake at 4am and refusing to go back to sleep. No catch up naps either during the day.
Could it be my hyper ds just doesn't need that much sleep??
Or do any of you just give the melatonin the odd night rather than every night??

DB is 12 (also ASD) and has had melatonin prescribed, using for around a year. You're right, it doesn't tend to stave off the early awakenings so much which is unfortunate as its why DB was prescribed it in the first place, when he takes it he's spark out by 8pm but still up at 5am or earlier. I do agree that some ASD children just don't need the sleep like we do. My DM now gives it to him on occasion, once a week or so, and that seems to work out. You'll find as your DS gets older his late nights become less difficult for you as he becomes more independent, will be happy to read or iPad for example.

If he is on the fast release melatonin, it might be worth trying the slow release. It will stay in his system a bit longer.

Not sure how I can help but we use slow release liquid form 2.5 every night. Dd mainly sleeps from 8-6 or 6.30 am it mainly works but if we miss a night she can't get to sleep so it's every night. I'm unsure how long we should use it for but have been for nearly a year it's been a life saver.x

Slow release can only work in tablet or capsule form and it must be taken whole for the slow release to be effective.
Liquid is always fast release.

Sorry yes it's fast my liquid as Dd has trouble getting off to sleep

Thanks for all the replies. I'm only giving it the night's that he is over tired and just can't settle himself. I'll see what he's like when back to school as he might need it more frequently then.