Melatonin prescription

[PseudoBadger]

In the UK who will prescribe melatonin? DD (7) is awaiting ASD diagnosis (I also suspect adhd) and the waiting list is long. I was referred by CAMHS for this. She is still awake now, as she is most nights and she just does not get sleepy or know how to settle. This is impacting on her behaviour and all our lives. Can CAMHS help with this or shall I try the GP?

Community paediatricians , is your dd not having six monthly appointments whilst on the pathway? GP’s do not prescribe melatonin.

Not that I've been told! I have a letter that says she's on a waiting list and that's it

GP can't prescribe, comm paeds here, ask your GP for a referral if you're not already being seen

Thank you

Depending on area CAMHs can also have access and referral to a paediatrician.

Best of luck OP, hope you get it sorted.

I'm amazed GP's in UK can't prescribe melatonin? I'm in Australia & many GP's will prescribe it for sleep in adults- perhaps it's different for children.

When my GP offered me a script, for insomnia, I said 'That's ok, I bought the 5mg slow-release tablets from iHerb". Which is based in the US. There are no issues (apparently) buying it online from here. The GP said that's what he would've provided anyway.

It amazes me that the regulations around such things vary so much.

@Dustyblue @PseudoBadger there are no issues with buying online in the uk from the US or the EU.

Funnily enough, I just asked for melatonin from the paediatrician for my ADHD son. I was advised it is not licensed in the UK. Then was patronised with advice about good sleep hygiene and reward charts!
Will try the product recommended above - thank you!

@MumofBoys79 circadin has been licensed for a couple of years now but possibly only for autism.

It’s licensed for adults, I thought it was used off licence for children, hence the need for a paed to ok the script in the UK.

@openupmyeagereyes no it’s licensed for children with autism, it’s why they switched every child who was on unlicensed capsules (that you could open and pour into yogurt) onto circadin and told people to crush with the back of a spoon.

My dd has had it since she was 5. She has autism and doesn’t really sleep. We had to get the original prescription from a paediatrician.

openupmyeagereyes This is what I thought too

Thanks all, I think the paediatrician just didn't want to give it.

Your school nurse might help to expedite the referral if its affecting school. Or, just spell put how horrendous it is for you. You have reminded me that DD's paediatrician said she could have some if we did a sleep diary. Of course I forgot through tiredness.

What dosage of Circadin helps your children?