I would like to start by stating that I personally am against using medication to treat autism unless the person is so severe that he/she cannot function without it (unable to care for self by eating, bathing, etc.).
The Autism Society of America lists several drugs that have been used to treat autism. The behaviors being addressed by medication includehyperactivity, impulsivity, attention difficulties, and anxiety.
The drugsclomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and fluoxetine (Prozac) have all been used to treatdepression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety. These behaviors are sometimes present in people with autism. It is believed these drugs can potentially reverse some of the symptoms of serotonin dysregulation in autism.
Some other drugs that have not been studied as much as the last three are believed to possibly play a role in treating behavioral symptoms and includeElavil, Wellbutrin, Valium, Ativan and Xanax.
Anti-psychotic medications originally designed to treat schizophreniahave been found to decrease hyperactivity, stereotypical behaviors, withdrawal, and aggression in individuals with autism. The main four that have been approved by the FDAare Clozapine (Clozaril), Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and Quetiapine (Seroquel). Risperidone has been approved specifically to treat Autism.
A few other drugs have been shown to increase focus and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in autism, especially in children who are not as severe as others. They includeRitalin, Adderall and Dexedrine.
In closing,"Increased use of medications to treat autism spectrum disorders has highlighted the need for more studies of these drugs in children. The National Institute of Mental Health has established a network of Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) that combines expertise in psychopharmacology and psychiatry."
Coming up in my next blog: Vitamin and Mineral treatments
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