The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

There are no specific treatments for autism. However, as part of a comprehensive management program, several kinds of medication may be helpful for selected symptoms.

Prescription Medications

None of these drugs have been approved for the treatment of autism by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, it is not uncommon for drugs, once on the market, to show effectiveness in "unlabeled" conditions. Their safety generally remains unchanged when used for different purposes.

Antidepressants

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Analeptics (Stimulants)

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

Antipsychotic Drugs

  • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
  • Thioridazine (Mellaril)
  • Haloperidol (Haldol)
  • Risperidone (Risperdal)

Antidepressants

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Some drugs in this class appear to have a beneficial effect on people with autism by altering brain chemistry. These drugs increase the available amount of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline. These chemicals are believed to have stimulant effects.

Clomipramine is a medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , which shares features with autism. Since no chemical abnormalities specific to autism have yet been identified, the use of these drugs is guided by experience and trial and error.

Medications are given once or twice daily in doses similar to those used to treat depression. Side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and sedation are most common, but there are many other side effects, some serious, such as disturbances of heart rhythm. Talk to your doctor about the specific side effects of these drugs.

Analeptics (Stimulants)

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

Most commonly used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , methylphenidate may help certain forms of autism as well. Methylphenidate is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Possible side effects include:

  • Addiction
  • Seizures
  • Worsening mental disturbances

Antipsychotic Drugs

  • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
  • Thioridazine (Mellaril)
  • Haloperidol (Haldol)
  • Risperidone (Risperdal)

These drugs are commonly used to treat schizophrenia, but are also used for autism. These drugs have occasionally severe side effects and should be used with great caution.

Possible side effects include:

  • Uncontrolled movements
  • High fever
  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain
  • Liver toxicity

Note:

In some cases these medications may cause unexpected reactions in autistic patients. If your child is taking any of these medications, pay close attention for changes in behavior and keep in close contact with your child's doctor.

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

  • Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
  • Do not stop taking them without consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Don’t share them with anyone else.
  • Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.