Four Types of Medication for Autism

The most effective methods for treating autism are not pharmaceutical treatments. Language and speech therapy, approaches to education such as structured teaching, and other behavioral approaches are the most important and effective methods for working with autistic individuals. However, in some cases, medication for autism may be prescribed to remediate self-injurious or repetitive behavior, or to control irritability and reduce the frequency of “temper tantrums”.

The most common types of medication for autism include:

·         Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

·         Antipsychotics, either first-generation or second-generation

·         Anticonvulsants

·         Stimulants

SSRI Medication for Autism 

SSRIs are a type of medication that increase the available amount of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter molecule, in the brain. They are sometimes prescribed to autistic persons in order to control some of the restricted, repetitive behaviors common in autism spectrum disorders.

Some common SSRI medications include:

·         Zoloft

·         Prozac

·         Paxil

SSRIs are most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. In autistic persons, they are applied to individuals demonstrating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, or repetitive behavior patterns.

Although these medications are sometimes used to treat autistic behaviors, recent analysis of available research data have suggested that, in the past, the benefits of SSRIs for treating autism behaviors may have been decidedly overstated. 

Anti-Psychotic Medication for Autism 

When behavioral approaches such as applied behavior analysis are not effective on their own, aggressive or self-injurious behavior in autism is sometimes treated with anti-psychotic medications,  

There are two main classes of anti-psychotics. The older class of antipsychotics includes:

-          Haloperidol

-          Chlorpromazine

-          Thorazine

-          Fluphenazine

These may produce side effects, including sedation, muscle stiffness, and abnormal movements.

The newer class of antipsychotics includes such drugs as:

-          Zyprexa

-          Risperdal

-          Geodon

-          Seroquel

Side effects of the newer class of antipsychotics include increased appetite and weight gain.

Anti-psychotic medications function as dopamine receptor antagonists, meaning they prevent excessive uptake of dopamine by brain cells. 

Anticonvulsant Medication for Autism 

Anticonvulsants are a type of medication most commonly used to treat seizure disorders. Among people with autism, approximately 25% also experience seizures, so it is not uncommon for autistic individuals to be on an anticonvulsant.

Common anticonvulsants include:

-          Topiramate (Topomax)

-          Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

-          Valproic acid (Depakote)

Stimulant Medication for Autism 

Stimulants are sometimes used to treat inattention and hyperactivity in the context of autism. Commonly used stimulants include:

-          Ritalin

-          Concerta

-          Dexedrine

-          Adderall

Stimulants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and SSRIs are all sometimes used as medication for autism. These drugs help treat behavioral abnormalities, such as restrictive and repetitive behaviors or hyperactivity. However, none of them are effective by themselves to treat autism. The best approach to autism is a behavioral approach. Methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis and Structured Teaching, along with speech and language therapy, work with autistic children to improve language abilities and social skills. Medication for autism remains somewhat controversial, with some recent studies indicating that they may not be as effective in treating the disorder as was previously believed. 

BIOFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM