Is there ambien for kids?

[cotomom]

My DD (8) has had lifelong sleeping issues. She has the hardest time falling asleep, and when she finally does - it is totally restless. Sleep walking, nightmares, etc.

Before I look like an idiot at the Dr., I thought I'd ask my buddies if anyone knows if there is sleeping pills for a child?

And before anyone asks, she has no trama or drama in her life ... just a bad sleeper which is probably genetic from her mom!

Thanks!

 

[phillybeth]

Perhaps stress management and relaxation techniques would be a better approach before meds? I'm sure there have to be therapists out there who deal with sleep issues in kids.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Mine has always been the same way with the sleep and other sensitivity issues.

The problem with a lack of good sleep is that it affects everything they do during the day. I have an appointment next week with our PCM to get a referral for occupational therapy and am hoping that will help.

 

[mickeyboat]

I would say a visit to the doctor is in order. I don't think he would think you are an idiot for asking about something as important as sleeping. Heck, the pediatrician asks lots of questions when we visit - not just about the kids' health, but also about their entire well-being.

Has the doctor looked at your DD's tonsils? I have heard that breathing problems caused by tonsils can lead to a child having trouble sleeping.

Denae

 

[Rajah]

I agree -- have you tried warm milk with a little bit of vanilla? White-noise generators? Telling calming stories before bed? Giving her backrubs / temple rubs? Having her try deep breathing relaxation?

 

[Mama Twinkles]

She should be evaluated by a neurologist or pulmonologist who is board-certified in sleep medicine. That person will likely recommend overnight testing called polysomnography (PSG). Sleeping pills can make some biologically based sleep disorders worse, though for her conditions they may prescribe Klonopin. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is generally considered safe in children, but you should have her evaluated before giving her anything. A good sleep specialist will also offer behavioral strategies for improving sleep quality and quantity. Do a search for an accredited sleep disorders clinic in your area. It is unlikely the problem has emotional roots, though the insomnia could be made worse by anxiety, etc. Good luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Honestly if she is having that much trouble I would get her medical attention. Go see some kind of specialist with sleep. I would try and find out what is the problem.

 

[mrsdon]

My DS had sleep issues and the DR perscrbed Benadryl.
It was like 1/2 an adult dose.
it worked wonders for my son.
he called it his sleep medicine.
Good luck

 

[cotomom]

Hi everyone!

You're all so helpful! Thank you!

We've tried virtually everything: white noise, music, warm milk, tea, back rubs, long stories, even benadryl!

No tonsil problems...

I have a call into the Dr. and will also look and see about a sleep clinic.

 

[floridafam]

I read that you're not supposed to take Ambien for longer than 8 days so I don't think it would be much help even if she could take it.

I would definately make a Doctor's appointment. I'm sure they can find out the cause.

 

[Kermit]

There are some nutritional problems that can cause sleep problems. Not saying that you don't feed your DD the right foods, but some people have biological quirks that make them require much higher amounts of some nutrients, to the extent that they have to take supplements to get the right amount.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

Melatnin is a natural sleep aid that may help her, but I'd ask the doctor if it is ok, first. I, too, have had a lifelong sleep problem. I can even stay awake all night after taking ambien, xanax, or restoril. The doctor gave me a drug called lunestra and that stuff has worked really well. It's supposed to be safe for long term use and non-addictive. I love the stuff. I've only taken it twice, but it really did the trick both tomes.

Good luck. I really hope you find a soluation. Insomnia is a very difficult thing to deal with, especially when it starts so young. You're a great mom for understanding that it is a medical issue. Some parents get mad at their children for insomnia without realizing it's really not their fault.

 

[goofy4tink]

I read that you're not supposed to take Ambien for longer than 8 days so I don't think it would be much help even if she could take it.

I would definately make a Doctor's appointment. I'm sure they can find out the cause.

Very true, but you can take it for longer if your physician is aware of it. I've been on it for 3 years now..only take 1/2 the prescribed dose and then only every other night. My dd has had sleep issues for about 8 years now. She just can't fall asleep either. Her doctor hasn't been too terrible concerned. But an occasional Benadryl does help but never more than once a week. She doesn't even know that I take anything but since 'the change' it's the ony way I can sleep at all. I would be interested in knowing what the doctor finally says. Please, keep us informed. Seems to be a lot of kids out there with this issue.

 

[Mama Twinkles]

Also read up on delayed sleep phase syndrome, which can masquerade as insomnia but is really due to a shift in the biological clock. The person may be up much of the night but readily sleep during the day. It's a sort of permanent jet lag. Aside from lifestyle changes (e.g., no caffeine late at night), the best treatment (under professional supervision) is use of a light box upon waking and darkness all night. There are other treatment options as well.

 

[dcentity2000]

Think long and hard here.

Modern hypnotics are only effective for the first week of use and everything after that is pretty much pure placebo. Hypnotics should only ever be used to cure major cases of insomnia.

Longer term solutions can be found in medicines known as barbituates, but they have a nasty side to them.

Aside from anti-depressants, hypnotics are perhaps the most over-used drug available today.

Hypnotics are not a viable long term solution and should be treated with care and respect.



Rich::

 

[marydmjj]

I am so glad this thread was started. My DS 9 has such a hard time with sleep, in fact he always has. He will fall asleep and then almost an hour later he wakes up agitated, sweaty and wide awake. He will not go back to sleep unless he is in our room. Needless to say, it is getting very tiresome. We've tried everything - white noise, calm before bed, allowing him to turn his light on when he wakes up and read, sleeping in the same bed as his little brother, diet changes. We've even seen a therapist and all she suggests is to make sure he quiets down for an hour before bed - duh! Anyway, we are in the process of finding a sleep specialist for him to see. I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone.

 

[minkydog]

She should be evaluated by a neurologist or pulmonologist who is board-certified in sleep medicine. That person will likely recommend overnight testing called polysomnography (PSG). Sleeping pills can make some biologically based sleep disorders worse, though for her conditions they may prescribe Klonopin. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is generally considered safe in children, but you should have her evaluated before giving her anything. A good sleep specialist will also offer behavioral strategies for improving sleep quality and quantity. Do a search for an accredited sleep disorders clinic in your area. It is unlikely the problem has emotional roots, though the insomnia could be made worse by anxiety, etc. Good luck!

I totally agree. Don't just medicate, especially not a child! Sleep apnea was my first thought, frankly. Your doctor can help you get into the appropriate clinic.