Melatonin and PANDAS? Saccharomyces Boulardi?

[Joan Pandas Mom]

I recently missed a post on a connection with Meletonin? Does anyone know what that is? Also Is it OK to take Saccharomyces Boulardi in a probiotic? I know there is one PANDAS kids need to stay away from. Thanks.

[Stephanie2]

Not sure about a specific connection, but i think many on this board use this to "knock their pandas kids out"!! LOL! J/K (well, actually I'm serious!)

 

I have used melatonin during an exacerbation and it saves the day!!

 

As far as S. Boulardii, it is a "good" yeast probiotic that can be taken at the same time as an antibiotic b/c the antibiotic will not kill it.

 

I don't know why but our DAN doctor does not like S. Boulardii to be used long term. He said something like "I have seen it turn on some kids" (like they started having an autoimmune response to it or somethiing). He also said that if it is taken at the same time (meaning on the same day)as an antifungal you could see a die-off reaction when the S. Boulardii dies.

 

With all of that said, I do use both from time to time, just not long term.

[MomWithOCDSon]

Yes, we use melatonin as a sleep aid for not just DS, but ourselves, as well. 3 mg. will have us all snoring within about a 1/2-hour, so I give it to DS as he settles in for a little bit of reading before lights out.

 

Sach boulardis is one probiotic we have relied heavily upon because it is very good for preventing diarrhea while taking high-dose abx. Plus, it can be taken at the same time as abx, without having to worry about timing or staggering the dosage, because abx can't kill it. "Florastor" is a popular brand name that some doctors will recommend that's 100% sach b., but you can also get other brands (like Jarrow) at a better price at a place like The Vitamin Shoppe.

 

I think the one PANDAS families are avoiding is a form of streptocauccas (?spelling?) that shows up in some probiotic blends, as well as in some cheeses and yogurts. The probiotic blends will tell you what cultures are contained within the capsule, though, so it is relatively easy to avoid in that form.

[norcalmom]

try the 1mg dose melatonin first - that is what we use, have not needed higher (although usually in sold 3mg tabs,you can find in 1mg)

[ajcire]

Ditto to trying the 1 mg first. I just started using it sometimes with my son who will say he can't sleep and it's enough to help him. I made sure to tell him that the dr. said that after he takes it for a few days he might not need it anymore because the dr. said it will teach his body to sleep... I know that's not true but I was afraid he would start to think he needed it. In our case I used it for 4 nights and on night 5 he did ok without it. The power of suggestion....

[nicklemama]

I use 0.5mgs on DS5. It knocks him out in about half an hr. I buy the chewables at Trader Joes.

[philamom]

I use Natrol Melatonin liquid for my dd9 that I purchased from Rite Aid. It was recommended by our Neurologist. I like the liquid since you can control the amount. Sometimes, I only need to give 1-2ml. I just put it in some apple juice and she doesn't even realize.

 

For myself, I take Source Naturals sublingual (ornage flavored) 1mg. I add another if it doesn't work.

Edited September 24, 2010 by philamom

[Joan Pandas Mom]

Thanks guys. I'm going to try it. OCD wouldn't let him last night but I'll keep trying. AHGGGG.