Commonly prescribed medications for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Doctors often prescribe medications to autistic children for mood related or behavior related concerns.
It is imperative to make informed decisions regarding your child’s medications. Medications often come with side effects that can be unpleasant. Weighing the pros and cons of each medication choice with your provider is an important step to improving your child’s quality of life. Additionally, effects of medications can vary widely from individual to individual. What may work for one patient may not work for another patient.
Common Classes / Types of Medications Used
Antipsychotics - traditionally used for psychosis associated with schizophrenia and as mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder
Antidepressants - traditionally used for depression and anxiety
Antiepileptics - traditionally used in the treatment of epileptic seizures
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications - includes blood pressure medications and medications similar to antidepressants that are used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD
Stimulants - commonly used to treat ADHD
The following is a list of commonly prescribed medications for autism along with a brief summary of each. This list is informational only and ABA Patient Advocacy does not provide recommendations for particular medications. This list may not contain all the possible medications prescribed to autistic children for mood or behavior issues.
| Medication (Brand Name(s) / Generic Name) |
Medication Type | Potential Benefits | Common Side Effects | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risperdal / Risperidone | Antipsychotic | Reduction of aggression, irritability, and/or hyperactivity | Weight gain, fatigue, runny nose | FDA Label |
| Abilify / Aripiprazole | Antipsychotic | Reduction of aggression, irritability, and/or hyperactivity | Weight gain, tremors, fatigue | FDA Label |
| Zyprexa / Olanzapine | Antipsychotic | Reduction of aggression, irritability, and/or hyperactivity; improved sleep |
Fatigue, weight gain | FDA Label |
| Seroquel / Quetiapine | Antipsychotic | Reduction of aggression, irritability, and/or hyperactivity; improved sleep |
Fatigue, weight gain | FDA Label |
| Zoloft / Sertraline | Antidepressant | Reduced anxiety, reduced aggression | Headache, nausea, fatigue, trouble sleeping | FDA Label |
| Prozac / Fluoxetine | Antidepressant | Reduction of irritability, reduction of obsessive comulsive behaviors | Sleep disturance, gastrointestinal issues, headaches | FDA Label |
| Luvox / Fluvoxamine | Antidepressant | Reduction of aggression, reduction of repetitive behaviors | Fatigue, nausea, headaches, sleep disturbance | FDA Label |
| Celexa / Citalopram | Antidepressant | Reduction of aggression, reduction of repetitive behaviors | Decreased energy, gastrointestinal issues, decreased concentration | FDA Label |
| Depakote / Divalproex Sodium | Antiepileptic | Reduction of repetitive behaviors, reduction of irritability | Gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, nausea, tremors | FDA Label |
| Strattera / Atomoxetine | Non-Stimulant ADHD Med | Improved attention, reduction of repetitive behaviors, reduction of anxiety, reduction of hyperactivity | Gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbance, fatigue | FDA Label |
| Intuniv, Tenex / Guanfacine | Non-Stimulant ADHD Med | Improved attention, reduced hyperactivity | headache, irritability, fatigue, dizziness | FDA Label |
| Catapres / Clonidine | Non-Stimulant ADHD Med | Improved sleep, reduction of aggression, improved attention | Fatigue, dizziness, constipation, headaches | FDA Label |
| Ritalin, Concerta / Methylphenidate | Stimulant | Improved attention, reduced irritability, reduced impsulsiveness | sleep disturbance, reduced appetite, headache, gatrointestinal issues, irritability | FDA Label |
| Dexedrine / Dexamfetamine | Stimulant | Improved attention, reduced irritability, reduced impsulsiveness | sleep disturbance, reduced appetite, headache, gastrointestinal issues, irritability | FDA Label |
| Adderall / Mixed amphetamine salts | Stimulant | Improved attention, reduced irritability, reduced impsulsiveness | sleep disturbance, reduced appetite, headache, gatrointestinal issues, irritability | FDA Label |
| Lithium | Mood Stabilizer | Reduction of irritability, reduced aggression | Gastrointestinal issues, excessive thirst, tremors | FDA Label |
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or psychiatrist. This information is just a quick overview/introduction to medications and should be not be as a substitute for your own research and speaking with a qualified physician.
Do you need support with making decisions about your child’s medications and/or healthcare? Above Board Autism Advocacy can help. Services include education on behavioral healthcare topics, assistance with care coordination between providers, helping you prepare questions for your providers, education on patient rights, and more. Contact us for a free consultation.
