Comments on: Melatonin Update

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:01:53 +0000

Hello Alysia,

My youngest two children are extremely picky about what they put in their bodies. Alex is doing well with the lotion, but Ben seems to be resisting the effects of the melatonin. Whether it’s the lotion, the pill, or the liquid. It worked for a while, then he tried not to take it, and now he seems to resist its effects.

I’m at a loss for what to do with him!

But I have heard good things about the chewables. I know one family that has some chewables, but the mother doesn’t know where the father got them–so she doesn’t know how to replace them. I’ll pass your comment along and see if it helps her find it again.

By: Alysia

Alysia — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:10:49 +0000

Melatonin has been a godsend for us. We spent 4 sleepless, routine-less years before it. We get it in chewable form from Kirkman Labs (casein, gluten, corn free) and my son chews 2mg about 30 mins before bedtime. and he sleeps. finally. I’m convinced that his brain just doesn’t make enough of it. His behavior has changed too – probably because his sleep is less restless. I don’t know about the two month limit, but if it’s something his body is producing anyway, but just not enough, I’m ok with supplementing it for now until he can regulate himself.
Good luck.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:43:15 +0000

I am watching for side effects. I’m also using it as per a perscription, though I recently found a lotion which we’re using instead of the liquid. I intend to speak with the doctor who perscribed it (from the Feeding Clinic) at our next appointment.

By: Mom

Mom — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:11:17 +0000

I did google melatonin, and suggest you do too, Stephanie, if you haven’t already. There may be side effects, as with any drug. And it is NOT recommended for longer than 2 months, as Clay said. It is a naturally occuring hormone in one’s body, but artificially created for this use. Maybe the boys natural production of melatonin is off, and that is related to their autisim? At any rate, lets hope that it does help create a sleep schedule for them before the two months is up!

By: kathleen

kathleen — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:36:39 +0000

I’m glad it has been working…sorry for the spill though I used it because my pediatrician recommended it..I can’t thank him enough. I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for him.

By: Clay

Clay — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:47:24 +0000

Glad it helps. It should help to establish a regular sleep schedule, given time. On my bottle, it says “Limit use to 2 months, with a break of 1 week.” Gotta be a reason for that, and that suggestion should probably be different for kids.

Myself, I don’t really care when I sleep, but I try to get to bed before sun-up. I usually only take the stuff when I need to get up early for something.

And I can’t stand anything sticky on my skin.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:37:31 +0000

Apparently I spoke too soon. Tonight, when I tried to dose him, Ben refused to drink it and ended spilling the cup of melatonin mixed with Dr. Pepper on me. Have I ever mentioned I hate being sticky?

Erg!