Melatonin warning

Alice - posted on 04/19/2011 ( 77 moms have responded )

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I know many parents would rather give Melatonin to their children as a sleep aide than a Rx drug. I was one of those too.



I found out that because the body makes Melatonin we are actually causing a problem by giving it to our children. Our bodies put Melatonin in our blood stream to signal when it is time to sleep. If we take Melatonin the body sees no reason to release this hormone into our blood stream and will begin to shut this process down.



There are several non habit forming drugs that your Psychiatrist know about that are safe for children to take and will not interrupt the bodies natural process of sending the correct signals to the brain.



Sonata, Ambien are fairly safe but my favorite is Rozerem. This medication needs to be taken when the child is getting into bed. It should take affect within in 5 minutes. If for some reason it does not, the drug is completely metabolized in 15 min. So a second pill could be taken if needed. The best thing about this medication is that because it is metabolized in 15 minutes, we have seen "0" morning side affects. See the link at the bottom to find out a bit more about this medication. It has worked exceptionally well for us. Your child as long as they can get to sleep and stay asleep will have no lag in the morning and will wake up rested.



The only set back will be with the insurance companies, many of them will want you to try the less expensive Sonata or Ambien first before they will move up to the more expensive Rozerem. Try and work with them on this. If you can afford the Rozerem it is well worth it. If the Insurance companies give you issues about it, call the manufacture and see if they will help you out with the cost.



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth...



Look at all the things Melatonin regulates in our bodies. If we give this hormone to our children and their bodies stop producing it on their own we will really be setting them up for problems. I do not want to ever think I am more educated than my children's Dr.



http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melat...



Hope you find this useful!

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77 Comments

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Christina - posted on 06/10/2013

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Just because the over the counter drug says take this much doesn't mean u have to take that much... just like night quil for an example. .. night quil it puts me to sleep to quick if I take the full dos.. I only take maybe a forth of it n my colds gone n I've rested fine. I am also able to wake at night to attend to my youngest daughter who is 6 month s old . I would nevr take more then recomand but u don't have to take what the normal dosage is.

Christina - posted on 06/10/2013

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John that was uncalled for. Just cuz that's what ur ex dose... doesn't mean we all do it.. I'm a hard working mom... I have two children... even tho I am not a single parent. It feels like it cuz my husband is a cop n is barely home... mu babies r on a stricked schedules... they both go to bed @ 8/830 my oldest is two. Ever since the car accident back in November she won't go to bed until 1 am or so..... I've been to her drs several times n my drs has been practicing in pediatric care foe over 38 yrs.... she s very open to all kinds of treatment weather natural or rx.... she goes with what will be best for each sitution. She advised me that melatonin was the best solution. All the rx sleeping aids are highly addictive n can cause serious side effects include ing rozemeren. Yes rozermen is another name for melatonin but it has other added ingredients that cause very hatmful side effects. .. now each child n individual react different to meds. I was prescrib to give my daughter 1 ml evey night for two weeks n then after that give it to her every 3-4 days after or as needed... it helps a lot....I give it to her about 7:30 n she doesn't jist knock out she is fully functional n plays with her sister until bed time... once its bed time I continue on witb there daily scheadual bath bed story time n finally there prayer. N she don't go to sleep until after she says her prayer. I have nevr changed her schedule even after have my second daughter. I maid my 6th monthold adjust to my oldest routine. So un do ur panties that are waded up n pull ur head outa ur back end ... I'm up for 5 every day....n my girls r up for 7-730..... they both yake a nap at 1130 - 1200 after lunch... they don't get junck food or soda or anything like that excpet on occasion. . We only eat out once a month to every couple months.. so don't. As mother we do what we have to do for our kids. We eat breath n live for them so don't tell us we don't do our jobs.... look at ur self...

Julie - posted on 04/12/2013

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Just remember Melatonin is NOT A DRUG, homeopathic or chemical or otherwise...it is a HORMONE, this is where the difference is.
No judgement, just knowledge and knowledge is power so do with it what you will. I am always learning more and being proactive about my children's health and welfare.

Julie - posted on 04/12/2013

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Liquid Vitamins for kids can be found through Market America.com Btw, I am not a rep, just know of the company and the products

Julie - posted on 04/12/2013

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Turns out 3 mg is an overdose for ADULTS, can you imagine a child? I was giving my 10 year old 2 mg. according to a Sleep Specialist on DR OZ we are all over dosing on Melatonin and don't even know it :/

Sheryl - posted on 04/09/2013

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Thank you Alice! My child just started on Concerta and we are having problems with him sleeping. I do not want his body to stop producing melatonin. I will inquire with his pediatrician on Thursday regarding Sonata, Ambien, and Rozerem.

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2013

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I was concerned about my 7 year old son (who shows ADHD signs) taking this at his Dad's house (2 weekends/month) but I asked his psychiatrist at his last app't and he said that there was no harm to him taking a small dose of melatonin as needed - and further, that he would never prescribe sleeping pills to a pediatric patient. So there's the other side of the coin. He doesn't take it here though, since he sleeps well at my home.

Jacqueline - posted on 04/03/2013

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Okay. I have to correct you. Sorry but melatonin is not a drug. Period. It is not a supplement either. It is a hormone and no, your body does not change to become more dependent on it. I have researched t this in many areas many times, from the professionals and all of the real facts prove that melatonin is perfectly fine and non habbit forming. So for all of those moms out there who need to use it for their children to sleep...and themselves... USE IT!! My doctor from children's hospital specifically showed me the details on how it works and told me all of the facts. There is nothing wrong with melatonin

Ashley - posted on 01/11/2013

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"Sonata, Ambien are fairly safe but my favorite is Rozerem."

"I do not want to ever think I am more educated than my children's Dr. "

Are you kidding? Alice, you are a certifiable shill, and you should be ashamed to have posted such a thing. Yes, we read your wise motherly advice loud and clear - "trust whatever drug your doctor gives you" This is exactly why the USA spends the most money on healthcare per capita, and yet has one of the most unhealthy populations of developed countries. You are apathetic, ignorant, and have no business posting your nonsensical opinions here.

Sheree - posted on 01/08/2013

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My son (6) has Autism (among other things) and I have heard it is quite common for the body to not be able to produce melatonin any way.... so how do I start him being able to produce melatonin then?

Jennifer - posted on 01/07/2013

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I just found out that my ex has been routinely giving our developmentally normal (possible ADHD, but not diagnosed) 7 year old son melatonin supplementation during visitation without telling me. Now I am very concerned about the effects this could be having on him and the damage that might have been done. No doctor, that I know of, has recommended this action. I am livid right now! I emailed him asking him to stop doing this - all medical treatments should be cleared with his doctor and agreed to by both of us. To make matters worse, my son is now convinced that he "doesn't sleep well when traveling," because that is what his Dad has told him. Aargh!

Jessie - posted on 01/05/2013

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First off, My daughter had many health issues and the only thing to get her to sleep that was natural was melatonin. What I did was 2 weeks of only 2ml of liquid melatonin same time every night. After the 2 weeks she went to sleep at about the same time and I only give it to her when traveling or on occasion when she has eaten foods that make her hipper and disrupted her normal melatonin producing cycle. If your child has every night issues of going to sleep...then you need to look deeper into the root of the problem...not stick the kid on permanent drugs to fall asleep! Secondly, it takes MONTHS for the body to STOP producing melatonin when taken on a regular basis.
Thirdly, Melatonin is WAY cheaper then a nightly drug to put your kids to sleep. If your child isn't producing melatonin and winding down then there is a problem with there gut and what you are feeding them...unless other issues like ADD/ADHD and Autism and such which then your looking at different issues and should stick to more healthy natural hormones that the body recognizes.

Mike - posted on 12/09/2012

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After reading all the comments about this post, being a dad and not who this site was designed for, I have to apoligize for Johns comments. I know its not my place since I don't know him but he was out of line.



I have a daughter with ADHD/hyperactivity and have found this forum educating. My wife and I have chozen to go the all natural route with diet and excercize and melatonin is something we have been looking at for a occasional sleep aid. Our doctor has described RX drugs as "controlled poisons", having much greater side effects and risks than most natural drugs. That made it a no brainer for the direction we took. I could not put my child on an RX drug for sleep and feel comfortable about it.



France is leading the world on research for homeopathic drugs and found melatonin to be a safe and effective way to "occasionally" get children to sleep. "Occasionally" because nothing should be used to excess. The U.S. is only in the infancy stages for homeopathic medications and forums like this help spread information we all seek to keep our children safe.

Lorielle - posted on 11/27/2012

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my daughter is 3 years old and I give her melatonin. I have been giving it to her for the last 1 1/2 years.... Ever since she was 6 months old she has had to take Zyrtec on a nightly basis (doctor prescribed, without it she was always sick ) but now that she takes melatonin and can get enough sleep she does not have to take the Zyrtec as often. Before I started giving it to her she would hardly sleep at night and wouldn't go to sleep until after midnight despite being up since 9 that morning. I don't like having to give it to her but if I don't she goes right back to staying awake all day(except for an 1 hour nap around noon) from 9 am to midnight and some nights she wont even sleep at all without it. What I don't like even more is the lowest dose I can give her is 5mg any lower and it doesn't work. But it helps her so until there is a better alternative that is natural like melatonin that helps her sleep so she don't get sick all the time I am going to continue to give it to her.

Andy And - posted on 11/09/2012

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ive just been told to start my 3 and half yr old son on this stuff, the dr said to give him 2ml an hour before his bedtime, he was out cold within 15mins, and i was concerned alnite about him, i sat up most the nite watching him breathe, after reading the stuff on here about MELATONIN, IM NOT GIVING IT AGAIN TO HIM, NO WAY........ wish i would of found this page before i started him on it.......glad im here now.... many thanks, andy n emm xxx

Amy - posted on 11/08/2012

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You are so right, Sarah.

I don't know how it is in the UK, but here in the US it is all about the Pharmaceutical companies. They are a BIG business and dictate the healthcare industry. The doctors here push drugs because it's more money for them. It is very messed up.



Amy

Sarah - posted on 11/08/2012

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Just an observation, but this all seems very medical, if a child is awake late perhaps that's her natural body clock, my daughter, age eight, has no diagnosis/ label neither does she need one, but she is regularly awake till past midnight despite going to bed at eight thirty. She sometimes comes down for reassurance and needs taking back to bed, but she has learnt to use the time to relax or read and falls asleep when she is ready. I have never found any need to treat her it's just how she is! She copes through the day, though is not particularly a morning person, I expect she never will be. Just a different perspective, I am from the uk and access the NHS not private health care through insurance companys, the cynical could say the more medicalised an approach the more profit for big business drug companies etc

Jennifer - posted on 10/29/2012

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My 9 year old son has ADHD and I give him Evening Primrose 3 times per day, Fish Oil, Probiotics, and for sleeping aids I make sure he has his last dose of Evening Primrose an hour before bed and make sure he takes a warm shower before bed to help relax him.He also has to have exercise daily. Besides that I am a strong believer in teaching him self control and have seen with him that he can control his adhd along side of the natural aids. When he has outbursts(temper tantrums) he screams and yells, will follow his siblings around the house yelling at them or me then I will put him in his room and shut the door he is not allowed to come out until he calms himself down and apologize and admits his role of responsiblility in the situation. I am consistent with these things daily and I believe by the time he reaches adulthood he will have a full handle on his ADHD and will be able to have successful relationships with family and friends as well as maintain jobs and life just like anyone else.

Julie - posted on 10/16/2012

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Hey John, maybe you should mind your own MALE business and get off this Circle of MOM's site!

Julie - posted on 10/16/2012

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Market America has a great line of liquid vitamins for children and adults.

Heather - posted on 10/15/2012

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Pretty sure tryptophan increases serotonin levels which in turn help the brain with proper levels of melatonin as well. So this article makes very little sense.

Erika - posted on 10/02/2012

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My children had trouble sleeping. We tried many thing before we corrected their diet including melatonin. Melatonin is created naturally if we have enough seratonin. Stress saps our seratonin, as does sugar, fast foods and caffeine. We need alot of protein to produce the amino acids needed. So it maybe be worth while to check your kids diet and activities. Here are some foods that are rich in tryptophan which helps us create seratonin and melatonin naturally: eggs, poultry, fish, nuts, cottage cheese and beans. Also make sure they get enough B vitamins which is in oats, avocados, salmon, brazil nuts and wheat bran. If you are vegetarian you may want to try tryptophan. Also inexpensive and can be taken longer term than melatonin.

Amy - posted on 09/29/2012

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Hi Julie,

I saw that Dr. Oz show about Melatonin! He said 1/2 to 1 mg for ADULTS and never for children. I was so surprised!



Amy

Julie - posted on 09/28/2012

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DR. OZ just had a show stating no more than 1 milligram for adults! We all know you can not even purchase it in that low of a dose. My son takes 2 mil. every once in a great while, so I am not concerned. However, those mothers who use it regularly, whose MD's and Psychiatrist (like my own) are saying it is safe in 3-5 mill. should proceed with caution, and do more research because it seems to be changing by the minute these days!

Julie - posted on 09/28/2012

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What were the side effects your child faced with Melatonin?

LW - posted on 09/28/2012

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MY DR TOLD ME TO GIVE THIS TO MY CHILD WHEN HE STARTED TO HAVE SLEEPING ISSUES AFTER A MED CHANGE HE IS ONLY 9

Amy - posted on 09/27/2012

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OMG, Samantha,



Please, Please get a second opinion on that!! My Pediatrician says never take more than 3mg, and that was for my almost 8 yr old!



Amy

Samantha - posted on 09/26/2012

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My 5 year old son is ADHD amongst other things, including having an enxiety disorder. Needless to say, bedtime has always been a struggle for us. Recently at a mental development evaluation with a specialist, this problem was brought up in discussion and the doctor recommended melatonin. It's been kind if working for us (not like it should be, leading me to worry there is more going on than we are aware of), but what worries me after reading many pages like this online is that I was told to give him 10-12mg/night... And from the sounds of it, everyone else effectively uses MUCH less. Is this crazy!!????

Lisa - posted on 09/07/2012

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As a mom of an autistic child who also has major sleep issues I agree with one of the posters on here. I'm sorry I can't remember who you are but you made a great point. We should stop recommending all these different drugs whether natural or prescription. The point is, they ALL can be harmful. They all have long term effects. Chemical ones are documented and homeopathic ones aren't. The common thing I see on here is people picking on drugs because of the documented side effects and long term damage. You need to understand that the homeopathic "natural" side effect are not documented and trust me there are lots of them. Pharmacists and doctors may get kick backs but I guarantee you Naturopathic doctors do too. Nothing should be used every night long term. I myself have used Gravol twice before when my son was up every 20 mins to help and decided to use Melatonin. I preferred the Melatonin because he was alert in the morning. I use it a week at a time and then stop it for a week. By the 4th day of the week, when he is off, it is hell but I resist giving it to him until the end. The point is, it's different for all children and I know we are all struggling but we are supposed to help each other not pick fights about who's right or wrong.

MENITA - posted on 09/06/2012

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Hi, Alice Jones I was interested in the liquid vitamin for your kids, what is the name of the vitamins

I would really appreciate it.



Thanks,

Kristina - posted on 09/06/2012

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You must be joking. For one, i dont know very many doctors who would prescribe a rx for a sleep hypnotic to a child. Not only that, but they are addicting. Ambien is proven to be addictive! Melatonin is one of the only studies done on children for sleep and is safe.....not only that but given in low doses your body should still produce its own melatonin. People, before you give your child anything please go to your doctor for advice!

Tracy - posted on 08/29/2012

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John sounds bitter and wants to take it out on all women. Classy. Here's the dealio, dude: my son is ADHD and only responds to prescription meds. Which add to his natural "I don't wanna sleep and miss anything". I agonized for 3 years on putting him on meds and he's doing well. I don't even like giving my kids cough meds unless I HAVE to. So yeah, I'm giving a small amount of melatonin a try so my kid can sleep. Get over your bitterness. So you hate your ex. I am NOT her and neither is any other mother on here

Amy - posted on 08/01/2012

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Alice,

While I understand your trying to be helpful, I do not see how putting another prescription med on our children's daily medication list can be helpful in any way. Not to mention the cost.

I have never heard of putting a child on a RX sleep aid? Those hold many more dangers & side effects than melatonin! My son's Pediatrician recommended melatonin over a year ago, and said that it is perfectly fine to give him a dose up to 5mg. I only give my son 1mg as I have read studies proving that lower doses seem to work better over time. It works great and I don't have to give him yet another prescription drug.



John - your comments are not welcome or appreciated. We put our kids to bed at 8pm and wake them at 6:30am. Please don't lump everyone into a certain category just cuz your pissed off at your ex.



Amy

Donna - posted on 07/23/2012

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First of all John, you should know more about who you are speaking to before you blast a forum of mothers. My kids are on a regular sleep schedule. They go to bed during the school year Sunday through Thursdays between 8-9:30 depending on their age (I am a mother of 8 children from ages 6-18). On weekends and during the summer, they are allowed to stay up until 9-10:30, again depending on age. We wake up the kids between 6:30-7:00 depending on what time they go to school and on weekends and in the summer they are allowed to sleep in. Some of our children choose to go to bed on their own when they are tired and some choose to wake earlier. As for my sleep schedule and my husbands, I am up with my children. My husband is up usually at 5-5:30 each morning to go running. We do not stay up until all hours of the night. The last time we tried to have a date night and go to a midnight release of a movie, we were both falling asleep in the theater. SO, just because you have this experience, please don't project this onto the entire group!

John William - posted on 07/22/2012

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Maybe you mothers are to lazy to get up in the morningand sleep till afternoon and then go to bed at midnight. Remember your children follow you and all your habit's GOOD or BAD. I picked up my duaghter today form her mother and when we got home she went right to sleep.Like she hadn't slept in day's. When she woke up and told me that she had taken this natural supplement because mom said it would help her go to sleep I was furious. So I asked my little princess what time did your mom have you go to bed,she replied :it was a little after midnight.this takes us right back to :YOUR CHILDREN FOLLOW YOUR LEAD. Wake up in the A.M. go to sleep in the P.M. . It is a very simple concept and it doesn't cost any money.How hard is that to understand?

Dawn - posted on 07/09/2012

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My 11yr and 7yr old boys take melatonin after their pediatrician recommended it. I was really skeptical when she suggested it but I really trust her and I did some research on it. It works so well for my kids that I started using it myself and I suggest it to my friends when they talk about their kids having trouble sleeping. I always recommend consulting their pediatrician first, though!

Quanda - posted on 07/09/2012

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As a mom of a 5 year old autistic son, I have come across sleeping issues with him. Melatonin was recommended by his pediatrician and fellow autistic parents. I give it to him when he has a hard time settling down for the night, which is about 3 nights a week. I am glad that I read this article because the last thing my son needs is more difficulties, especially when it comes to sleeping at night. I will definitely consider the alternatives after doing a little extra research. Thanks!

Donna - posted on 07/06/2012

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I have to agree with most of the moms on here that some children need something to help them sleep. I have never had to give my children sleep aids until the last year or so. Within that time frame, I have had three of them diagnosed as ADHD, the oldest being 15. He is taking Melatonin to help him to wind down and sleep at night. Without that, he was up until late hours of the night and his mind would not shut off. On the other hand, my daughter who is 11, is on Risperidal along with the ADHD medication for mood stability. I would not choose to have her on this medication, but as Amy G. posted, some children need these medications to succeed. My daughter has told me that she feels "crazy and out of control" when she goes through her mood swings. It is horrible to watch as a parent, but you do what you have to do for your children. I think that the Melatonin is a safer alternative, but I also trust my doctor because of the relationship that has been built with him over many years.

Amy - posted on 07/05/2012

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THIS WOMAN IS NOT A DOCTOR AND IS PROMOTING A BUSINESS! DONT BELIEVE A WORD THAT SHE IS SAYING TO YOU! TALK TO YOUR CHILDS DOCTOR! DO NOT TAKE THIS WOMANS ADVICE!!!!!!

Amy - posted on 07/05/2012

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Alice, If you are not a physician or a Pharmacist you can be held liable if a parent takes your advice here, uses it on thier child and somthing goes wrong!!! All they have to do is reference back to this post by you and boom, liability!
This is from the Drugs.com website about the side affects and uses of this drug you are praising so highly for your child...
Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Rozerem in pediatric patients have not been established. Further study is needed prior to determining that this product may be used safely in pre-pubescent and pubescent patients.

Which means they havent even STUDIED how this works on kids! Even the medication guide distributed by the makers of the drugs says this...

WHAT IS Rozerem?

Rozerem is a hypnotic (sleep) medicine. Rozerem is used in adults for the treatment of the symptom of trouble falling asleep from insomnia.

Rozerem is not for children.

See that last part?? NOT FOR CHILDREN!!

Ambien is a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE which means it can be highly addictive... not safer..
and another thing that keeps popping up on all this medication (except for melatonin) is this...


The failure of insomnia to remit after 7 to 10 days of treatment may indicate the presence of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated.

Someone should look at taking this thread down before someone takes your advice and hurts thier child... All the documentation does NOT say that its safe to take another dose if the first one doesnt work, and it takes a good 24 hours for it to be completely eliminated from your system. Yes it works quickly.. but I think you need to seriously reconsider what you are giving your child... (by the way, i am a Certified Pharmacy Technician, and i deal with inaccurate information being BELIEVED all day long!!

Lori - posted on 07/04/2012

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I have to say that I have a son on the Autism spectrum who had severe sleep issues for 3 years (trouble falling asleep and staying asleep). After supplementing with 1/2 mg Melatonin and a homeopathic sleep remedy (from Native Remedies) for about 6 months, he now falls asleep on his own and sleeps through the night. It is as if we pushed a reset button on his sleep cycles!



We gave the melatonin 45 min. before bedtime and a homeopathic sleep remedy 2-3 times/day.



This was okayed by an MD, however, I would love to note that I frequently think I know more than my son's doctors! You have to be an advocate for yourself and your children. Medications have many harmful side effects. Have you ever noticed that the warnings take up the majority of the time on commercials for pharmaceuticals? Most traditional MDs are not familiar with natural supplements and will therefore go with what they know: treating symptoms instead of truly healing the root cause. Not to mention, they are getting information from their pharmaceutical reps who have an interest in your taking what they are selling.



I'm wondering if this was posted by a pharmaceutical rep... :)

Amy - posted on 07/04/2012

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My 16 yr old is on 15 mg of Abilify and has been on it for a while. This is actually our second time on it. He is on 6 mg of Risperidal. You do what you have to for your child for them to succeed. I know without these meds my son could or would be dead. If you had a severe allergic reaction requiring an epi pen would you say no thanks? while you are trying to desperately breathe? would you deny insulin to someone who desperately needs it to live? Kids who are taking such drugs are taking them to live.

Amy - posted on 07/04/2012

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My 16 yr old and 13 yr old take melatonin. My 16 yr old has on and off for many yrs. He is Bipolar,OCD,ADHD,Chronic Anxiety and ASD traits. His sister I swear is ADHD,she is my little rubber ball. Not all children can produce enough of it to sleep. If my daughter doesn't take it she is up til 1 am because her mind is going. I do not have any hesitation giving it to them when needed. If we have had long busy days they are just plain tired. Not all children are the same. Not all drugs work on all children either. My oldest who is 17 and youngest who is 11 have no issues falling asleep.

Julie - posted on 07/03/2012

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I did some research last night and found the top 5 natural sleep aids recommended for children. (turns out they are not the best, but used the most) They were as follows: Melatonin (natural hormone) Valerian root (plant based) Camomile (tea) Lavender oils and Passion Flower. All can be found in a variety of ways, from liquid, to chew tabs to teas and oils. Always consult your Pediatrician first.

After researching Melatonin further, I agree with this post: heed the warning and find an alternative sleep aid for your child. The over counter doses of melatonin are way to high, even for an adult let alone a child. I switched to a Liquid calcium magnesium drink (all natural) sold @ GNC's that seem to be effective for my son.

Lika - posted on 07/03/2012

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I used to use it with my son for a short period, because he needed to get to sleep earlier. Once he was on a set pattern, we stopped. Now, during school breaks or when ever he may end up staying up late, we will give him a dose the next night to get him back on schedule.

I really don't think that short term use or just a few nights a year is cause enough for concern.

Alyne - posted on 07/02/2012

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My daughter, 8, takes Melatonin occasionally. We can tell when she is overly tired and wound up, and she wants to go to sleep, so we give her one. Our pediatrician told us is was safe to give to her. We do not give it to her every night. I am not sure how we would make it through some nights without it. She sleeps 10-12 hours a night with or without it, but it settles her down when needed. I love the stuff!!!!

Julie - posted on 07/02/2012

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Thanks for the insight. However, Ambien states clearly that is not to be given to anyone under the age of 18, so obviously not an alternative to a natural hormone supplement for a child.
It also may not be classified as a narcotic, but is habit forming, and can have severe side effects including sleep walking, sleep eating and night terrors.
I agree with the licensed pharmacist below, I don't think it is safe to give a child prescription sleep aids either. I also agree with the comment below regarding concern of MDs getting kick backs from pharmaceutical companies.
this sounds more like an advertisement to me. Like you are in pharmaceutical sales, or a REP for this Rozerem or something.
If so, please don't promote your business on this site. That is not what we are here for. If not, please do more research prior to drawing your conclusions, because you know that we as mothers WILL.

Lori - posted on 06/28/2012

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I have to wonder about the motives of the MD when they push the Rx over the natural aides. My son's behavioral specialist wants us to try Guanfacine for his ADHD, but my husband and I had said no (at first). We still question whether he has ADHD or any of the other diagnoses, since the doctor herself has not really gotten to know or observe our son. She is only going by a questionnaire filled out by his incompetent teacher. There is something going on with him, though. I've noticed that since he was about 2 or 3, and he's now 6. I do agree that he has anxiety issues. When he's anxious and frustrated is when he acts out the most, and he gets defensive at times. He does not really have a problem with sleeping; however, someone recently told me that their pediatrician recommended melatonin for her child who has become very rambunctious as well as not wanting to go to bed. I looked at it in the pharmacy, but I didn't purchase it because it said "not for children under 12". Her child is 3, and mine is 6. I would prefer to try the melatonin on the Rx, but my husband called in the Rx just this week. I refuse to give it to him, since I feel like we've just given in and given up. I too am concerned about side effects, of both the natural and the prescription. I don't want to have to give him something for the rest of his life. I am on medicine myself (one) that I have to take every day since I started 9 years ago, and I hate it.

Shanna - posted on 06/27/2012

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I am a licensed pharmacy technician and I don't think it is safe to give children this young prescription sleep aids. Simply put, they can be very dangerous in general. When used in adults they should only be used for a total period of two to three weeks max. There are other side effects as well. If you are not a medical professional, you should not be giving medical advice. My advise is to speak with your child's pediatrician, or your local pharmacist for advice for your child. Each person is different, and there are many factors to consider.