Types of Medication for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of developmental disorder that may cause issues while communicating and interacting. Children with ASD may exhibit repetitive and stereotypic behavior.

People with ASD may:

• Have difficulty talking or making eye contact.
• Prefer playing alone; they are often “in their world.”
• Show unusual attachments to certain objects or activities.
• Struggle in social interactions with other students.
• Appear overly sensitive to noises or images.

Doctors usually prescribe autism medications to treat behavioral problems associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These medications may be useful for managing certain behavior associated with ASD, which include:

• Self-injury
• Inability to focus
• Anxiety and depression
• Aggression
• Hyperactivity

The most prescribed medications for autism include:

1. Second-generation antipsychotics:
   • Two FDA-approved drugs for irritability associated with autism that belongs to this drug class include:
     • Aripiprazole
     • Risperidone
   • Other antipsychotic medications used off-label for treating aggressive behaviors include:
     • Ziprasidone hydrochloride 
     • Clozapine
     • Haloperidol decanoate
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: These drugs may reduce anxiety, frequency, and intensity of repetitive behaviors and improve eye contact. They improve the level of serotonin that regulates mood.
   • Some examples include:
     • Citalopram hydrobromide
     • Escitalopram oxalate
     • Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride)
     • Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride)
3. Stimulants: These drugs are beneficial in treating hyperactivity and lack of attention associated with autism. They increase the level of two hormones, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Examples include:
   • Ritalin and Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride)
4. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists: These drugs may be beneficial in controlling hyperactivity, inattention, and aggression associated with autism. They inhibit the release of norepinephrine in the brain, thereby providing a sedative effect. Some examples include:
   • Clonidine hydrochloride
   • Guanfacine hydrochloride

There are only two FDA-approved drugs (aripiprazole and risperidone) for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. All other drugs are used off-label to treat certain symptoms due to the benefits observed in clinical trials and studies.

Common side effects of second-generation antipsychotics include:

• Weight gain
• Sexual problems
• Blurred vision
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Low white blood cell count
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea

Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include:

• Weight gain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Sex problems

Common side effects of stimulants include:

• Decreased appetite
• Sleep problems
• Stomach aches
• Headaches

Common side effects of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists include:

• Depression
• Low heart rate
• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Gastric upset
• Dry mouth
• Impotence
• Fluid retention and edema with chronic use

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Autism is evident in childhood and particularly in boys. Women who take certain drugs during pregnancy are at a high risk of giving birth to a child having autism spectrum disorder. Drugs that might increase the risk of autism in fetuses include:

• Valproic acid
• Opioids

Avoid alcohol if you are taking antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole as they both might interact with each other, leading to the following symptoms:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Memory impairment
• Confusion
• Poor judgment
• Falls and injury
• Depressed breathing