Asperger Syndrome Medication

  • Author: James Robert Brasic, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Caroly Pataki, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 20, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Many pharmacologic agents (eg, antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], clonidine, naltrexone) have been tried to improve some of the symptoms associated with Asperger syndrome and related conditions; these symptoms include stereotyped movements, self-injury, hyperactivity, and aggression.

Studies suggest that SSRIs help to treat repetitive behaviors, impulsivity, irritability, and aggression. Controlled clinical trials, based on well-diagnosed populations, are needed to confirm the impressions that SSRIs and atypical neuroleptics may alleviate core symptoms of Asperger syndrome and related conditions.

No drugs are used routinely to treat Asperger syndrome. Pharmacologic interventions are used to treat comorbid disorders, including attention problems, mood disorders, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Avoid prescribing drugs without indication. Regular administration of the Psychoactive Medication Quality Assurance Rating Survey helps to ascertain the need for psychoactive medication use.

Be vigilant for toxicity of medications. For example, regular administration of the Serotonin Syndrome Checklist helps to identify early evidence of adverse effects of SSRIs.

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Antipsychotics

Class Summary

Antipsychotic medications may help with a patient’s aggressive behavior and may improve restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests.

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Risperidone (Risperdal)

 

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent. It binds to the dopamine D2-receptor with 20 times lower affinity than for the 5-HT2-receptor affinity. It improves negative symptoms of psychoses and reduces the incidence of extrapyramidal adverse effects compared with conventional antipsychotics. It is indicated for irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents aged 6-16 years.

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Aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

The mechanism of action of aripiprazole is unknown, but it is hypothesized to work differently from other antipsychotics. Aripiprazole is thought to be a partial dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) agonist, and to antagonize serotonin (5-HT2A). Additionally, no QTc interval prolongation has been noted in clinical trials.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

James Robert Brasic, MD, MPH  Assistant Professor, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

James Robert Brasic, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Academy of Neurology, and Movement Disorders Society

Disclosure: Taylor and Francis Royalty Independent contractor; Wolters Kluver/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Royalty Independent contractor; National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression Grant/research funds Other; National Institutes of Health Grant/research funds Other

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Caroly Pataki, MD  Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Division Chair, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Caroly Pataki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York Academy of Sciences, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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