We used Melatonin, and still do from time to time. .33mgs( 1/3 of 1mg) does the trick nicely.
We began using it the day after dd had her first sleep issue on meds.
Ok, so my 5 yr old son started Concerta 18 mg on Jan 19th and we are to have a follow up appointment 30 days later to see how he is doing, if we are having any issues, to measure height and weight to make sure he doesn't start losing a lot of weight due to appetite suppression, etc. So, that appt is coming up at the end of the week.
We have had some issues with eating, but my son has SPD as well, so eating has always been an issue. And really, I don't think he is eating any less than he did before, maybe just at different times than before, but not less so I am not really worried about that.
Behavior and focus have improved dramatically since he started taking the meds, so we are doing good there too. In the month he has been on the meds we have only had ONE rough day at school - and believe you me - that is MAJOR improvement!
My question is this - I have been keeping a chart to keep track of how he is doing over the past month and I notice he has had some trouble falling asleep. So, I wanted to ask you all, at what point in the sleeping category did you pursue some sort of remedy - and what remedy did you try?
In the 20 days that are on my chart - he has had trouble falling asleep on a little more than half of the nights. Before he started the meds he would be in bed a max of 10 minutes before he was out like a light - for the night. Now, he is up a good 2-3 hours after going to bed before he falls asleep - not every night - but often.
I guess I am looking to see how often your little ones have trouble going to sleep, and how long after they go to bed they are up so I have some sort of frame of reference here. How bad should it be before you pursue additional meds to help them sleep?
I know every kid is different, and I am not sure whether I want to pursue anything at this point, but I would like to have some sort of info before I talk to the Dr about it. I have found this board to be a Godsend as far as info goes and wanted to get your take on the situation.
Thanks!
gatorsmom39486.733125My granddaughter is also on concerta 18 mg. age (9 in March). She started
med. on Dec 1st. .....we are also very
pleased with the progress so far considering how she was with out the
medication. Even people have commented on the difference. She would interrup
my conversations....LOL ....her appetite is getting better and better....she is
starting to eat more almost back to normal.....lost a total of 5 pounds...But she is
a very sturdy child and could lose a little weight so not worried about weight.
Weight right now is 100 pounds and she is 54 inches tall.
She too has a little trouble falling to sleep..... also not every night....seems if she
is more active or tired less trouble....
Also if she is really quiet and lays down in bed I will let her unwind with TV.
Usually falls asleep in no time at all...I just go in a turn TV off...if she isn't asleep
by a certain time ....off goes the TV on school nights... works pretty well for us.
....So we aren't going with any sleep medication....Hoping sleep issue slowly gets
better..Without meds.
Diane,
Thanks for your response. I can't give the Concerta any earlier, because I am giving it the second I get him up for school as it is. He is taking it at 730am, and he doesn't go to bed until 9pm. The mornings after he doesn't go to sleep well, he is groggy and cranky when I get him up. He seems to have trouble waking up.
I am just not sure what to do. I plan to discuss it with his Dr and see what he says, but I wish I knew some way to help him fall asleep faster.
think about Ritalin LA, it is also long acting methylphedinate, but lasts for 10 hours instead of 12. We liked it better.
I personally would not use melatonin with my child as I have read some things recently to how it can be dangerous for small children. I know that there are pros and cons to all meds whether natural, prescribed ect.
My ex used melatonin for himself and he had some complications and the doctors insisted he stop taking it. They seem to be finding that it can be harmful to adults as well. I don't know all the science behind the explanation but did see it cause some problems for my ex while married to him.
For my son we go with the traditional cup of milk before bed and read aloud. I have found he sleeps much more peacefully now with this combo, believe it or not.
Also, I recently bought a better quality mattress and a memory foam pillow. I have seen a tremedous difference in his sleeping habits. I don't know if it is my imagination or not but my son's overall daily reports from his teacher have been excellent. He seems to be more restful on a daily basis and goes to sleep with less difficulty doing so.