The Side Effects Of Common Autism Medications

The Side Effects Of Common Autism Medications by Wendy Bailey
Autism is a difficult condition to deal with, and for many, medication is an important part of treatment. However, all medication has side effects, and medications for autism are no different.
Stimulant Medications:For some, stimulant medications commonly prescribed for ADHD/ADD are a viable option. The two most common types of medication in this class are dextroamphetamine salts (Adderall, Dexedrine), and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).
These medications increase concentration, motivation, and mood. They also have similar side effects to other stimulants. You are probably familiar with the effects of caffeine, an extremely popular stimulant throughout the world. These medications have similar effects, yet stronger.
Although dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are different medications, for some they have identical effects, and they both share side effects:Most Common-Appetite Loss-Headache-Insomnia-Prolonged insomnia can lead to much more serious problems, such as somnolence, extreme lethargy, and even psychosis. As long as a patient receives sufficient sleep, these serious problems will be avoided.Less Common-Hair Loss (In older patients)-Chest Pain-Heart Palpitations-Stunted GrowthIf any signs of these side effects manifest themselves, medical care should be sought immediately.
SSRI/Antidepressant Medications:Another type of medication sometimes prescribed to Autistic patients is called a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. This medication is traditionally an antidepressant, and elevates mood more long term and subtly than the stimulant medications. Common SSRI medications are Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and Prozac, and each is a different chemical.
There is a lot of controvery over the prescription of SSRI medications. The stimulant medications are more short-acting, and thus their side effects are more commonly short-acting (such as appetite loss and insomnia). SSRI medications are the opposite. The effects are meant to be long term, and the side effects are also long term, making them more frightening.Worrisome side effects are:-Apathy-Changes in Behavior: Social, Sexual, Appetite-Anhedonia (The loss of the ability to feel pleasure from normally pleasurable activities)Some more common, and less worrisome side effects are:-Fatigue-Dizziness-Nausea-Headaches
Antipsychotic Medications:Antipsychotic medications are much more heavy-duty than both SSRI's and conventional stimulants. Antipsychotics are often prescribed to patients suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia, autism, or dementia. These medications are commonly used to control manic behavior, and the side effects can be so bad that two thirds of those who begin antipsychotic regimens in controlled trials stop due to the side effects.
Although all different antipsychotics are different chemicals, they share many of the same side effects. One of the most commonly discussed problems with antipsychotics is that they lower the seizure threshold. This means that it causes the patient, over time, to lower their defenses against seizures. Taking other medications at the same time as antipsychotics is dangerous for this reason, and should always be reviewed with a medical professional.Other side effects of antipsychotics:-Muscle tension-Tremors-Less chance of survival if patient has a heart attack-Many others, depending on the specific medicationAntipsychotics, like SSRI's, have withdrawal symptoms. These can include:-Anxiety/Agitation-Nausea-Anorexia-Insomnia
Autism is a condition that can be helped through the use of medication, but different medications are right for different autistic patients. However, all of these medications can have unsettling side effects that should be reviewed with a medical professional. April is National Autism Awareness Month.