Tapering off Clonazepam...what to do about the insomnea?

[veryworriedmomdad]

What can we do to help our daughter with her insomnea?  She is tapering off of Clonazepam .5 mg.  Last night was horrible, she didn't sleep much at all.  and hasn't been for at least 2 months. I finally got her to sleep sound at 6:30 am. She's been on Clonazepam for 3 months, and it is giving her terrible side effects and was not working for the insomnea nor the anxiety, actually making it worse.  Any ideas would sure be great!!!  My husband is not quite liking me NOT sleeping with him, and my 16 yr old daughter is NOT so crazy about me sleeping with her!!!! LOL.

[Paxiled]

I honestly don't know.  Melatonin is extremely safe as far as toxicity, but again, when dealing with people that young I'd always ask an expert.  Or you could google it and see if there are any official precautions of if it's just a generic warning to avoid lawsuits.  A naturopath might know.  There is a lot of research over the years on melatonin, as it was originally a pharmaceutical product.  Share with us what you find out.  (My inclination is to think it's fine, but I just don't know for sure.  Whereas you can try homeopathy easily).  One thing you can do is go to the website of Source Naturals, a vitamin company that makes a large array of melatonin products.  See if they make one for children.  Of course, if they do, it might just be flavored with something rather than anything different from the regular stuff.  The good thing about melatonin is lower doses work best and the body produces it naturally so it's nothing the body can't recognize or recognizes as toxic or has to go through gyrations to tolerate it, as it generally does with medication.

[veryworriedmomdad]

All the OTC melatonin I've looked at says not recommended for children under 18.  Is this just a generic precaution or is there one out there for children?  I will look for Calm's Forte today.  Her therapist is the one who recommended melatonin also. Thank you for taking the time to answer. I appreciate all your wisdom.

Thanks again,
Patty

[Paxiled]

Benzos such as clonazepam aren't sleeping pills, though it's amazing how often people report being given them for sleep.  They do reduce anxiety and for some produce a sedative effect, but that wears off with time.  For a sixteen year old I'd definitely get her to a therapist to try and find out what's up.  You might also ask her practitioner about melatonin; it might be her body clock is messed up, but I'd want to check with someone before using a hormone on someone that young.  The dosage would be .5mg a half hour before sleep.  Homeopathy is completely safe, though no guarantee it'll work.  Calm's Forte is something you buy OTC, or you can see a homeopathic physician who will try remedies until the right one is located.  They have no side effects and don't mess with the still-developing brain of a 16 year old.