Guest viewing limit reached
  • You have reached the maximum number of guest views allowed
  • Please register below to remove this limitation

Melatonin Use in 8 year old boy

Wedgylx

Wedgylx

Board Supporter
My brother has ADHD and severe anxiety, and right now is actually only taking an anti-anxiety med. to fall asleep. He's 8 years old.

His Phsyciatrist said she would recommend taking Melatonin every night and removing the anxiety med for the summer, to see if he can adjust to life without it.

My immediate worry is that he becomes dependant on the Melatonin over time.

My second worry is the affect of Melatonin supplementation on testosterone during a period of hormonal instability, as he approaches puberty.

Thirdly, I thought I head read worries of hepatoxiticy in the past with this compound?

Lastly, would you think phenibut or kava would be more appropriate? Maybe stacked with valerian root?

Thanks guys, any feedback is appreciated
 
Wedgylx said:
We'll likely give it a try, I just fear him becoming dependant on the melatonin, mostly.
Click to expand...
I know exactly how you feel. Maybe try to get a second/third opinion from other docs locally? Dinoiii would probably be perfect for this question, also Dr. John probably would too --- he usually hangs in the Anti-Aging forum, but his knowledge is pretty vast.
 
We don't even know if melatonin is safe for us, but it is a very rare case, and it has to be treated individually. You definetly should follow the doc's advice, and maybe talk with other doctors to see what they think.

Good luck!
 
T-Bone said:
Well melatonin is a hormone, and giving it to a child just isn't right...I would get another opinion from a different doctor first if I were you.
Click to expand...

IMO, it doesn't mean it's a hormone you can't give it to a child. This is way too general buddy.
 
have you considered letting the boy drink chamomile tea?

Works for me, and I'm a nervous mofo with trouble sleeping. :)
 
search pubmed for articles on melatonin and puberty, there are plenty. melatonin drops significantly during puberty and probably has some kind of role, but may not iniciate (Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed) etc

From what i've read there may be a good chance it could delay puberty if supplemented prepubescently
 
yeahright said:
To be honest, I'd listen to the doctor.
Click to expand...


I've worked with some some children with ADHD and Autism who took Melatonin. I was a little surprised at first, but it seems to be a fairly common. I guess it beats stronger sleeping pills and is way better than the stresses of not sleeping - for the child and the caregiver. Again, I would listen to the doctor but also get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable.
 
joecski said:
I've worked with some some children with ADHD and Autism who took Melatonin. I was a little surprised at first, but it seems to be a fairly common. I guess it beats stronger sleeping pills and is way better than the stresses of not sleeping - for the child and the caregiver. Again, I would listen to the doctor but also get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable.
Click to expand...

our whole goal was to get him off meds because they made us uncomfortable. Seems weird to have that be our goal, and then shove melatonin down his throat every night in what would obviously be increasing doses
 
Wedgylx said:
My brother has ADHD and severe anxiety, and right now is actually only taking an anti-anxiety med. to fall asleep. He's 8 years old.

His Phsyciatrist said she would recommend taking Melatonin every night and removing the anxiety med for the summer, to see if he can adjust to life without it.

My immediate worry is that he becomes dependant on the Melatonin over time.

My second worry is the affect of Melatonin supplementation on testosterone during a period of hormonal instability, as he approaches puberty.

Thirdly, I thought I head read worries of hepatoxiticy in the past with this compound?

Lastly, would you think phenibut or kava would be more appropriate? Maybe stacked with valerian root?

Thanks guys, any feedback is appreciated
Click to expand...

heh of course no worries about the long term use of amphetamines in order to get your brother and thousands like him to calm down....
 
I work in the medical field and I would strongly encourage you whenever in doubt get a second opinion. If you hear the same thing twice you will feel better about it and its no skin off your back. Doctors are just people with varying degrees of experience in different fields. Trust, but verify.

Unfortunately, since we live in such a litigious world, many feel the need to medicate to show they "did something".

I am not saying this is the wrong thing to do and I am encouraged that they are actually trying to present a non prescription option. I am simply saying two heads are better than one.

In terms of M dependence, my personal experience leads me to believe it is not a major concern. Due to my work, I used HEAVILY for several years and developed zero dependency (granted I am not a hormonally exposive child).
 
kraftkid said:
I work in the medical field and I would strongly encourage you whenever in doubt get a second opinion. If you hear the same thing twice you will feel better about it and its no skin off your back. Doctors are just people with varying degrees of experience in different fields. Trust, but verify.

Unfortunately, since we live in such a litigious world, many feel the need to medicate to show they "did something".

I am not saying this is the wrong thing to do and I am encouraged that they are actually trying to present a non prescription option. I am simply saying two heads are better than one.

In terms of M dependence, my personal experience leads me to believe it is not a major concern. Due to my work, I used HEAVILY for several years and developed zero dependency (granted I am not a hormonally exposive child).
Click to expand...

thanks for the feedback
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top