Treatment Autism: Medications

RESPERIDAL

Resperidal (generic name Resperidone) is a newer atypical second-generation antipsychotics drug also called neuroleptics that is commonly used to treat Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and now Autism.

These newer antipsychotics, the atypicals, have fewer side effects than the original conventional antipsychotic medications. Side effects to be aware of when taking any antipsychotic medication include:

• Agranulocytosis (a dramatic drop in white blood cell count)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs)
• Tardive dyskinesia (dysfunctional, involuntary movements including facial tics, grimacing, eye blinking, lip smacking, tongue thrusting, moving one’s head back or to the side, foot tapping, ankle movements, shuffled gait, and head nodding)
• Withdrawal dyskinesia (temporary episodes with symptoms similar to Tardive Dyskinesia, which occur when the medication is stopped, it is not a symptom of addiction)
• Weight gain, though not nearly as severe a side-effect as those mentioned above, has also been observed with the use of antipsychotic medications

Of all the atypical neuroleptics, Risperdal and Zyprexa are the two most commonly prescribed for use with pervasive development disorders. Both are similar in that they target dopamine and serotonin receptors, which help to control behavioral problems seen in some children with autism. Such behavioral problems include:

*self-injury
*aggression
*hyperactivity
*tantrums

Current findings suggest that the use of anti-psychotic medications was successful and well tolerated for the treatment of serious behavioral disturbances in autistic children. In clinical trials, autistic children showed improved behavior on Risperdal as opposed to placebo and experienced minimal neurological side effects. At this time, the main side effect associated with Risperdal for aggression in autism has been substantial weight gain (an average of about a six-pound increase in the 8-week period). 

Please Note

• Resperidal is a controlled drug. The special prescription lasts for only 24 hours.
• You have to register and deposit your child’s passport copy in the clinic.
• Blood tests should be done prior to and once every year of starting Resperidal.
• A physical exam, blood pressure, height, weight, should be done every 3 months. The school should be given a certificate informing them of the medication.
• Optimum dose is better than over or under medicating the child.
• Medication follow-up form should be filled by the teacher and parent and faxed weekly to the clinic for 1 month (4 times)
• A DROPPER SHOULD BE USED SINCE DOSE GIVEN IS VERY SMALL. The dropper needs to be bought separately. (it may be purchased from the clinic itself, for Dhs2)

Note:

• Treat the whole child.
• Medication is not enough.

Some pharmacies where Resperidal is usually available:

1. Sana Pharmacy – Tel. 04 –3377028
2. Panacea – Tel. 04-4343922