| Medication for treating autism - Medications for behavioral problems - Bright Tots - Information on child development - Autism information |
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| Medication for Treating Autism |
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Medications are often used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe
tantrums. These behaviors interfere with a child from functioning more effectively at home or school. The medications
used are those that have been developed to treat similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications used
for autism may have not been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes them if he
or she feels they are appropriate for your child. Further research needs to be done to ensure not only the efficacy but
the safety of experimental drugs used in the treatment of children and adolescents.
There are a number of medications, developed for other conditions which have been found effective in treating some of
the symptoms and behaviors frequently found in individuals with autism. The goal of medications is to reduce these
behaviors to allow the individual with autism to take advantage of educational and behavioral treatments. People with
autism have very sensitive nervous systems. Some individuals may require much lower doses of medications than
people with a normal nervous system. This will vary from individual to individual.
A child with ASD may not respond in the same way to medications as typically developing children. It is important that
parents work with a doctor who has experience with children with autism. A child should be monitored closely while
taking a medication. The doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to be effective. Ask the doctor about any side
effects the medication may have and keep a record of how your child responds to the medication.
We do not endorse any specific medication. The information provided here is meant as an overview of the types of
medications sometimes prescribed. Be sure to consult a medical professional for more information.
Risperdal
Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug, has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms
of autism in children and adolescents ages 5 to 16. It’s the first time the FDA has approved any drug to treat behaviors
such as aggression, deliberate self-injury and severe temper tantrums associated with autism in children. Some doctors
warn that the drug should be used only after other treatments are tried that don’t involve medication.
The FDA’s new approval for the use of Risperdal for autistic children comes after two eight-week placebo-controlled
trials in 156 patients ages 5 to 16, 90 percent of whom were ages 5 to 12. If intervention without medication is not
successful in changing the child’s behavior and if the child is doing such things as banging his/her head or biting
themselves, then perhaps there is a place for pharmacological intervention. Risperdal should be used thoroughly and not
as the first form of treatment.
The National Autism Association, an advocacy group for families of autistic children, has serious concerns about
Risperdal. Many worry about the side effects of Risperdal, which can include drowsiness, fatigue, constipation and
weight gain. There also are rare reactions, such as extreme weight gain, the seeping of a milk-like substance from
nipples in both girls and boys, and a neurological disorder causing involuntary movements, which according to the drug
manufacturer can sometimes be permanent.
The most common adverse reactions with Risperdal include unconsciousness, increase in appetite, fatigue, upper
respiratory tract infection, increase in saliva, constipation, dry mouth, tremor, muscle stiffness, dizziness, involuntary
movements, restlessness, repetitive behavior, rapid heart beat, confusion, and increase in weight. Some people may
need regular blood sugar testing. Studies suggest an increased risk of elevated blood sugar-related side effects, and
sometimes potentially fatal, in patients treated with this class of medications, including Risperdal. Risperdal may affect
alertness and motor skills; use caution until the effect of Risperdal is known.
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal in pediatric patients with autistic disorder less than 5 years of age have not
been established. If you or the child observes these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional. The dosage of
Risperdal should be individualized for children and adolescents based on weight
Secretin
Secretin is a chemical messenger one of the hormones that controls gastric function digestion. Although secretin is
generally considered safe for single dose diagnostic use, no data are available yet as to the safety of repeated doses over
time and no data have been submitted on its safety and efficacy for children. Secretin is not approved by the FDA for
the treatment of Autism. Some physicians may use this drug as treatment at their own discretion. However, without a
proper antibodies test first this drug might become a serious problem.
Researchers are concerned about side effects over time on the young child and many remain worried with allergic
reactions. Currently, the risks appear to be exceeding the gains by a long margin. It was reported three children with
autistic spectrum disorders who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and injections of secretin. All three within
5 weeks of the secretin treatment, exhibited a significant improvement of the children's gastrointestinal symptoms was
observed, as was a dramatic improvement in their behavior, manifested by improved eye contact, alertness, and
expansion of expressive language. These clinical observations suggest an association between gastrointestinal and brain
function in patients with autistic behavior. Reports indicate that it is also effective in social development.
No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of secretin treatment in autism have been conducted At the present time,
there is no agreed upon procedure to determine which children may potentially benefit from the use of this drug.
Physicians are advised that, like all drugs, there is the possibility of adverse events that may be associated with
individual allergies or sensitivity. Although it is possible that some of the patients respond well to the research studies,
the available evidence does not suggest that secretin is a useful treatment for children with autism.
Serotonin and anti depressants
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and anxiety
that are sometimes present in autism. Because researchers have consistently found elevated levels of serotonin in the
bloodstream of one-third of individuals with autism, these drugs could potentially reverse some of the symptoms of
serotonin impairments in autism. Serotonin has affected the regulation of many functions, such as learning, memory,
sensory and motor processes, and, most important for treatment, repetitive behaviors that are relevant to autism.
Studies have shown that several anti depressants may reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and
may decrease irritability, tantrums and aggressive behavior. Some children have shown improvements in eye contact
and responsiveness. However, all these drugs have potential side-effects, which should be discussed before treatment is
started.
Anti-psychotic medications have been the most widely studied in autism over the past 35 years. Originally developed for
treating schizophrenia, these drugs have been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypic behaviors, withdrawal and
aggression in individuals with autism. Like the antidepressants, these drugs all have potential side effects, including
sedation.
Stimulants used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with autism.
Although few studies have been done, they may increase focus, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism,
particularly in higher-functioning children. Dosages need to be carefully monitored, however, because behavioral side
effects are often dose-related.
There is increasing recognition that childhood autism can be favorably modified by appropriate medication. Medications
that proved to be beneficial are the same as those used for mood disorder in the non-autistic population, namely SSRIs
(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers (lithium or antiepileptic agents).
Divalproex Sodium
The Divalproex (Depakote) Study examines efficacy of Divalproex sodium, a drug that is already FDA-approved for the
treatment of epilepsy or manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. This mood stabilizer may help in reducing
autistic symptoms, such as impulsivity, aggression, and social and language deficits, in children/adolescents with autism.
The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism
spectrum disorder. Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of
divalproex sodium vs. placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviors as
measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. This study provides preliminary support for the
use of divalproex in treating repetitive behaviors in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and
mechanism of action of these findings.
No Cure for Autism
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. As of now there is no one method alone used effectively in treating
autism. However, professionals and families have found that a combination of treatments may be effective in treating
symptoms and behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These may include behavioral and
pharmacological interventions. While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct the underlying
neurological problems that seem to cause autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other
disorders are sometimes effective in treating some aspects of or behaviors associated with autism.
tantrums. These behaviors interfere with a child from functioning more effectively at home or school. The medications
used are those that have been developed to treat similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications used
for autism may have not been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes them if he
or she feels they are appropriate for your child. Further research needs to be done to ensure not only the efficacy but
the safety of experimental drugs used in the treatment of children and adolescents.
There are a number of medications, developed for other conditions which have been found effective in treating some of
the symptoms and behaviors frequently found in individuals with autism. The goal of medications is to reduce these
behaviors to allow the individual with autism to take advantage of educational and behavioral treatments. People with
autism have very sensitive nervous systems. Some individuals may require much lower doses of medications than
people with a normal nervous system. This will vary from individual to individual.
A child with ASD may not respond in the same way to medications as typically developing children. It is important that
parents work with a doctor who has experience with children with autism. A child should be monitored closely while
taking a medication. The doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to be effective. Ask the doctor about any side
effects the medication may have and keep a record of how your child responds to the medication.
We do not endorse any specific medication. The information provided here is meant as an overview of the types of
medications sometimes prescribed. Be sure to consult a medical professional for more information.
Risperdal
Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug, has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms
of autism in children and adolescents ages 5 to 16. It’s the first time the FDA has approved any drug to treat behaviors
such as aggression, deliberate self-injury and severe temper tantrums associated with autism in children. Some doctors
warn that the drug should be used only after other treatments are tried that don’t involve medication.
The FDA’s new approval for the use of Risperdal for autistic children comes after two eight-week placebo-controlled
trials in 156 patients ages 5 to 16, 90 percent of whom were ages 5 to 12. If intervention without medication is not
successful in changing the child’s behavior and if the child is doing such things as banging his/her head or biting
themselves, then perhaps there is a place for pharmacological intervention. Risperdal should be used thoroughly and not
as the first form of treatment.
The National Autism Association, an advocacy group for families of autistic children, has serious concerns about
Risperdal. Many worry about the side effects of Risperdal, which can include drowsiness, fatigue, constipation and
weight gain. There also are rare reactions, such as extreme weight gain, the seeping of a milk-like substance from
nipples in both girls and boys, and a neurological disorder causing involuntary movements, which according to the drug
manufacturer can sometimes be permanent.
The most common adverse reactions with Risperdal include unconsciousness, increase in appetite, fatigue, upper
respiratory tract infection, increase in saliva, constipation, dry mouth, tremor, muscle stiffness, dizziness, involuntary
movements, restlessness, repetitive behavior, rapid heart beat, confusion, and increase in weight. Some people may
need regular blood sugar testing. Studies suggest an increased risk of elevated blood sugar-related side effects, and
sometimes potentially fatal, in patients treated with this class of medications, including Risperdal. Risperdal may affect
alertness and motor skills; use caution until the effect of Risperdal is known.
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal in pediatric patients with autistic disorder less than 5 years of age have not
been established. If you or the child observes these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional. The dosage of
Risperdal should be individualized for children and adolescents based on weight
Secretin
Secretin is a chemical messenger one of the hormones that controls gastric function digestion. Although secretin is
generally considered safe for single dose diagnostic use, no data are available yet as to the safety of repeated doses over
time and no data have been submitted on its safety and efficacy for children. Secretin is not approved by the FDA for
the treatment of Autism. Some physicians may use this drug as treatment at their own discretion. However, without a
proper antibodies test first this drug might become a serious problem.
Researchers are concerned about side effects over time on the young child and many remain worried with allergic
reactions. Currently, the risks appear to be exceeding the gains by a long margin. It was reported three children with
autistic spectrum disorders who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and injections of secretin. All three within
5 weeks of the secretin treatment, exhibited a significant improvement of the children's gastrointestinal symptoms was
observed, as was a dramatic improvement in their behavior, manifested by improved eye contact, alertness, and
expansion of expressive language. These clinical observations suggest an association between gastrointestinal and brain
function in patients with autistic behavior. Reports indicate that it is also effective in social development.
No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of secretin treatment in autism have been conducted At the present time,
there is no agreed upon procedure to determine which children may potentially benefit from the use of this drug.
Physicians are advised that, like all drugs, there is the possibility of adverse events that may be associated with
individual allergies or sensitivity. Although it is possible that some of the patients respond well to the research studies,
the available evidence does not suggest that secretin is a useful treatment for children with autism.
Serotonin and anti depressants
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and anxiety
that are sometimes present in autism. Because researchers have consistently found elevated levels of serotonin in the
bloodstream of one-third of individuals with autism, these drugs could potentially reverse some of the symptoms of
serotonin impairments in autism. Serotonin has affected the regulation of many functions, such as learning, memory,
sensory and motor processes, and, most important for treatment, repetitive behaviors that are relevant to autism.
Studies have shown that several anti depressants may reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and
may decrease irritability, tantrums and aggressive behavior. Some children have shown improvements in eye contact
and responsiveness. However, all these drugs have potential side-effects, which should be discussed before treatment is
started.
Anti-psychotic medications have been the most widely studied in autism over the past 35 years. Originally developed for
treating schizophrenia, these drugs have been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypic behaviors, withdrawal and
aggression in individuals with autism. Like the antidepressants, these drugs all have potential side effects, including
sedation.
Stimulants used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with autism.
Although few studies have been done, they may increase focus, and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism,
particularly in higher-functioning children. Dosages need to be carefully monitored, however, because behavioral side
effects are often dose-related.
There is increasing recognition that childhood autism can be favorably modified by appropriate medication. Medications
that proved to be beneficial are the same as those used for mood disorder in the non-autistic population, namely SSRIs
(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers (lithium or antiepileptic agents).
Divalproex Sodium
The Divalproex (Depakote) Study examines efficacy of Divalproex sodium, a drug that is already FDA-approved for the
treatment of epilepsy or manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. This mood stabilizer may help in reducing
autistic symptoms, such as impulsivity, aggression, and social and language deficits, in children/adolescents with autism.
The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism
spectrum disorder. Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of
divalproex sodium vs. placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviors as
measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. This study provides preliminary support for the
use of divalproex in treating repetitive behaviors in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and
mechanism of action of these findings.
No Cure for Autism
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. As of now there is no one method alone used effectively in treating
autism. However, professionals and families have found that a combination of treatments may be effective in treating
symptoms and behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These may include behavioral and
pharmacological interventions. While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct the underlying
neurological problems that seem to cause autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other
disorders are sometimes effective in treating some aspects of or behaviors associated with autism.
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| Medication for Treating Autism |
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