Medication interventions for autistic symptoms

[Rachie]

I thought we could have our own discussion about using medication to try and help manage some symptoms of Autism. Now some people without knowing more about this often sound off when they see this title medication and autism that there is no cure for autism. Now this is not about this. This is about a discussion for the treatment the management of some symptoms caused by autism for some autistics. This is about management and not a cure. I am aware that some people are not aware of any treatment that can help some autistics manage some symptoms of the condition and I think we need to have discussions past this as it does not appear to be the case for everyone.

I have read that Abilfy and RIsperdone are the only drugs that have been tested on autistics. For some autistics they have been useful in modifying behaviour and lessesning repetitive thinking and behaviour. There are of studies out there on this as well.

The Effects of Risperidone on Cognition in People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review - PMC

Medication Treatment for Autism

https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/9/1/6

In 2014 I was prescribed Risperdone for what it seemed autistic symptoms. I have to say it helped and after some time came of the medication.

In 2022 I was again prescribed Risperdone for the same thing but this time I was diagnosed as an autistic. The medication again appeared to help me get a control of repetitive thinking. I had to come of it though as I got side effects. I was switched to Seroquel by my consultant which was used to treat the same thing and I think it may have had some effect, but am not sure. It does help me to rest more at times.

I stopped it for a while and then restarted and am not sure what to do with it. My life has changed a lot in the last few years. I have wondered at times if the medication has helped me with the co condition also the repetitive elements that can come with that excessive pacing and excerising and thoughts.

I have wondered is it time to drop it or just keep on taking it.

Your experience?

 

[daniegirl6224]

When I have meltdowns, I take as needed risperidone (prescribed for my bipolar disorder) and as-needed Ativan. I usually fall asleep within an hour and then when I wake up I feel better. It helps me a lot with the pacing and internal agitation. Hope this helps someone.

 

[Rachie]

Thank you for reply @danielgirl6224, that was helpful.

I have been prescribed Diapezem as in recent history irregularly and that has helped also to bring me to rest as @danielgirl6224 mentioned. May be I might explore myself with my team if really needed Ativan.

 

[Rachie]

I have decided I think to stop my Serqouel medication for now as I have had side effects from it causing diskenia and also my mobility seems to be more affected of late which I find a bit restrictive. I want to see how I get on without it. I have read that some peoples mobility can be affected by it. I have been on it for quite sometime now also and it now may have passed the point of being useful for me. Sometimes I felt a bit of off kilter to come to myself later in the day on it. Let's see how this goes.

 

[daniegirl6224]

I have decided I think to stop my Serqouel medication for now as I have had side effects from it causing diskenia and also my mobility seems to be more affected of late which I find a bit restrictive. I want to see how I get on without it. I have read that some peoples mobility can be affected by it. I have been on it for quite sometime now also and it now may have passed the point of being useful for me. Sometimes I felt a bit of off kilter to come to myself later in the day on it. Let's see how this goes.

Hope it goes well!

 

[Rodafina]

@Rachie,
Are you planning to stop seroquel slowly with the oversight of your doctor? It's one of those meds that can cause withdrawals when abruptly stopped, but maybe you are already aware of that.

 

[Rachie]

Thank you danielgirl6224 and Rodafina. Rodafina you made me remember again about the conversations I have had with my consultant regarding withdrawals from this medication. Rembering that I will taper at 25mg for a little while from around 50mg a little while ago and see it goes with a view to taper from 25mg and then stop. I was off the Serquoel for a while and then when back on it when I got an infection in October to try and help me to rest and have been all over with it since.

 

[tree]

I have decided I think to stop my Serqouel medication for now as I have had side effects from it causing diskenia and also my mobility seems to be more affected of late which I find a bit restrictive. I want to see how I get on without it. I have read that some peoples mobility can be affected by it. I have been on it for quite sometime now also and it now may have passed the point of being useful for me. Sometimes I felt a bit of off kilter to come to myself later in the day on it. Let's see how this goes.

dyskinesia?

(involuntary movement)

 

[daniegirl6224]

Oh I also take Zofran to help with nausea when overstimulated, it really helps

 

[Rachie]

dyskinesia?

(involuntary movement)

Yes, and although I have experienced this in late 2022 and beyond with Risperdone and Serequoel. Whatt they caused me from this date is movement in my lips and stiffness in my hands. I do not have it confirmed whether it is related to mobility I have been experiencing. I did read though that it can affect some peoples mobility so becamse more cautious.

I also had had dyskenia in other body limbs ny toes due to other neurological issues from around mid 2021.

 

[Rachie]

Since Monday I have dropped the Seroquel/ Quetiapine and now today is Thursday, hopefully I am going to move foreward with it.
I have read I believe it has that bought Dopamine and seretonin effect which I must admit I don't properl understand.
The basics really reading about the pills affecting mobility and Webmed I think is one of the best sources online for medical information.
The Webmed listed side effects with the NHS and Clevland was just too much for me I think. It was quite about the suicidal thoughts which I was not experiencing with a dark winter needed to not risk it. The mobiity question that was concerned me.

Quetiapine (Seroquel): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

NHS
Side effects of quetiapine

I not certain but I think this I may have read as well from the NHS listed as a common symptom and I myself I am trying and identified.

"Speak to your doctor if you have any problems with your movement. This can include difficulty moving or stiff muscles that make your movements jerky. Sometimes you may feel like you "freeze up" and then restart moving. You may have other symptoms like a slow shuffling walk, tremors and drooling."

 

[Rachie]

Since 11 days I have stopped the Quetiapine but last night I did take one as things were going on despite the mobility still being limited. It is hard to read the NHS blurb on mobility and the medication and me enduring that and not trying something.

11 days and it is still present. I decided that I would try and call and speak to my doctor today. They are wonderful and sometimes it can be hard to get an appointment as you have to ring so early in the morning and the queue can be at 15 before you get through and all the slots can be gone. I called though at 8.31 and was given another doctor and I said I would take that, but my GP got a cancellation and they called me.

I told them about 2 issues but only one is relevant here about the Seroquel and my mobility. They said to try from now to reduce to 25mg and they will call me on the 28th March to see how it is then. I said I had to stop may be perhaps it was not understood I already have been off it 11 days. I will try it again and see how I am with 25mg (I am prescribed 50mg) and go with what they say. If I am the same with it I may stay with it for a while again.

They also said though that my mobility could be affected by my Anemia and Low Iron combination as another potentially likely thing.

Thank you