[bubbaandme]

Hi Everyone,

My 10mth DS has never been a good sleeper, but now that he can stand up in the cot, he is much worse. He wakes up approx 3 times a night and takes close to an hour and a half to re-settle. Last night he was awake and crying/standing in cot/bashing cot from 1.15am to 3.30am - with hubby and I taking turns in sitting with him.

We are at are wits end from lack of sleep during the past 3 weeks. My mum suggested Phenergan or Panquil for one night just so we can get some sleep. Ive read that both should not be given to a child under 2. Id love your opinions on these medications - just for one night.

Weve been doing 'self settling', 'teaching to sleep' and even 'control crying' techniques for 3 months now, but DS is too stubborn and just wants to be constantly held.

Many thanks,
Melissa

[swahili]

I personally would not use any medication to sedate a child, even just for one night. If nothing else Phenergan can have the opposite effect in children and cause them to become over-stimulated and wide awake. It can have serious effects on babies and children and should only ever be used under medical advice. And I would guess that if you did use it and it worked, 'just once' would possibly become twice, third and so on.

Can your Mother look after him for 'just one night' so that you and hubby can get a decent nights sleep?

I know it's hard (my DD is a bad sleeper) but I really think you are better off getting support and tips which offer long-term solutions rather than short-term quick fixes which are potentially dangerous.

This post has been edited by swahili: 27/06/2007, 02:02 PM

[KatieBal]

I know how you feel was in the same situation and we used phenergan and BEWARE it can have the opposite effect which is what happened to us but worked fine on all 4 of my sisters kids and was told to by a dr to get them in a sleeping routine.
Its a personal choice to medicate as no one else knows exactly how bad and exausted you really are. I was up every hour during the night and couldnt do anything but hold DD all day every day. We ended up at Tresillian and now have a totally different baby.
And it doesnt mean you WILL give it to them more times.

Katie

This post has been edited by KatieBal: 27/06/2007, 12:57 PM

[Phascogale]

I wouldn't take the risk either. (The active in Phenergan is promethazine HCl in case you think I've got the wrong medication.)

FDA ALERT [4/2006] Medications containing promethazine hydrochloride (HCl) should not be used for children less than two years old because of possible breathing problems. This includes promethazine HCl in any form: syrups, suppositories, tablets, or injectables. Cases of breathing problems, some causing death, have been reported to the FDA when the drug was used in children less than two years old. Parents and caregivers should also be careful and get a doctor’s advice about giving promethazine HCl in any form to children age two and older. The labeling on all products, brand name and generic, has been changed to reflect these strengthened warnings. One manufacturer of suppositories and tablets has notified healthcare professionals of the changed label. The FDA is issuing this safety alert to make sure that healthcare professionals, other caregivers, and patients realize that the warnings apply to promethazine HCl syrups as well.

This is enough to put me off. It's not just a matter of one night as a child can have a reaction the first time you give it. There are more side effects further down this website too.

Have you tried any of the gentler sleep methods ie Elizabeth Pantley's No cry sleep solution? They take longer (although it sounds as though you aren't having any luck with the things you are trying now) to work but don't stress the child as much.

Or like PP said, get your mum to come over and deal with your baby while you catch up on some sleep. This doesn't necessarily have to be at night either. A good nap in the middle of the day will help any sleep deprived person. Your mum might like to take him for a walk or something.

[carmine]

There is a high correlation between using Promethazine in Phenergan and SIDS in children under 2. Definitely NOT worth the risk!!!

[tinkster23]

When we use phenergan at work for procedures the child must be specialled and monitoried- this means they have a nurse sitting right beside them and electronic moniters on to monitor their pulse and breathing


So no, I wouldn't, cos I wouldn't want to watch her all night.
And, like pp's said, I've seen some kids go absolutely NUTS on phenergan

[2bundles]

Why something so strong? Have you tried Panadol or Nurofen? Talk to your GP, they might have a milder sedative for babies. I know my GP suggested it once to break some bad nights. We have used Phenergan for DS' allergies (that is what it is for) and he goes hypo.

[JustSmileAndNod]

2Bundles I am confused, isn't a sedative supposed to make a child go "hypo" (low) or did you mean "hyper" (high)?

I agree you certainly sound like you need a break it must be hard, I can understand why some parents would consider using phenergan. However there are significant risks.

Can your Mum babysit him overnight so you can at least have one good nights sleep?

Have you tried the Pick up put down method?

ETA I totally agree with 2Bundles, if you do use any medication, see your GP first.

Good Luck

This post has been edited by **Puss*in*Boots**: 28/06/2007, 12:56 PM

[wiggler]

15-20% of children will have the opposite reaction to phenergan and go hyperactive crazy so be aware of that.

it can be used with under medical guideance. i wouldnt be doing it yourself.

can you go to a sleep school?? can grandparents take her for one night so you get that one good sleep to tackle thinsg again?? can you afford a night nanny for a while (they also help with sleep tatic though can be pricey)?? if worse comes to worse you can always speak to your local hosital and see about an admission - i have done that for mums before when it was all getting too much.

[becki3156]

This drug has been linked to SIDS. do use it in under 2yrs. There was a study done on infant pigs that showed this increased risk.( I know our children aren't pigs but pigs are remarkably genetically similar to humans hence why the use them in research and we put in pig valve into peoples hearts.) Also Panquil is no longer avaiable. I was apparently a Panquil baby as my father found my mother shaking me at 7 months due to my poor sleep habits. Just because it didn't do me harm doesn't mean an alternative won't.