Autism is a disorder diagnosed in childhood. Children with autism often demonstrate difficulties with social interaction, communication and repetitive behavior. The treatment of autism varies for each individual child, but behavioral therapy is often the foundation of comprehensive treatment. Though no specific class of medications is prescribed to treat autism, a variety of medications may be used to treat the symptoms of the disorder. These may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and stimulants.
Unusual Movement, Sleepiness, Weight Gain
Antipsychotic medications can help to minimize severe behaviors such as aggression. Medications used include an antipsychotic called Haldol, and atypical antipsychotics such as Risperdal, Zyprexa and Geodon. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Haldol has been found to reduce severe behavior; side effects can include unusual movements, a feeling of sedation and muscle rigidity. Common side effects of atypical antipsychotics like Risperdal include weight gain, sleepiness or sedation, and increased appetite.
Restlessness, Nausea, Agitation
Children with autism often experience difficulties with depression, anxiety and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Prozac to treat both depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children as young as age seven. The FDA also approved three other medications, Luvox, Zoloft and Anfranil, for symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. Antidepressants can help minimize repetitive behaviors and improve social interaction. Some common side effects of antidepressants include difficulty sleeping, nausea or upset stomach, drowsiness, headaches and agitation.
Drowsiness, Dizziness, Mood Changes
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seizures occur in 25 percent of children with autism. Seizures can be treated with anticonvulsant medications, such as Tegretol, Lamictal, Topamax, and Depakote. Side effects common to these medications include feeling drowsy, headaches, bowel movement irregularity, dizziness, cold symptoms, heartburn and mood changes.
Decreased Appetite, Anxiety
Children with autism may exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Treatment with stimulant medications can help minimize these symptoms, allowing them to better control their behavior. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, common side effects of stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Straterra include difficulty sleeping, irritability, decreased appetite and anxiety. Though less common, there is an additional risk of developing tics; however, this frequently stops when medication is changed or stopped.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Autism Treatment Options
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Managing Medication for Children and Adolescents with AD/HD
- National Institute of Mental Health: What medications are used to treat depression?
- National Institute of Mental Health: How is bipolar disorder treated?
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