For example, researchers and doctors say that people with autism may be more likely to have certain side effects from SSRIs, such as impulsive or irritable behavior and trouble sleeping. That appears to be especially true in children and teens.
Research suggests SSRIs don't change the core characteristics of autism in children. Also, emerging evidence suggests they might cause harm. It's possible, however, that SSRIs might help some autistic children with anxiety, but more high-quality research is needed.
The SSRIs most commonly prescribed to autistic people are fluoxetine and sertraline. Sertraline is often the top choice because its side effects are milder than those of other SSRIs and because it has fewer interactions with other drugs.
People with ASDs may have more sensitivity to medication, and families frequently want to stop a medication early when anything seems amiss. So make sure the team is aware of possible side effects ahead of time.
Certain types of medications can help manage severe Asperger's symptoms or related conditions. These medications include: Antidepressants (SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Anti-psychotics.
For example, researchers and doctors say that people with autism may be more likely to have certain side effects from SSRIs, such as impulsive or irritable behavior and trouble sleeping. That appears to be especially true in children and teens.
SSRI treatment of ASDs
Antidepressant medications (i.e., serotonin-reuptake inhibitors [SRIs]), including SSRIs, are the most commonly prescribed medication class for individuals with ASDs [74].
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
Luvox, Prozac, and Celexa belong to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Decisions about these drugs should be made on "a case-by-case" basis for obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety in adults with autism, the Cochrane reviewers concluded.
These levels have a genetic link, as they are inheritable. People with autism have a variant in their gut serotonin transporter which boosts the amount of serotonin into the blood. Conversely, individuals with autism have lower levels of serotonin in the brain than neurotypical individuals.
There is some evidence to support the use of talking therapy with autistic people, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT has been adapted for autistic people but more research is needed to understand how effective it is at treating depression. Find out more about CBT on our page about anxiety and autism.
For those with autism, anxiety drugs are best used in combination with behavioral interventions. Among high-functioning individuals, they may be particularly effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
The only medications known to increase the risk of ASD are used for epilepsy or as a muscle relaxer in anesthesia. For example, the anti-seizure drug valproate increases the risk of autism from 1.9% to 4.4%.
The FDA has approved the use of some antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone and aripripazole, for treating irritability associated with ASD in children between certain ages. Parents should talk with their child's healthcare providers about any medications for children with ASD.
Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are the only drugs approved by the FDA for children with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone can be prescribed for children between 5 and 16 years old to help with irritability and aggression. Aripiprazole can be prescribed for children between 6 and 17 years old.
Many people with high-functioning autism have unusually intense emotional reactions when compared to their peers. For example, a frustrating experience like spilling coffee on their shirt or taking the wrong turn on the way to work can cause irritability and difficulty concentrating for the rest of their day.
Understanding Autistic Overstimulation
This can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical discomfort, anxiety, irritability, or even physical pain. Some common signs of autistic overstimulation include: Covering ears or eyes. Rocking back and forth or other repetitive behaviors.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
Mood stabilizers are specifically antimanic drugs, meaning they treat mania and mood cycling, as seen in bipolar disorder. They are not generally effective in the treatment of depression, though. Antidepressants treat conditions that make you sad or feel “down,” especially if it is not chronic.
Some studies point to low serotonin levels in the brains of autistic people. When autistic adults adopt a diet low in the amino acid tryptophan — the raw material for serotonin — their repetitive behaviors worsen and their irritability increases7.
Methylphenidate may improve hyperactivity in children with ASD in the short term, although there was no evidence that methylphenidate improves or worsens ASD symptoms. Some children cannot tolerate the medication's side effects.
It is also approved for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. It is not approved for children under the age of 12 years. Escitalopram is not approved for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Fluoxetine, an antidepressant marketed as Prozac, may alleviate repetitive behaviors in adults with autism, according to a study published 2 December in the American Journal of Psychiatry1.