Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medicines as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
There are no specific treatments for autism. However, several kinds of medicine may be helpful for to treat symptoms. For example, many individuals with autism have behaviors associated with anxiety, irritability, inattention, obsessive-compulsive habits, or aggression. Some of these medicines are used as part of a more comprehensive treatment program to help with these types of behaviors.
Some drugs in this class appear to have a beneficial effect on people with autism by altering brain chemistry. These drugs increase the amount of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline. These chemicals are believed to have stimulant effects.
Clomipramine is a medicine used to treat
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
, which shares features with autism. The specific chemical abnormalities related to autism have not been identified yet. The use of these drugs is guided by experience and trial and error.
Medicines are given one to two times a day in doses similar to those used to treat
. Side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and sedation are most common. There are many other side effects, some serious, such as disturbances of heart rhythm. Talk to your doctor about the specific side effects of these drugs.
This medicine is most commonly used for
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
. It may help certain forms of autism, as well. Methylphenidate is not recommended for children under the age of six.
Possible side effects include:
These drugs are commonly used to treat
, but are also used for autism. These drugs have occasionally severe side effects and should be used with great caution.
Only risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved to treat autism-related symptoms.
Other medicines may be chosen based on other symptoms. Some people with autism may suffer from seizures. In this case, your doctor may prescribe anti-convulsant medicines.
In some cases, these medicines may cause unexpected reactions in autistic patients. If your child is taking any of these medicines, pay close attention to changes in behavior. Stay in close contact with your child's doctor.
Whenever you are taking a prescription medicine, take the following precautions:
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