Is it abuse to give a child melatonine when not precribed by his doctor my son has no history of adhd , sleeping disorder or anything like that. his father hasbeen giving sleeping medicine for 2 years every night before he goes to sleep child protective s

Hello. : Hello. I can't give legal advice about this. From a medical standpoint, melatonin is a herbal supplement that is used to aid with sleep. It is not considered a medication in the us and thus is not prescribed. If the child falls asleep easily at a reasonable bedtime it likely would not be necessary. However, if your son needs some help getting to sleep if may be helpful. One does not need to have a diagnosed sleep disorder to use melatonin.

Long term effects?: Tell your husband that while melatonin may help his baby sleep we don't know the long term effects the drug will have on his child.