In the first years of a child’s life, moods, tearfulness and a bad mood are not uncommon. Most often this does not cause much concern to parents and goes away by itself. But sometimes this behavior is combined with a bad baby sleep, increased excitability, and later there is a noticeable lag in mental development. In such cases, many doctors prescribe a child "Glycine." This drug is based on natural ingredients, therefore it is safe even in the first year of a baby's life. It helps to cope with tearfulness, establish sleep and improve mood.
general characteristics
The active substance of the drug is the amino acid glycine. Its other name is aminoacetic acid. It is produced in the liver and is involved in the nervous system. This is one of the 20 essential amino acids necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It partially enters the body from food. There is glycine in the liver, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, oatmeal. The name of this amino acid is translated from Greek as “sweet”. It really has a sweet taste, which makes it possible to give the drug “Glycine” to a child without any problems.
The drug is produced in the form of sublingual lozenges. The active substance per 1 tablet is 100 mg, in addition, 1 mg of methyl cellulose and magnesium stearate is also present in it.
Action Features
The official instructions for "Glycine" (for children it is prescribed quite often) does not explain why it is useful. If parents doubt whether their baby needs this drug, the doctor can explain what effect it has. This amino acid is natural for the human body and takes part in many processes. The need for its application is explained by useful properties. She provides such actions:
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- calms, relieves stress and anxiety;
- stimulates the protective mechanisms of the central nervous system;
- improves inhibition processes in the nervous system;
- improves memory, attention and mental activity;
- possesses antioxidant properties;
- accelerates the elimination of toxins;
- normalizes sleep;
- eliminates aggressive behavior;
- improves cerebral circulation.
When is Glycine Appointed
Most often, this drug is prescribed by neurologists. But many pediatricians also use it as part of the complex treatment of many pathologies. The instruction to "Glycine" for children recommends its use in:
- sleep disturbances;
- irritability, neurosis;
- frequent anxiety, restlessness, tearfulness;
- prolonged stress;
- mental retardation;
- attention deficit disorder;
- outbreaks of aggressive behavior, increased conflict;
- inability to adapt in the team;
- problems with the assimilation of educational material;
- perinatal damage to the nervous system, encephalopathy;
- vegetative-vascular disorders.
And the remedy helps after traumatic brain injury or poisoning with toxic substances.
How to give Glycine to children
This drug comes in the form of small white tablets with a sweet taste. Therefore, all children take it without any problems. But "Glycine" should not be swallowed, but absorbed under the tongue or behind the cheek. After all, this amino acid is better absorbed into the blood through the mucous membranes. The dosage of “Glycine” for children depends on the age and severity of the condition. A whole tablet can be given only to children older than 3 years. It does not need to grind, just put the baby in the mouth and offer to suck. Usually no objection arises, since the pill is small and sweet. Children 2-3 years old are given half a tablet. If the child cannot dissolve it, you need to crush it into powder. At the same time, you can not dilute it with water or add to food.
Particular attention should be paid to the dosage of "Glycine" for children up to a year. The drug is prescribed from birth, but how much the baby needs is determined only by a doctor. Usually a quarter to half tablet is given. So that the child does not choke, it must be crushed and dipped in powder nipple. Sometimes, when breastfeeding, "Glycine" is prescribed to the mother, he passes the baby through milk. Regardless of age, the drug is taken 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is usually 2 weeks, but all this is determined individually by the doctor.
Contraindications
Many parents doubt whether it is possible to give "Glycine" to the child. This amino acid is natural for the body, it is in the cells of every person. After taking the medicine, it gets into all tissues and fluids. Glycine does not accumulate in the body, if there is no need for its presence, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water, and then it is naturally excreted. Therefore, the only contraindication for taking "Glycine" for a child is individual intolerance. In this case, allergic reactions appear in the form of skin rash and itching. It is recommended in the first days of taking the drug to monitor the condition of the child and discontinue treatment when such effects appear.
Side effects
Instructions for use "Glycine" for children warns that more serious side effects are possible with an overdose of the drug. This amino acid affects the functioning of the brain and nervous system, therefore, an excess of it can cause malfunctions in their functioning. It can be sleep disturbances, lethargy, dizziness, fainting, severe anxiety or lethargy, and low blood pressure. To avoid the occurrence of such reactions, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking "Glycine" and strictly follow the recommended dosage.
Features of the use of the drug
There is no need to give “Glycine” to healthy children, there will be no changes, since this amino acid is already in the body, it does not accumulate and in case of excess is simply excreted. But with various brain injuries, impaired functioning of the nervous system, problems with blood circulation, an additional supply of glycine is necessary. Especially effective is the use of this drug for infants who have suffered birth injuries.
Often, "Glycine" is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment. It protects the brain from toxic damage with certain drugs, such as antipsychotics. But along with sleeping pills and sedatives, it is undesirable to give the child "Glycine", as this increases the effect of inhibition of the nervous system.
Even with the independent use of the drug, its effectiveness is felt. After the course of treatment, the children become calmer, begin to sleep better and eat. Breasts cry less, and older children learn the learning material better. Teenagers are not so aggressive and nervous, it is easier for them to communicate.
Analogues of the drug
The drug "Glycine" refers to nootropic drugs that improve mental activity and metabolic processes in the brain. There are few complete analogues of the drug, usually this is the same tool produced by different companies. These are "Eltatsin", "Glycine Bio", "Glycine Forte", "Glycine Active". They may differ in the presence of auxiliary substances, for example, B vitamins, as well as a different dosage of the active substance. Therefore, it is not worth changing the drug for the child without consulting a doctor.
In addition, there are other drugs with the same effect. They have a different composition, so they may have contraindications and side effects. Most often, with similar problems, children are assigned Tenoten. This is also a sedative on a natural basis, but you can take it only from 3 years. In addition, it does not affect mental activity. Tryptophan, Phenibut, Piracetam, Mexidol are also more serious medications prescribed for disorders of the nervous system or blood circulation. Each of them can be used from a certain age, so only a doctor can prescribe treatment.
Glycine for children: reviews
Many doctors respond positively about this drug. They consider it universal and are prescribed for various disorders in the condition and behavior of the child. “Glycine” is useful in case of excessive excitability and acts as a sedative, but at the same time it increases the activity of mental activity, improves memory and attention. This drug is often prescribed and due to the fact that it is absolutely safe. The amino acid glycine is present in the body of every person, and only in very rare cases is it allergic to it. Because the drug is well tolerated even by infants and is not addictive. Positive feedback about "Glycine" for children is also left by many parents. They like the high effectiveness of the drug, because literally in 7-10 days of treatment the baby's condition improves significantly. But this tool is quite inexpensive - about 40 rubles per pack of 50 tablets.