Valium equivalent for kids?

[Mehita]

Is there something equivalent to Valium that can be given to kids with high anxiety before procedures?

When we were in the ER the other day, the doctor realized DS wasn't going to tolerate much and offered morphine via a nasal spray to calm him down. I declined just because my gut told me too, but it got me wondering if that is the only or the best option for kids?

 

[greypup]

I'm not sure how to spell this, verset, but it's an infusion or spray that kids can have before procedures. M has had it sprayed in her nose before having an NG tube inserted. Unfortunatley, ALL three of our kids have had surgery this year for different reasons and they all tolerated the verset beforehand which took the edge off. They come out of it pretty clean too.

 

[Clash]

I was going to mention the same, versed. C has never had it but they do have children doses. I've had it for anxiety before a surgery. I think it is also part of the twilight cocktail. The time I had it was by shot into IV though.

 

[Mehita]

Is it a type of morphine then? I wish I could remember what exactly the ER doctor offered. Probably should have taken him up on it!

 

[DanceMom]

I know your son is older than A, but we've found the Child Life Specialists to be very helpful before procedures. A learned some techniques that she now uses on her own to calm herself down and reduce anxiety. A has had a bad reaction to a pain medication in the past so I don't like to use it unless we have to.

 

[kimmidwife]

Versed is actually an amnesiac drug. It makes you relax and not remember what happened. It is often given prior to a surgery or for an in office procedure. It really knocks you out and I don't think it would be used as an anti anxiety medication for a minor thing such as blood drawing although I could be wrong. I am sure there are some options out there and would recommend next time you see your doctor you discuss it with him and have him add it to your son's chart so if you are in the ER again you can call the on call doctor and explain the situation and hopefully they can check his chart and then speak with the ER doctor to make a plan.
Here is an article which talks somewhat about this issue. The focus is a little more on pain management but if you scroll toward at he bottom there is a bit about using medication for stress and anxiety management:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/5/1348.full
I did not really find much else other then that drugs like Valium can be used in children in the appropriate doses.

 

[my little penguin]

A psych who deals with kiddos with chronic medical stuff is key.
since the pain of a needle stick is "Real" .
our psych is awesome
the kiddos talk more since we are in the room as well