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Special Families Forum > Special Needs Forum > Treatments & Therapies > Melatonin
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Author Topic: Melatonin  (Read 2128 times)
paula
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« on: September 09, 2009, 10:55:48 AM »

As some of you may know, we started Elise on Ritalin last year which was one of the best, albeit scariest, things that we have ever done. One of the side effects however, was that she was going to sleep really late - between 9 and 10 - and was really grumpy in the morning as a result. Started on Melatonin at the beginning of the school holidays and just wanted to report back that it has been fantastic. One tablet at 7 and fast asleep (generally!) by 8. A positive end to the day and a much less tired child as a result. Only downer is that she is waking up at 6 in the morning but you can't have it both ways!!
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Speeds
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« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2009, 12:10:47 PM »

LOL
fantastic

Thomas goes to bed at 7.30 but is up at 6.

Even if he goes later he is up early.

So pleased this is all working for you.
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paula
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« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2010, 10:16:25 PM »

Have just had a new prescription of Melatonin hand delivered to our door by our chemist - how about that for service!! Been a nightmare though as we put the prescription in on the 17th Dec - three weeks ago! Ran out a week ago and was sharply reminded why Elise (and us!) needs it in the first place!!!
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RockNRollMom
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« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2010, 02:23:17 AM »

Melatonin is over the counter in the states.  I'm surprised that you have to go through a pharmacist.  JZ and E have been on 1mg of melatonin at night for the last 3 evenings now.  We are loving the results, a good nights sleep generally means a good next day!

Is it still working for you?
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Speeds
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« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2010, 09:21:09 AM »

Melatonin is over the counter in the states.  I'm surprised that you have to go through a pharmacist.  JZ and E have been on 1mg of melatonin at night for the last 3 evenings now.  We are loving the results, a good nights sleep generally means a good next day!

Is it still working for you?

It is not licensed as an over the counter product in the UK yet.  Although the FDA has authorised it (bizzarely given what hoops drugs have to go through) the MHRA over here has not in the same way.  Give it a few years and it will be the same in the UK
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paula
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« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2010, 04:35:32 PM »

Can't wait for that - it is such a faff now. Because of the licensing problems, we have been unable to get the tablets that we had previously and have now got capsules. Even though it is the same strength, I can't believe that it is not working so well. Elise is going to sleep much quicker than without but it is not as reliable as the other make. Pharmacist said it should not make any difference, but she said the same thing when we were 'accidentally' given a cheaper version of Ritalin. Absolute nightmare!!
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RockNRollMom
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« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2010, 06:25:23 PM »

@Paula,

That is a nightmare!  I hope that Speeds is right and that it'll be over the counter in the UK soon.  Can you buy it online or is that illegal too?
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Speeds
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« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2010, 09:00:17 PM »

Can't wait for that - it is such a faff now. Because of the licensing problems, we have been unable to get the tablets that we had previously and have now got capsules. Even though it is the same strength, I can't believe that it is not working so well. Elise is going to sleep much quicker than without but it is not as reliable as the other make. Pharmacist said it should not make any difference, but she said the same thing when we were 'accidentally' given a cheaper version of Ritalin. Absolute nightmare!!

Paula - I am sure you are but make sure you tell the GP that you WANT the one written down by Brand name and not as generic on the presciption and then the Pharmacist has to dispense the one you need.  They do not do it deliberately but the Pharmacist, like all of us will save pennies.  However, although these tablets will have undergone bioequivalence testing there can (and are) differences. 

Also, ask the GP what is the maximum amount of drug they will add to one prescription - Usually it is 2 or 3 months depending on the drug. 
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paula
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« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2010, 06:29:28 PM »

That is a good idea to get a longer prescription - thanks. Bioequivalence is a bit of a posh word - I had to look it up and shall now drop it into conversation so people think I am clever !!  Cheesy Cheesy
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Speeds
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« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2010, 09:56:53 PM »

That is a good idea to get a longer prescription - thanks. Bioequivalence is a bit of a posh word - I had to look it up and shall now drop it into conversation so people think I am clever !!  Cheesy Cheesy

Sorry - I am a Clinical Trials Auditor and I work with medications - I am a Pharmacologist by training - ask away Wink
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