Would you give Kalms to a 13 yr old?

[Orchidlady]

I have recently posted about DS anxiety and looking for a long term solution. However we are due to fly on Sunday and DS is getting himself into a right state, would like to know whether considering giving him Kalms for the day is a good idea? it does say on the packet not to give to under 18's other people have said not to be given to under 12's. And does anyone know if they actually work, only a herbal remedy after all

I don't know about Kalms - if it says on the packet not to be given to under 18's then I wouldn't myself. Your poor DS, it is awful when they are anxious. You could give DS Rescue Remedy - that is fine for children. Perhaps if you tell DS that it will calm him down and stop him feeling nervous, rather than 'see if this helps' you will have the best chance of it working?

We have a tin of Rescue Remedy Pastilles and I tell DD that these will calm her nerves before exams, auditions, performances etc.

I have no idea if they are anyhting other than placebo, but they definitely have an effect.

Thanks, years gone by I have guven him a vitamin pill and told him it would calm him down, not sure it would work now. DS is very big for his age, so thinking it could be all right?

The age restrictions on medicines are not just to do with their size or weight. Children's metabolism is not fully developed and the way the medicine is abosorbed (or not) by their bodies is different than for adults.

If it says do not give to under 18s, it may be because there is no evidence the medicine is safe for children or because there is evidence that it is unsafe. Either way, I wouldn't take the chance.

I wouldn't. I took them for my finals and ended up getting palpitations though.

I do sympathise; DS1 is suffering from depression and anxiety secondary to a bereavement and is also 13; he is going to Austria tomorrow with the school.

He has been given the following tools by a LSA at school:
They have taught him a breathing technique called 7-11.
They have given him cards with sayings on, such as "no problem is large enough that it can't be talked about".
They have taught him a grounding technique called Feet On Floor, Bottom On Seat (or something like that).
They have taught him a measurement scale in the form of a clock. When his mood gets low enough, or anxiety high enough, he knows to speak to the teacher.

I do feel for you and your son, and hope that together you are able to find a way through this.

Perhaps if I just gave him 1 couple of hours before the flight it could work as placebo effect. Said on the packet to take 3 times a day so presumably 1 will have little effect? but may help him to settle if that makes sense

have you tried a mug of strong chamomile tea.

Its more effective than you might think

but yeah, i would give one kalms tablet for a flight, which i think is half the adult dose

DD is 15, I have given her rescue remedy, I find that more helpful than Kalms. Whether it is a placebo effect or not, I've no idea, but it helps her.

All I said to her is that it will help to stop her from feeling as anxious...

Herbs have specific , measurable physiological effects. Many conventional pharmaceutical medicines derive from herbs (including aspirin, morphine). They are very definitely not placebos, and if it says not to give them to under 18s, don't.

Kalms contain valerian, and some people, including me (and 3b1g, it sounds like) are allergic to it, and find it causes palpitations and arhythmia. That feels like increased anxiety and is pretty unpleasant and potentially scary.

Rescue Remedy works with my kids. That's not a herbal med, it's a 'flower remedy'. Its effect might be placebo, but it does seem to work.

If it says not to be given to under 18s - I def would not give it. Presumably the manufacturers have based that recommendation on tests that they will have carried out.

No, I wouldn't.

I think Rescue Remedy is an excellent suggestion.