Guest guest Posted November 3, 2001 Report Share Posted November 3, 2001 Hello maybe this will give you some info on it.....I was put on it a few years back but it did nothing for me...but have heard alot about it from friends who took it and still take it..... www.vitaminsdirect.com/melatonin.html [ ] melatonin? > I know this was recently discussed on the keto list, > and I will go back and look at past posts on this. > But, I wanted to ask a few questions on melatonin. > > We had an appointment this week with our homeopathic > physician, who also follows the DAN protocol. He > recommended a trial of Melatonin for 's sleep > issues. When I mentioned that I'd heard good and bad, > seizure-wise, he acknowledged that for some it can > increase seizures -- but he still thought we should > try because it could actually help and could help her > get some much needed rest which is so vital to other > developmental issues. > > I have a few questions: > > 1) Does anyone have any good or bad experiences to > share? > > 2) He recommended 3 mg. capsules -- I'd start with > probably 1/3 of a capsule and see how it goes. Does > this sound like a good dosage for a 6 year old -- 40 > pounds? > > 3) Is Melatonin addictive? If it works, could it > become a crutch to get her to sleep? > > 4) What are the short and long term effects? > > 5) What could I expect in the morning -- will she be > groggy? > > I guess I'm comparing this to sleeping pills (to which > my Mom got addicted) so I'm a little more concerned > than usual. > > Any words of wisdom?--D > > ===== > DeEtte -- Mom to (, 6, keto-kid since 1/01, med-free, seizures greatly reduced) and (, 4), sdale, AZ > > " I know God would never give me more than I can handle. . .I just wish he didn't trust me so much. " -- Mother Theresa > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2001 Report Share Posted November 3, 2001 here is a site that will help you on deciding the dosage http://www.up-time.com/products/melatonin/meltext.html [ ] melatonin? > I know this was recently discussed on the keto list, > and I will go back and look at past posts on this. > But, I wanted to ask a few questions on melatonin. > > We had an appointment this week with our homeopathic > physician, who also follows the DAN protocol. He > recommended a trial of Melatonin for 's sleep > issues. When I mentioned that I'd heard good and bad, > seizure-wise, he acknowledged that for some it can > increase seizures -- but he still thought we should > try because it could actually help and could help her > get some much needed rest which is so vital to other > developmental issues. > > I have a few questions: > > 1) Does anyone have any good or bad experiences to > share? > > 2) He recommended 3 mg. capsules -- I'd start with > probably 1/3 of a capsule and see how it goes. Does > this sound like a good dosage for a 6 year old -- 40 > pounds? > > 3) Is Melatonin addictive? If it works, could it > become a crutch to get her to sleep? > > 4) What are the short and long term effects? > > 5) What could I expect in the morning -- will she be > groggy? > > I guess I'm comparing this to sleeping pills (to which > my Mom got addicted) so I'm a little more concerned > than usual. > > Any words of wisdom?--D > > ===== > DeEtte -- Mom to (, 6, keto-kid since 1/01, med-free, seizures greatly reduced) and (, 4), sdale, AZ > > " I know God would never give me more than I can handle. . .I just wish he didn't trust me so much. " -- Mother Theresa > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2006 Report Share Posted October 6, 2006 Melatonin wears off after about 6 hours. Some say the time-released kind from Kirkmans works but after using it for several weeks we discontinued it. I only use it now if for some strange reason my daughter wakes up at 2 AM. ~ S. > > Has anyone had trouble with it losing it's effect?I was also wondering > if maybe the tablets I have are losing potency?I've had them a while > we don't use it very fast. > > Helen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 If you go to a melatonin website they say if you use it everyday it loses effect. They suggest every 2 or 3 days. What good will that do though? We have screaming at night all night everynight we do not give it to him. After a while we have screaming with the melatonin too so we just lay off giving it to him for a couple of days and deal with the insomnia. Usually I will not give it to him on Friday and Saturday nights when he can stay up all night if he needs to. I hear about it from him though. " I forgot to sleep, oh my God it's morning and I haven't slept yet! " I say " No it's not morning you still have about 3 hours so go to sleep now and you can still say you slept last night. I can't find the website now but if I do I'll post it for you. If you want to email me later I will try to find it in the meantime. Also I have heard of vitamins and things losing potency I'd take a look at the expiration date before I used it more, just a thought. Sue > > > > > Has anyone had trouble with it losing it's effect?I was also > wondering > > if maybe the tablets I have are losing potency?I've had them a while > > we don't use it very fast. > > > > Helen > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 dont worry about the melatonin it is fine.....you'll have to figure out how much to give....some say one tablet some say two...i think i had given syd one and it didnt really 'put her to sleep' that i noticed.....but its completely harmless. let me go back.....its the mg you have to figure out...not so much the tablet i guess you could say ~Angie~ If you would like to sponsor Sydnie in the 2007 Down syndrome Buddy Walk on October 6, please click on this link: www.dsac.kintera.org/sydniebt Or join her team here: www.dsac.kintera.org/sydnies_soldiers Melatonin? anyone use this stuff? I bought some to try today. Ciarra has never been a good sleeper, up half the night, like her internal clock is WAY off. I asked our Ped and he gave me a prescription for clonidine, but I tried it 3-4 times and every time it seems to make her either overly emotional or just cranky the next day. I want her to have a good nights sleep, Im getting desperate. So I want to try melatonin. And could use any anecdotal evidence from you moms who have experience. Side effects? Hangover type thing the next day? Does it WORK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Nic cardiologist uses it for her son who has Angelman's syndrome. She recommended it for Nic too. We tried it out for a few weeks and kept a log of when, how much and his sleep pattern for the night. Unfortunately, it didn't work as we had hoped. It will get him to sleep faster (which wasn't our issue) but he would still wake in the night. we went up to 1 whole 3 mg tablet. She uses Melatonex time-release. Now the problem is, Nic can't swallow pills so we have to crush them. Crushing a time release defeats the purpose because now it dissolves quicker..... so we gave up Hope this helped.... Di- who is awake 1/2 the night too. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Melatonin? > anyone use this stuff? I bought some to try today. Ciarra has never been a > good sleeper, up half the night, like her internal clock is WAY off. I > asked our Ped and he gave me a prescription for clonidine, but I tried it > 3-4 times and every time it seems to make her either overly emotional or > just cranky the next day. I want her to have a good nights sleep, Im > getting desperate. So I want to try melatonin. And could use any anecdotal > evidence from you moms who have experience. Side effects? Hangover type > thing the next day? Does it WORK? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Sleep disturbances in children with neuro-psychiatric disorders There are multiple trials investigating melatonin use in children with various neuro-psychiatric disorders, including mental retardation, autism, psychiatric disorders, visual impairment, or epilepsy. Studies have demonstrated reduced time to fall asleep (sleep latency) and increased sleep duration. Well-designed controlled trials in select patient populations are needed before a stronger or more specific recommendation can be made. Also, I read that some say you shouldn't give Melatonin to children because then the body doesn't produce it naturally....talk to your doctor Di An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. but its completely harmless. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 the dr is the one that suggested it for us ~Angie~ If you would like to sponsor Sydnie in the 2007 Down syndrome Buddy Walk on October 6, please click on this link: www.dsac.kintera.org/sydniebt Or join her team here: www.dsac.kintera.org/sydnies_soldiers Re: Melatonin? Sleep disturbances in children with neuro-psychiatric disorders There are multiple trials investigating melatonin use in children with various neuro-psychiatric disorders, including mental retardation, autism, psychiatric disorders, visual impairment, or epilepsy. Studies have demonstrated reduced time to fall asleep (sleep latency) and increased sleep duration. Well-designed controlled trials in select patient populations are needed before a stronger or more specific recommendation can be made. Also, I read that some say you shouldn't give Melatonin to children because then the body doesn't produce it naturally....talk to your doctor Di An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. but its completely harmless. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Clonidine was prescribed for my 11year old non Ds daughter. I hated giving it to her every night - it is actually a blood pressure med. It lowers the pressure thus making you sleepy. My Mom actually suggested the melatonin and that is what I give her now. I only give her 1 mg about 1/2 hour before bed. She is 11 1/2 and weighs 80 lbs. It seems to work well for her. I'm worried that giving her more will make it harder to wake up in the morning. Since it has worked so well, I have begun to give it to my 7 year old daughter with Ds. She weighs 67 lbs and she gets the same dose. She doesn't have trouble falling asleep, but is a very restless sleeper. It seems to have improved her quality of sleep. Overall I'm happier with this than the clonidine. It works better and I honestly think it is safer. Bonnie from Ohio Richbmom@... SAHM to 23 now living on her own, 11 and 6 Ds, CHD, Bronchial Tube defects, gastroesophageal reflux with silent aspiration, slight Nystagmus, Alopecia Areata Totallis, and AAI, excellent gross motor skills. . . bet you can't catch her!! http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/a/amr/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 In a message dated 8/29/2007 3:27:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mome23kjnc@... writes: Does it WORK first question? Has she been tested for sleep apnea. Fifty percent of kids with DS have sleep apnea, thus they are not good sleepers. That being said, my son who is 12 has ADHD and has never been a good sleeper. We give him melatonin when he has trouble and it does help him to fall and stay asleep. If Ciarra has sleep apnea melatonin will not help her. Hope this helps. Loree ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 In a message dated 8/29/2007 8:22:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time, drf218@... writes: we went up to 1 whole 3 mg tablet My son's psychiatrist who treats him for ADHD has said that they are finding that one half of 1 milligram works better than a whole milligram but they don't know why. You could try that. It sounds self defeating I know, but you never can tell...may be worth a try. Loree ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 At 08:20 PM 8/28/2007, wrote: >anyone use this stuff? I bought some to try today. Ciarra has never >been a good sleeper, up half the night, like her internal clock is WAY >off. I asked our Ped and he gave me a prescription for clonidine, but >I tried it 3-4 times and every time it seems to make her either overly >emotional or just cranky the next day. I want her to have a good >nights sleep, Im getting desperate. So I want to try melatonin. And >could use any anecdotal evidence from you moms who have experience. >Side effects? Hangover type thing the next day? Does it WORK? Avi has been on it for years. It does work, with little side effects, but too high of a dose can leave you with a hangover the next morning. Use the regular version if the problem is falling asleep, use the time released version if the problem is staying asleep through the night. Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P. Father to Avi, 13 y/o with DS Down Syndrome: Health Issues http://www.ds-health.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 At 07:31 AM 8/29/2007, Bonnie Rich wrote: >Clonidine was prescribed for my 11year old non Ds daughter. I hated >giving it to her every night - it is actually a blood pressure med. >It lowers the pressure thus making you sleepy. Actually, the sedation of the clonidine is just a side effect the way antihistamines make you sleepy. The decrease in blood pressure from clonidine is minimal if there is normal blood pressure to begin with. Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P. Down Syndrome: Health Issues http://www.ds-health.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 My husband uses this, and it works great. No hangover, no side effects. He used to take Tylenol PM to help him sleep, and hasn't since he started taking the Melatonin. wakes up during the night, comes downstairs, and goes back to sleep on the couch. There are times she also is restless, talking alot in her sleep. I have thought about trying the Melatonin with her also. Sharon H. Mom to , (15, DS) and , (12) South Carolina www.gsdss.net " Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. " Melatonin? anyone use this stuff? I bought some to try today. Ciarra has never been a good sleeper, up half the night, like her internal clock is WAY off. I asked our Ped and he gave me a prescription for clonidine, but I tried it 3-4 times and every time it seems to make her either overly emotional or just cranky the next day. I want her to have a good nights sleep, Im getting desperate. So I want to try melatonin. And could use any anecdotal evidence from you moms who have experience. Side effects? Hangover type thing the next day? Does it WORK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 My 8 year old with Cerebral Palsy and SOD does great with Clonidine. She just cannot go to sleep without it. She will stay awake until 2-3 in the morning without it! It is as if her body cannot relax..CP?? It usually takes 1 hour to work, but she wakes up just fine and ready for the next day! Laurie Mama to 4 ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 welcome back Len, I missed your medical advice. I hope you stick around .. Di An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Re: Melatonin? > At 07:31 AM 8/29/2007, Bonnie Rich wrote: > >Clonidine was prescribed for my 11year old non Ds daughter. I hated > >giving it to her every night - it is actually a blood pressure med. > >It lowers the pressure thus making you sleepy. > > Actually, the sedation of the clonidine is just a side effect the way > antihistamines make you sleepy. The decrease in blood pressure from > clonidine is minimal if there is normal blood pressure to begin with. > > > Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P. > Down Syndrome: Health Issues > http://www.ds-health.com > > > > Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for > messages to go to the sender of the message. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Not sure if this makes a difference but Nic also has ADHD, maybe this is why it doesn't keep him asleep all night, Len? Any thoughts? Typically he only gets about 8/9 hours a night. He goes to bed at 9, is usually still awake at 10/10:30 and gets up 1 or 2 times during the night, Then is up around 6:30/7:00 He takes dexadrine for the ADHD but this sleep pattern existed before he was being medicated for the ADHD. Di An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Re: Melatonin? > > In a message dated 8/29/2007 3:27:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > mome23kjnc@... writes: > > Does it WORK > > > first question? Has she been tested for sleep apnea. Fifty percent of > kids > with DS have sleep apnea, thus they are not good sleepers. That being > said, > my son who is 12 has ADHD and has never been a good sleeper. We give him > melatonin when he has trouble and it does help him to fall and stay > asleep. If > Ciarra has sleep apnea melatonin will not help her. Hope this helps. > > Loree > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL > at > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 That may also have an impact. Another concern about sleep is the normal sleep fragmentation we see in children with DS: http://www.ds-health.com/abst/a9906.htm Di <drf218@...> wrote: Not sure if this makes a difference but Nic also has ADHD, maybe this is why it doesn't keep him asleep all night, Len? Any thoughts? Typically he only gets about 8/9 hours a night. He goes to bed at 9, is usually still awake at 10/10:30 and gets up 1 or 2 times during the night, Then is up around 6:30/7:00 He takes dexadrine for the ADHD but this sleep pattern existed before he was being medicated for the ADHD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 Hi all - I wanted to know your experience w/melatonin. My 9 yr old (60 lbs) is having trouble falling asleep lately. He has spells that this becomes a problem. He's just wide awake 2 hours past bedtime. I know Dr G doesn't like it for long term use, and I don't think we'd have to for long term anyway. I wanted to find out what your experiences have been, whether there have been any negatives, if it works (high functioning mostly recovered kids especially), and what doses you start out at... TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 We used Melatonin for quite some time about 1-2 years ago. It was over a span of about 1 year plus or so. I believe the dose we used was 3mg. I bought a good quality brand, since it is a supplement. At the time, my son was having alot of issues also falling asleep, it would take a long time and even if we started bedtime early, he would still end up short on sleep. It worked really well for my son for a long time. It helped to settle him down so he could fall asleep, and once he was asleep, he would sleep through the rest of the night. There were some nights that it did not seem to help also, but usually it would. After a while, I would just not give it if he seemed really tired. Then he would fall asleep on his own. W For the last 1-2 years he has been able to fall asleep on his own, and I have rarely had to use it. I am not sure if he just out grew the need for it. He has gotten better also during these years too. We have done since last fall. The last year, he gets really tired at night and even asks to go to bed, not sure if there may be a chronic fatigue like issue tied into this as well. I personally would use it again if I had to, and had times again where he had alot of trouble falling asleep. Unless you or your child lives it, it is hard to image how bad this can be and disrupts everyone. Everyone child is different of course in how they respond to it, but a big help for us to cover a gap. Hope this helps. Angie From: <thecolemans4@...> Subject: Melatonin? " " < > Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 10:03 PM Hi all - I wanted to know your experience w/melatonin. My 9 yr old (60 lbs) is having trouble falling asleep lately. He has spells that this becomes a problem. He's just wide awake 2 hours past bedtime. I know Dr G doesn't like it for long term use, and I don't think we'd have to for long term anyway. I wanted to find out what your experiences have been, whether there have been any negatives, if it works (high functioning mostly recovered kids especially), and what doses you start out at... TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 I tried this for my daughter and it made her very angry...also, she woke up really early when she took it! I know that when my child is night waking its due to some medical issue. I also know that some SSRIs can cause insomnia. Have you talked to Dr. about it? HTH, May the Lord bless you and keep you! Visit my blog http://bloominwhereyourplanted.blogspot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 We use it for Noah on occasion, usually when he's keyed up and has difficulty falling asleep. It works well, but we try not to do it every night. We use 3mg as well. all the best, Robyn > > From: <thecolemans4@...> > Subject: Melatonin? > " " < > > Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 10:03 PM > > > > > > > > Hi all - > I wanted to know your experience w/melatonin. My 9 yr old > (60 lbs) is having trouble falling asleep lately. He has > spells that this becomes a problem. He's just wide > awake 2 hours past bedtime. > I know Dr G doesn't like it for long term use, and I > don't think we'd have to for long term anyway. I > wanted to find out what your experiences have been, whether > there have been any negatives, if it works (high functioning > mostly recovered kids especially), and what doses you start > out at... > TIA! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 Hi- Thanks - anger is not something I want. We talk to DR tonight. I also wanted your experiences. I think the trouble sleeping is gut bacterial. It seems to coincide w/really foul gas.  Thanks, ________________________________ From: Hankinson <jlhank80@...> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 8:34:46 AM Subject: Re:Melatonin? I tried this for my daughter and it made her very angry...also, she woke up really early when she took it! I know that when my child is night waking its due to some medical issue. I also know that some SSRIs can cause insomnia. Have you talked to Dr. about it? HTH, May the Lord bless you and keep you! Visit my blog http://bloominwhere yourplanted. blogspot. com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 We've used it for the last 3 years with great success. I usually use 1.5. I only go to 3 when I know there's no way he's going to go to sleep anytime soon. The half life of melatonin is about 1 hour so it leaves quickly. Start out low (about .5 mg) and work your way up to falling asleep in 20 minutes. You'd be surprised how little it can actually take to get to sleep. Cheryl ~ http://www.gryffins-tail.blogspot.com ~ On Apr 6, 2009, at 8:03 PM, wrote: > > Hi all - > I wanted to know your experience w/melatonin. My 9 yr old (60 lbs) > is having trouble falling asleep lately. He has spells that this > becomes a problem. He's just wide awake 2 hours past bedtime. > I know Dr G doesn't like it for long term use, and I don't think > we'd have to for long term anyway. I wanted to find out what your > experiences have been, whether there have been any negatives, if it > works (high functioning mostly recovered kids especially), and what > doses you start out at... > TIA! > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Responsibility for the content of this message lies strictly with > the original author(s), and is not necessarily endorsed by or the > opinion of the Research Institute, the Parent Coalition, > or the list moderator(s). > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.