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Medication for Adults on autistic spectrum

Ricki52

My son is 21 with a diagnosis of autism and severe learning difficulties.  He lives at home with myself (his mother) and attends a day care centre Monday to Friday.  He is non verbal.

He goes through periods where he manages better than others.

For the last year he has been going through an extended period of not coping - increased sleeplessness, increased anxiety and starting to lash out at people - pushing and hitting.  This latter is a recent development.

He is receiving support from occupational therapist and speech and language therapist at the moment.

My query is re medication.  He is currently on 0.5ml Risperidone at night time which does assist in the sleeplessness.  However in the last year this medication is becoming less effective in dealing with his irritability and anxiety.

I would like to hear from other parents and carers with regard to the medication their adult autistic children are receiving, if it is helping and possible side effects being suffered?

Thank you

With regards

Ricki

  • curious said:

    Melatonin is the natural hormone (and medication) that is associated with sleep.  The skin pigment is melanin (without the 'to' in the middle).  Subtley but importantly very different things!  It took me a few goes to get the different names, and someone else mentioned it recently on a forum.

    Yes, that was my mistake - I realised it later. If you want to increase your melanin levels, use a sunbed, but make sure you use sunscreen.

  • I've just checked the current British National Formulary (BNF).  There are numerous oral forms, all except one of which are classified as 'PoM' (meaning 'prescription only medicine).  Interestingly, I notice that most are imported from USA and only one (Circadin) has an NHS price indicated.  There was one that is classified as 'GSL' (meaning general sales licence - i.e. for sale without having to speak with a pharmacists):

    Melatonin 3mg lozenges sugar free (Imported (United States)) (60 lozenges)

    I know one family with a young autistic child, who has melatonin prescribed, and I can think of one adult with it prescribed, though I understand GPs are sometimes pretty reluctant to prescribe longer terms, and the BNF seems to advise that its use is time limited.  But of course any prescribing decision is on an individual (patient and doctor) basis, taking into consideration a range of factors.

    The thing about ordering medications online is to be very cautious, as you may not be getting what you have ordered, but now we know it's available both on prescription and on general sale in the UK.

  • Melatonin is the natural hormone (and medication) that is associated with sleep.  The skin pigment is melanin (without the 'to' in the middle).  Subtley but importantly very different things!  It took me a few goes to get the different names, and someone else mentioned it recently on a forum.

    I think melatonin is readily available 'over the counter' in USA, but it is most definitely a prescription only medication in the UK.

  • I'm an adult and I'm currently on venlafaxine 75mg. It has caused me to put on weight, altered the consistency of my semen and made my OCD worse.

    However, it has made me less depressed.