Research summaries for autism therapy: Catapres - Duraclon (clonidine)

definition of Catapres - Duraclon (clonidine): Catapres® (generic name clonidine) is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing cardiac output. It has also been used to help alcohol withdrawal, tobacco smoking withdrawal, and diabetic diarrhea. It has been prescribed off-label in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s Syndrome. Catapres is available as tablets and transdermal patches. Duraclon® is in the form of epidural injections, which are made directly into the nervous system through the spine. It is primarily limited to relief of severe pain, as in cancer patients.
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Psychopharmacology of Aggression in Children and Adolescents with Autism: A Critical Review of Efficacy and Tolerability, Summarized Jun 13, 2008

Five drugs have been shown to help with aggression in children with autism: tianeptine, methylphenidate, risperidone, clonidine, and naltrexone.

This review article describes studies on the use of drug therapy used to treat aggression in children with autism. The best research supports the use of risperidone and methylphenidate to treat symptoms of aggression in children with autism. The authors believe that future research should look to see if a class of drugs known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors can also help treat aggression. In all cases the authors suggest that studies start with a low dosage of drug and slowly increase the amount of drug. The authors also suggest that all future studies of autism look to see if the drug is able to help with aggression.
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Autism: Assessment and Management, Summarized Feb 20, 2008

Several treatments can be helpful for children with autism.

This review article is written for general practitioners, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other medical staff. It describes the best way to manage the treatment of people with autism. The authors suggest speech therapy, social skills training, school services, structured environments, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, and drug therapy. The authors describe several classes of drugs: stimulants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anticonvulsants, and sympatholytics (clonidine and guanfecine). In order for therapy to work, family has to be part of the treatment. Read more...

Atomoxetine Treating Patients with Autistic Disorder, Summarized Jan 16, 2007

Atomoxatine may help calm the irritability and hyperactivity that can be found in some individuals with autism.

Several types of drugs have been used to treat autism. These include clonidine, methylphenidate, and neuroleptics. The author describes in this letter the use of the antidepressant atomoxetine (40 mg/day) to treat a 22 year old man with autism. Atomoxetine helped irritability, hyperactivity, poor eye contact, and inappropriate speech in the patient. The patient also showed increased drowsiness and decreased activity. The patient did not report any headaches or stomach aches.
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The Neuropathology, Medical Management, and Dental Implications of Autism, Summarized Nov 23, 2006

Parents should communicate to dentists any drugs that have been prescribed to the child as the drugs may have orofacial side effects and/or may interact with any drugs prescribed by the dentist.

For example, risperidone and olanzapine may cause problems with speech, swallowing, and the use of retainers. Fluoxetine and sertraline may cause diarrhea, nausea, and possibly changes in the speed at which blood clots. In addition, fluoxetine and sertraline may interact with other drugs prescribed by the dentist including codeine, erythromycin, and clarithromycin. Carbamazepine and valproate may also have a negative effect on the ability of blood to clot. Clonidine may magnify the effects of any pain killers used during a dental procedure or in recovery from a procedure.
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Synonyms for Catapres - Duraclon (clonidine) include: Catapres, Catapres®, clonidine, Duraclon, Duraclon®
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