A word of warning on phenergan

[MummaSue]

Nope, phenergan when used incorrectly and given at the wrong dose can have a paradoxical effect.

Don't touch it with a barge pole!!

[Artechim]

What drug doesnt have side effects?

Actually the drowsiness is a side effect. Phenergan is intended as an anti-histamine and an antiemetic but is often used as a sedative because it has the side effect of causing sleepiness.

[CrazyLady]

A Dr suggested this to me for Charlotte's growing pains because she was waking so often and I was a walking Zombie but I wanted to see if she settled again. She hasn't reset fully to a full nights sleep but it's close.

One of the mums at playgroup had tried everything before finally resorting to this to get her then 4 year old in routine. Apparently the reason she finally resorted is because she had a car accident being she was so tired. I can see in instances like that where it's beneficial meaning last resort.

[~clover~]

I wish people around me would understand this. My mum kept pushing for my to give DS phenergan, til she asked the chemist & they told her its not allowed in under 2's. She bought me claratyne instead.
Then when the kids were out there started giving DD1 (8) half a tab every night to see if it'd help with the lumps in her neck we are having looked at. This was without me knowing. She's also suggested it to help them sleep 'oh, everyone used to do it. I've never heard that before'

I have used panadol/nurofen with DD2 to try to change her 3am bedtime routine. I'm seriously considering doing it with her again, coz the 10.30 bed times & 7am mornings are getting too much!

[Fleur]

I think it perhaps it used to be more common but the supply of it is more controlled these days (due to misuse )

I have heard of doctors prescribing sedatives for short term use, to regain some kind of sleeping pattern in small children. But that's not misuse, it's a different thing altogether.

I'd be wary of giving it if it's not needed as I would be with any medication.

[CrazyLady]

One of my friends was saying her mum gave it to her for teething (wtf?). She also said it was harmless but I'm thinking otherwise at the time. anything that sedates the child is a tad sinister IMO

[Just Me]

We used it a couple of weeks ago for DS (who is 2) after the doctor told us to get some ... he had horrible eczema and hadn't slept for 3 nights from the itching and discomfort. He did warn us that while it might work on some kids to make them tired, it doesn't work on all kids. For DS, the antihistamine didn't work to reduce his ezcema and he was awake just as much on it as off it. We were told to use it through the day, but we gave him one dose at night and he acted drunk (he was really clumsy - walking into walls, falling over etc) so we decided against giving it to him during the day and didn't go back to it after one dose.

I had phenergan once when I was 13 while I had the chicken pox and it knocked me out cold for 16 hours. It seems like a really strong drug and one that I would avoid if possible. I haven't been that impressed by how it worked for me or for DS.