Should You Consider
The Use Of An Autism Medication?

Your child has autism and your physician has recommended medication to control various symptoms. However, he did not have time to talk to you about the medication. And he was too rushed to explain the side effects of the medication.

You do not understand how these medications work. You have heard about so many risks of medications. You are not sure whether to try an autism medication. You need more information.

Well, as a physician, I just happen to know something about medication and medication side effects. So, I will help you out.

Since most physicians seem eager to just give you a magic pill to solve your problems, you might think that I would push medications also.

Well, I am here to tell you that I do not like medications.

Medications do not cure anything. They only cover up symptoms. They do not fix the underlying problems.

And medications are toxic to your body. Your body has to use valuable nutrients to get rid of these poisons. God did not design you with any medication deficiencies.

Furthermore, medications cause many side effects. Often, the side effects are worse than the original problem. Sometimes you need another medication to suppress the side effects of the first medication. What a vicious cycle!

Therefore, I do not like the chronic use of medications. But, do I believe that there is a place for medication? Yes, I do!

Medication can be a life-saver if your life ever needs saving! The emergency room is a great place to be if you have an emergency.

Also, autism medication can be helpful to control various symptoms until other autism treatments or autism therapies have had time to take effect.

A stressed-out family and a low self-esteem child can be more detrimental than the medication in some cases. Your child needs to be in control enough to learn and to do the autism treatments and the autism therapies.

You must weigh the benefits and the risks of autism medication for your particular situation. You must be informed.

So, there is a place for medications in the short-term while you are working at fixing the underlying problems. It does not make much sense to me to take a poison chronically if you are not also using autism treatments and autism therapies to improve the problem directly.

If you do decide to start the autism medication, then monitor the benefits and watch for side effects. If you see few or no benefits, but lots of side effects, then you should reconsider the use of that particular medication. The autism medication must make dramatic improvements, or it is not worth it.

However, never suddenly stop an autism medication. You can experience some really adverse symptoms. Only wean the medication as directed by your physician.

Next, I would like to discuss some neurochemistry and neurophysiology. Do not worry. I will keep it simple!

The brain consists of a multitude of brain cells called neurons. There are small gaps called synapses between the neurons. In order for the neurons to communicate effectively, the neurons send chemical messengers called neurotransmitters into the synapses. Some of the neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and endorphins.

In general, an autism medication works by keeping the neurotransmitters in the synapses between neurons longer than usual. This action influences the messages that are sent and received in the brain, which in turn affects mood and behavior.

Autism medications are generally used to control behavioral symptoms, such as aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and stereotypical behaviors (stimming) . They are also used for depression, anxiety, mood swings and sleep. They do not help the social and communication manifestations of autism.

Most medications have NOT been tested on children and most have NOT been tested for autism in particular. The pharmaceutical companies have not been willing to assume the liability of testing potent medications on developing children. So, again you must be an informed consumer.

In general, most side effects include weight gain, weight loss, sedation, agitation, or dizziness. Several of the medications have much more potentially serious adverse reactions.

The antidepressants have been known to increase suicidal tendencies in children and teens. The stimulants have just received a black box warning from the FDA since they have cardiovascular risks including sudden death.

Also, you need to monitor blood levels of some of the medications to make sure that the medication does not become too toxic.

Most of these medications also cause depletion of B vitamins and coQ-10, which is used for energy production in every cell in your body. Supplements of CoQ-10 and vitamin B complex are essential if you take an autism medication.

The various classes of autism medication are generally arranged by the neurotransmitter that is affected or by the medical condition which is treated. These classes of autism medication are listed below.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) – sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, escitalopram
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) – amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline
• Atypical Antidepressants – bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) – phenelzine, tranylcypromine
• Atypical Antipsychotics or Atypical Neuroleptics - clozapine, ziprasidone, risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine
• Typical Antipsychotics or Typical Neuroleptics haloperidol, thioridazine, fluphenazine, trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine
• Benzodiazepines - clonazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam, alprazolam
• Antihistamine - hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine
• Atypical Anxiolytic - azapirone
• Mood Stabilizers or Seizure Medications – carbamazepine, lamotrigine, lithium, gabapentin, phenytoin, topiramate, valproic acid
• Beta Blockers – atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol
• Alpha Blockers – clonidine, guanfacine
• Opiate Blockers – naltrexone
• Stimulants – dextroamphetamine, amphetamine,
  methylphenidate, pemoline
• Non-stimulants - atomoxetine

I have summarized information about autism medication. I highly recommend that you discuss these medications further with your physician and pharmacist if you have any further questions.

Learn more about online pharmacy solutions for your medication.

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