Non-prescribed "medication"

[bugsmom18]

What is the name of your state? Iowa

Joint legal custody of 6 yr old. Dad was told today by DD that her mom got her some pills at the mall to help DD get to sleep at night. The mall has a GNC store so it's assumed that's what she means. DD has never had sleep problems (she is with dad about 35%) so why she needs "help" in a pill form is beyond him. Granted this is coming from the DD who only mentioned it because she said she didn't want to take those pills.

Dad is going to speak with his ex about it but if it's like any past issues that dad has he will most likely get nowhere as mom will do whatever she wants with the answer "well you won't get DD any extra like you have been unless you do it my way!" He does not rock the boat as most hills aren't worth dying on as stealth says but he is not happy about this situation at all and feels it could be serious. Does he have any standing to make sure she doesn't give their daughter is basically a sleeping pill? Dad asked DD if she was sure the doctor didn't give it to her and she said no, mommy got it at that place in the mall with the chairs (they have massaging chairs DD always sits in when we shop)

Note: I'm the SM and my only answer was to try to find out WHAT it is that she gave her so we could look it up on the internet about what it does and why it isn't good for his DD to show the mom. Mom does listen to reason if there is proof to back it up that is more than just dad saying he doesn't think it's good. If that doesn't work, what would you do?

 

[moburkes]

All he can do is talk to her about it. Since its not a prescription, but more likely some type of herbal supplement, he can look up the benefits and side effects online once he knows what it is. It probably isn't harmful unless its an over the counter drug.

 

[CJane]

I'd definitely try to find out what it is, exactly, and make sure that it's ok for a child of that age and wouldn't interact with anything else.

But if it's just an herbal (chamomile or something like that), let it go. Maybe it helps the child fall asleep at an earlier hour or helps her stay asleep or any number of things. My kids don't have 'trouble' sleeping, but every so often I give them a cup of chamomile with warm milk and honey when I want them to hit the hay a little earlier.

 

[bugsmom18]

He talked to mom tonight. It is Melatonin 1 from GNC. Per the GNC website those under age 18 are restricted from purchasing it and it is for adult use only. As per WebMD it is stated that children and pregnant women need consult a doctor before using. I have a list of the side effects which include morning grogginess, upset stomach, vivid dreams, and the recommended dose for an adult is .6 mg. Mom is giving her 1 mg.

He is going to talk to her again (they aren't fighting about it thank God) and give her the stuff from those two websites.

Has anyone had any experience with this herbal pill? Thanks for the replies.

 

[Just Blue]

He talked to mom tonight. It is Melatonin 1 from GNC. Per the GNC website those under age 18 are restricted from purchasing it and it is for adult use only. As per WebMD it is stated that children and pregnant women need consult a doctor before using. I have a list of the side effects which include morning grogginess, upset stomach, vivid dreams, and the recommended dose for an adult is .6 mg. Mom is giving her 1 mg.

He is going to talk to her again (they aren't fighting about it thank God) and give her the stuff from those two websites.

Has anyone had any experience with this herbal pill? Thanks for the replies.

Did mom give dad a reason for giving her daughter this drug?

 

[bugsmom18]

Bay: Mom's reason was to get daughter on a sleep schedule and to help dd get up in the morning. She stays at our house at least one night a week if not two and EOW and we have found that our bedtime routine works just fine for getting dad's DD as well as my DD and our DS into bed between 8 and 8:30 without pills. Dad is concerned about side effects and dependency on his DD "needing" something to help her fall asleep.