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As a kid, my parents gave me melatonin/Benadryl to put me down. How common is this?

When I was a kid, I was kinda hyper. My parents were both working parents, and they got tired of dealing with me. I recently found out that they used to slip me melatonin or Benadryl to put me down when they felt like they'd had enough.

I only learned this recently, so I'm wondering—how often does this actually happen? How common is it?

And for parents who have done this (or considered it), what were the other reasons? Was it just exhaustion? A need for a break? Something else?

Not looking to judge anyone. Just trying to understand my own childhood and figure out how normal (or not) this is.

Thanks.
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PinkMoon · 26-30, F
I looked it up and both aren't advised. Benadryl isn't recommended as a sleep aid for children. Because of this there is no recommended dose for sleep so your parents were just recklessly drugging you. Melatonin isn't regulated by the FDA so the dosages can vary. There have been cases reported of melatonin overdoses in children. The point is you shouldn't medicate children without consulting a doctor. Your parents are very fortunate that your long-term health wasn't negatively affected.

Edit: I just saw that your parents are doctors. That's besides the point because doctors are advised against treating their own family members. You should've been under the care of another physician. They knew what they were doing was unethical. It's a violation of HIPPA that in this day and age if exposed on social media would get their licence to practise revoked. It would also trigger a CPS investigation and possible allegations of child abuse. One viral tiktok and their lives would be shattered.
Alexa98 · 26-30, F
@PinkMoon they did not hurt me. I turned out fine... No need for all of that. It happened often but not always. From what i saw, many people do this. I dont want to defend anyone was kust wondering how often this happens and reasons