Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

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

Flip

Original poster

Melatonin - tips on how to get a child to take it!

11 replies

Ampersand44 · 18/06/2010 14:05

Have just returned from CAMHS appointment. Trying DS (8) on 2mg slow-release so he has to take whole tablet .

It has been explained to him and he understands how it can help him, however
he will find it very difficult. Had to give up on fish oil as he would not swallow the capsule under any circumstances. Have various ideas of how to try, but any other tips would be gratefully received. Really really need want this to work ...

OP posts:

post · 18/06/2010 14:46

In America you can buy liquid dropper-bottle melatonin over the counter in health food shops, that's the only way we've managed with ds2. You can get it on-line, but obv it costs, and I'm not sure if you're strictly allowed to get it sent over.
Dh has to go over occasionally, so he stocks up, don't know if you know anyone going to the US?
It's a pain though

post · 18/06/2010 14:48

However, melatonin has transformed our lives, esp ds's, as he'd never had a night's sleep in 10 years till then, so not moaning too much! Really hope you find a way.

sumum · 18/06/2010 15:24

hi, you can be prescribed liquid melatonin but not sure it is slow release. can you try giving it on a spoonful of yogurt?

ommmward · 18/06/2010 15:56

you can get it as a powder inside capsules. I think we order it online. Open the capsule. sprinkle the powder on a small amount of firmly favourite food about half an hour before you are hoping they will sleep. mix so powder not visible. No need even to inform the child...

pucca · 18/06/2010 19:29

My ds is on the fast and slow release, i break open the capsules and mix in a spoonful of yogurt.

The slow release is like little balls, so i mix in a spoon of yogurt then quickly give another spoon of yogurt so ds doesn't crunch it.

Hth

Original poster

Ampersand44 · 18/06/2010 19:44

Thanks for all advice. Ours are small tablets. Little balls would be much better.

Psychiatrist phoning in a week so if we have no luck I will ask him about alternatives then. We did discuss today and he seemed to think there weren't other options.

Last thing I want is to pressurise DS so will have a low key attempt tonight and see what happens.

OP posts:

pucca · 18/06/2010 20:38

Ampers...so they are solid tablets rather than capsules? i think you need to ask for the capsules like i get for my ds...much easier.

5inthebackofthenet · 18/06/2010 20:46

Slow release has to be swallowed whole, can't be liquid or powder I'm afraid. I asked both the paed and the pharmasist. The ick release is to get them to sleep, the slow release is to keep them asleep (ie if they are prone to waking several times)

DS2 is on 2/3 mg depending on his mood. He has been on it just over a year, and it is fantastic.

We started by hiding it in yoghurt, but he inevititably chewed it a bit before swallowing. We then tried to get him to drink it with a big gulp of milk, again he chewed it before swallowing. Then we got some nesquik magic straws, and put the tablet on his tongue, getting him not to chew (took a few attempts) and then got him to take big sips of the milk. This was the only way he swallowed the tablet whole. He can now take it without the straw and whole, without gagging.

We also refered to it as his button, as he loves chocolate buttons, rather than tablet/medicine, so he would think that it was a good rather than bad thing we were trying to give him. It's in his routine now to have it every night before bed, he even asks for it earlier if he is feeling tired.

Good luck, I'm sure you will fin a way to get him to take it.

lou031205 · 18/06/2010 21:36

Does he strictly need slow-release? If not, you can get 'Kidnaps' melatonin in liquid form prescribed by your doctor.

Original poster

Ampersand44 · 18/06/2010 22:13

Well he took it - bit late (only 15 mins ago) for various reasons, but most important that he did - with large spoonful of honey. Will try to do it earlier tomorrow. He was proud of himself too, first time he has even countenanced swallowing a tablet!

Have not called it medicine as suggested. Psychiatrist told him it was called melatonin so we just kept to that name, and he did not see that we collected it from the chemist.

Was wondering about the slow release, it is only the going to sleep that is a big issue so actually quick release might be more useful. Have done a bit of digging around on the Internet - it is Circadin which apparently is the only licensed version in the UK, but various PCTs suggest a quick release too. Will see how we go as he managed to take it, but will speak to CAMHS again next week. Maybe in this area it is the only one they use.

Still in pleasant shock as we had a very nice psychiatrist who actually took us seriously (it has been along road) so don't want to question too much immediately

OP posts:

Original poster

Ampersand44 · 19/06/2010 21:35

He's asleep - and it is only 9.30 Don't know what we will do with ourselves now, so used to evening not beginning before 11pm!

Glad I started earlier tonight though - gave it to him at 7.30. So that is a long time to kick in. Will definitely ask about quick release next time.

OP posts:

Flip