Several case studies have raised concerns about Ritalin's side effects in children with autism, such as worsening repetitive behaviors, depression and insomnia. However, there is little information about the prevalence of these side effects.
But some hyperactive children with autism can't tolerate the drug and suffer side effects such as nausea, mood swings and appetite loss after just a few doses.
However, when they are used to treat patients with both ADHD and ASD, the stimulants—methylphenidate and amphetamine—seem less effective and cause more side effects, including social withdrawal, depression, and irritability, than when they are used to treat ADHD alone.
ADHD medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, work by raising the level of dopamine in the brain to where it would be for someone without ADHD. Dopamine helps with attention and focus. The brains of children with ADHD have issues producing and using dopamine.
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism and tic disorders.
Stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta are prescribed to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can also reduce hyperactive behaviour in some, but not all, autistic children. This might allow children to concentrate on tasks for longer and think more before they act.
Nonetheless, medicines such as risperidone and aripiprazole can be beneficial in ways that can ease these core symptoms, because relieving irritability often improves sociability while reducing tantrums, aggressive outbursts and self-injurious behaviors.
Published in The Lancet Psychiatry, a controlled, longitudinal study has shown that methylphenidate - sold under brand names Ritalin, Concerta and others – treatment for children and adolescents over two years did not lead to adverse growth and development, psychiatric, or neurological outcomes.
The most common side effect of stimulants is decreased appetite (especially for lunch), which can sometimes affect weight gain. Less common side effects include: stomach aches. headaches and dizziness.
Side Effect: Emotional Problems
When the dosage is too high, stimulants can cause children or even adults to seem “spacey” or “zombie-like,” or to be uncharacteristically tearful or irritable (a condition known as emotional lability). In general, the best way to rein in these side effects is simply to lower the dosage.
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
The most effective interventions available are behavioral therapies based on applied behavioral analysis (ABA). There are many different types of ABA to choose from based on your child's strengths and needs.
Ritalin stimulates the mind and body in adults and can calm children down. It's used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
ADHD medications reduce a child's hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve attention span, as well as the ability to focus, work, and learn. Well-known stimulants include a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, known as Adderall®, and methylphenidate, known as Concerta® or Ritalin®.
Ritalin increases both dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain. Dopamine affects pleasure, movement, and attention span. Norepinephrine is a stimulant. The effects of Ritalin can help you concentrate.
Nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Your child may need to take methylphenidate for several months or even years. They will not usually need to take it for the rest of their life. Your child will have regular check-ups, usually every 6 months or so. Your doctor may recommend stopping methylphenidate for a while, or reducing the dose.
Some severe side effects of Ritalin include: cardiovascular reactions, including sudden death, stroke, and heart attack. increased blood pressure.
From a strictly physical standpoint, it appears Ritalin can be taken safely every day. On the other hand, one can cease taking it for a day, a month, or a year, and it should work pretty much the same as the last time it was taken.
Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are short-acting. They're out of your child's body within a few hours. Your child can just stop taking them without problems. The effects of nonstimulant drugs such as antidepressants last longer in a child's body.
Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are the only drugs approved by the FDA for children with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone can be prescribed for children between 5 and 16 years old to help with irritability and aggression. Aripiprazole can be prescribed for children between 6 and 17 years old.
Both risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating autism-related irritability, which includes aggression, tantrums, and self-injury.
Strategies to consider include distraction, diversion, helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music, removing any potential triggers, and staying calm yourself.