question about melatonin

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2007
question about melatonin
9
Fri, 11-02-2007 - 11:33pm

Our son's dev ped suggested we get Melatonin for him.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 11-02-2007 - 11:47pm

3mg sounds like a high starting dose to me.

-Paula

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Sat, 11-03-2007 - 11:48am

Our son is 10, weighs about 60 lbs., takes Concerta and takes 3 mgs of Melatonin every night.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2007
Sat, 11-03-2007 - 2:16pm

Thanks so much for the info Paula.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2007
Sat, 11-03-2007 - 2:24pm

Thank you so much for the info Amy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Sat, 11-03-2007 - 4:44pm

My 9yo ds (90-lbs) was taking .5 mg of melatonin every night until he started Concerta. Then even 3.0mg wasn't enough to put him to sleep. He didn't sleep at all for two of the seven nights he was on Concerta. He had other problems with the Concerta as well, so he's on a diff med now (low dose of Adderall), and he sleeps okay with 1.0mg of melatonin. Anyway, for us, the Concerta definitely made it harder for ds to sleep. It was a night and day difference.

I'm not personally familiar with any side effects or drug interactions. I googled it and came up with the below info. My family has not had any negative side effects. At first only two of my kids were taking it, but now all four kids are using it.

http://www.medicinenet.com/melatonin-oral/article.htm

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache or altered sleep pattern may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, contact your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: mental or mood changes, itching, fast heartbeat, sensation of heaviness in the head. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using melatonin: disorders of immune system, liver or kidney disease, stroke, depression, epilepsy, diabetes. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this product. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Melatonin is not recommended for use in children (under 20 years old). Do not use this product if you plan to become pregnant. It may have a contraceptive (birth control) effect. Melatonin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not known if this product is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), sedatives, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), herbs that cause drowsiness (e.g., valerian, kava). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations since many contain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: If you are having surgery, notify your doctors you are taking this herbal product.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2007
Sun, 11-04-2007 - 12:45am

Thanks for the info on Melatonin!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 11-12-2007 - 4:11pm

I just wanted to say thank you! to everyone for posting about Melatonin.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Mon, 11-12-2007 - 6:09pm
Thats great to hear!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Mon, 11-12-2007 - 9:23pm

My ds (7 and 82 lbs) needs around 3mg too. I would start on around half a mg to start and titrate up until you reach the desired dose. Just my 2 c.

Dee

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