Melatonin

[Guest guest]

Hi Laurie,

Below is an old post from Len Leshin about Melatonin

that I think is helpful. I think the dosage for Mic is

somewhere around 1mg.

I have found that melatonin is not as helpful when

Andy is ill. If Mic is ill, try to treat the probably

symptoms so he can be comfortable enough to sleep.

Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 09:04:30 -0600

Reply-To: Down Syndrome

Sender: Down Syndrome

Subject: Re: Melatonin/ sleeping problems Dr

Len?

In-Reply-To:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset= " iso-8859-1 " ;

format=flowed

A few comments about melatonin since my name is on

this thread....

First, melatonin is not a regulated medication. It's

been shown that the total mg of the tablet may not

actually be what's on the

label. Consumerlabs.com did a study on commonly sold

melatonin and found that the following manufacturers

were trustworthy: KAL, Twin Labs, Biochem, Duane

Reade, Jarrow Formulas, MRM, Natrol, Nature's Bounty,

Puritan's Pride, Schiff and Walgreens brand.

Melatonin is available in quick-release form ­ regular

tablets and capsules ­ and special time-release forms

extending its release over several hours (also

referred to as extended-release, controlled-release,

or time-release forms). Quick-release aids the ability

to fall asleep, while time-release may be more helpful

in staying asleep. Time-release versions cannot be

crushed or chewed, but can be found as very small

tablets.

There does seem to be some tendency to " get used to "

the melatonin with less effectiveness over time. This

varies from person to person, however.

Finally, melatonin's safety in young children has not

been established.

Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Down Syndrome: Health Issues

http://www.ds-health.com

__________________________________________________