By Tristan Kinder, PharmD
Resident Pharmacist , Blanchard Valley Health System

Did you know that 1 in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? That is nearly five times as many children compared to the early 2000s. With more children being diagnosed, there are also more medications being prescribed to help with the many symptoms of ASD. With all of these options, it is easy to become overwhelmed. To help, let’s look into some of the available medications and how they can help manage ASD symptoms.

Prescription Options
ASD can cause many different symptoms, including hyperactivity, social behavior, inappropriate speech, irritability, repetitive behaviors, restrictive behaviors and aggression. There are many available options for prescription medications for children with ASD. They work in various ways and help alleviate a range of symptoms. Knowing what medications can be used to treat what symptoms can help you understand which medications a child with ASD might respond to best. Below is a list of medications and the symptoms with which they may be helpful. 

• Acamprosate (Campral) can be used to treat hyperactivity and social behavior.
• Amantadine (Gocovri) can be used to treat hyperactivity and inappropriate speech.
• Aripiprazole (Abilify) can be used to treat irritability and repetitive behaviors.
• Buspirone (Buspar) can be used to treat repetitive and restrictive behaviors and irritability.
• Divalproex (Depakote) can be used to treat irritability and aggression.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) can be used to treat repetitive behaviors.
• Risperidone (Risperdal) can be used to treat irritability and repetitive behaviors.
• Topiramate (Topamax) can be used to treat repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common coexisting condition in children with ASD. Even if a child is not diagnosed with ADHD, certain ADHD medications can help if they struggle with hyperactivity. Below is a list of commonly used medications for ADHD. 

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Guanfacine (Intuniv)
• Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)

Over-The-Counter Options
Some over-the-counter treatment options can be used without a prescription. With these options, it is essential to keep in mind that the child’s primary care physician should still be informed about the use of these supplements and medications. Additionally, each patient is unique, so discussing any potential medication changes with the primary care provider is advised prior to making them.

• Melatonin can help if a child has trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep.
• N-Acetylcysteine can be used to treat irritability.

It's important to remember that these medications are just options to help manage symptoms in children with ASD. The specific medication or combination should be chosen after discussions with the child's primary care provider, taking into account their individual needs. Keep in mind that each medication has its own side effects, so make sure to understand these as well. Although ASD is a lifelong diagnosis, knowing the available treatments, medications, and therapies can help manage symptoms and enhance your child’s quality of life.