Medications for autism are often used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums. These autistic 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 treating 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.
In treating symptoms of autism there are a number of medications, developed for other conditions which have been found effective. The goal of medications for autism is to reduce these behaviors to allow the individual 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.
Medication treatment for children with autism may not respond in the same way as typically developing children. It is important that parents work with a doctor who has experience with treating 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.
For treatment of autism 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.
The FDAs 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 childs 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. It may also have 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
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.
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