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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

buying melatonin

36 replies

lou33 · 29/10/2004 17:30

anyone know where I can buy it from? The gp has suggested I get hold of some for our flights to thailand, to ensure sleepy kids.

I know it isn't technically special needs, but you are the experts

OP posts:

blossomhill · 29/10/2004 17:34

Does it help with flying then lou? It's just that we really want to go abroad next year but the flight is really worrying me!

meea · 29/10/2004 17:39

You can get it on Ebay.
It is good for getting off to sleep and helping achieve a deeper sleep.

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 17:42

apparently so bh. Dh just went to discuss drugging the kids for our flights, and he has prescribed phenergan, but said to also try and get some melatonin. Didn't say doses or whether i have to start giving it so many weeks or days in advance though, or if it works as a one off. Anyone know the answer to those questions as well?
Would it be better to get capsules or liquid?

Thanks meea, will check ebay out.

OP posts:

maomao · 29/10/2004 17:46

I believe that liquid works more quickly than the capsules, but I think Davros is the expert.

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 17:46

ebay ones all say not for under 12's. Is that normal and should I ignore it? Would liquid be better or can the capsules be opened and mixed into a drink?

OP posts:

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 17:47

Thanks Maomao. Where is that blooming lady when you need her?

OP posts:

maomao · 29/10/2004 17:49

dunno!

I think she gets her liquid melatonin from the States, though. (I tried to find some for her when I was at home.)

meea · 29/10/2004 17:51

Don't know but ds2 takes 9mg of prescribed melatonin.I would guess that if he can be prescribed that dose at 2 years that they are ok.The over 12 limit frightened me off self medicating him but in the end we did'nt have to.

meea · 29/10/2004 17:52

I sprinkle the powder in his yogurt .His sleepy sugar he calls it.

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 17:54

Is it something that you have to give over time to build up the desired effect, or does it work from the first dose?

OP posts:

meea · 29/10/2004 17:57

It seems to have built up in his system but I'm not sure if thats how it's mean't to work.Nothing seems to work as it should with ds2.

JJ · 29/10/2004 18:07

lou33, I have some that I just used and can send it to you. Will send you the rest of the bottle, not the used ones, I mean. They're 1mg tablets. Worked like a charm with my youngest (3 yo) and I didn't use it with my 6 yo as he needed to take motion sickness stuff.

Fibe · 29/10/2004 18:11

just a warning, melatonin can have the effect of increase heart rate and heart palpatations if mixed with some other medicines - perhaps best to check with your GP if you want to use melatonin and your child is on any other medication

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 19:02

gp suggested it fibe!

JJ that would be great

Shall I email you? How much would you like for it? Are you settled in London now?

OP posts:

jakbrown · 29/10/2004 19:09

I've got 2mg tablets prescribed for dd! If any probs with jj's supply, will send you some .
ps VERY impressed you are going to Thailand!!

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 19:13

Thanks v much jakbrown I will remember that just in case . Is it a standard dose for kids or will i have to fiddle about, does anyone know? Can I use it as a one off or will they ahve to take it for a while before we fly?

OP posts:

jakbrown · 29/10/2004 19:18

As far as I know there isn't really a standard dose and whilst 1mg-2mg may work for one child, another may need more. And, again, as far as I know, they won't need to take it beforehand but you may want to try out its effects! (doesn't work for everybody)

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 19:19

Cool, thanks

OP posts:

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 19:20

Dh says how long does it work for?

OP posts:

jakbrown · 29/10/2004 19:22

Well, therein lies the problem. It gets my dd to sleep in about 20 minutes, but it's whether she STAYS asleep... I have heard from other mums, though, that once asleep their children sleep through and they seem to get a deeper sleep. Anybody else know more on this?!

Loobie · 29/10/2004 20:15

My ds takes 3mg half an hour before sleep and within the 1/2 hour he is asleep.
It does not need to build up in their system it works staight off,ds is 9 and has been taking 3mg for a year,sometimes he needs a top up dose of another 3mg if he's not asleep within an hour.
The melatonin is more used to get them off to sleep buttends not to work with keeping kids asleep,the phenergan or even a hefty dose of piriton syrup should help with the keeping them asleep.HTH.BTW how old are the kids??

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 21:12

Thanks Loobie.

I'm really only planning using it on the younger 2, who will be 6 and 3.5. Possibly the almost 8 year old as well.

OP posts:

mrsforgetful · 29/10/2004 23:37

i agree with loobie..... i'd go for 3mg melatonin and the dose of phenergan so that once asleep the phenergan will 'kick in' and make sure that they sleep soundly (all the noise etc....and it is a long flight)

3mg is not a hefty dose....so on your way back if you think 3mg wasn't enough then 5mg will be safe....our paed won't advise more than 5mg....but on here i've read loads who have been advised higher still.

the reason i suggest the phenrgan aswell is that i find with my ASD lads that if they wake up during the night after having had melatonin....then they are AWAKE!!!!! so we have to give a top-up of melatonin to get them back to sleep....now i assume this is becasue they have the neurological problems which NT kids don't have....and the side effect being that their own production of melatonin is reduced/irratic....therefore if your children don't have this type of difficulty....and normally they do settle to sleep ok....then it's likely that their body produces melatonin naturally anyway.....so from what i understand of using it for JETLAG is that once asleep natural melatonin continues to be released and tails off during a natural sleep cycle...so that your body awakens naturally.

Original poster

lou33 · 29/10/2004 23:38

Thanks mrs f

OP posts:

mrsforgetful · 29/10/2004 23:44

oops !

Meant to say Liquid best.....but as pointed out - not in UK .....

i have capsules and simply add the contents to an 'as small a yogurt or drink' as possible 30 mins before you plan their sleep !!!

also once you have given it you really have only up to 60 minutes for it to be effective....so say you give it then something delays the 'settling down to sleep' ....then you may have to give some more ....at home we often give it at 8 and then bed at 8.30/8.45....but if visitors are here and we get distracted....and try putting them up at say 9.30....guarantee by 10 they are both bitterly complaining that they can't sleep!!

This is how i KNOW it works!!!!!
tablets need to be crushed and dissolved....bit fiddly on plane! (however better than no melatonin!)

Contact me if you need a few.

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