Uncharted Territory in Autism

Autism poses challenges to drug developers. Add self-injurious behavior and/or seizures and few experts understand this complex challenge. Often drugs that may reduce self-injurious or challenging behaviors INCREASE seizure activity. Likewise, anti-epileptic drugs often trigger self-injury by producing uncomfortable side effects. Finding balance is critical. New drugs explored for behavioral and medical management of autistic persons should include NOOTROPICs to offset side effects and be NEUROPROTECTIVE NOT damage neurons.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• autism
• epilepsy
• complex
• medical
• behavioral
• management
• drug
• therapy
• treatments
• SNRI
• effexor
• keppra
• mirtazapine
• klonipin
• neurogenesis
• neurogenic agent
• gabapentin
• modulation
• patients
• 5-HT receptors
• dopamine
• autism research
• autistic
• adults
• ASD
• neurodevelopment
• neurotransmitter
• dysfunction
• deficiency
• repletion
• brain
• mind
• ARI
• psychiatric
• neurology
• studies
• research
• Health

[kgaccount]

I try and document all the things we try because I know other parents are scrambling to find hope and healing also. Sometimes it seems like you'll never find anything to help. But you will. I don't like when people claim they cured a child and NEVER give you a chronological concrete picture of what they did. I try not to do that. I don't like abstract or vague. I like facts and details because this helps autism parents work together to find better ways to improve our children's lives.

[kgaccount]

In July of this year, we began nicotine patch therapy for self injurious behavioral modification. It has dramatically reduced SIB. Who would think? I found this therapy while scrolling over alzheimer's research and noticing it elevates choline in brain. Then I remembered our son's fMRI showed blunted choline. So, it's possible nicotine is indeed restoring choline as he's more focused and eye contact , focus and moods have all dramatically increased.

[kgaccount]

Well, he's off Effexor now and his seizure activity is still up so suffice it to say it was NOT Effexor, so I asked if we could rechallenge it and now they won't let us until we see how Topamax (the latest seizure med tried) is going to work.....AAAAAHHHHH it's so maddening. We had him stable for awhile, what happened?

[Shoes454]

What is the difference between Efforex and Efferex XR

[kgaccount]

@Shoes454 Effexor XR=extended release form. Unfortunately Jamey's seizure activity spiked after he was titrated UP on effexor, so we went down and now may have to go OFF, but nevertheless, we may try ZOLOFT now, as that may work for OCD type behaviors rooted in compulsive self-injurious behavior...just trying to find that "cocktail" of meds/vitamins/herbs and natural remedies...we'll get there....just a matter of time

[smcs]

(CONT)....Epival - given as my mood stabilizer and reduce destructive behaviors like self-harm (punching on walls and hitting myself)

But that was only 2 years ago. I was on meds for only 6 months. Doc said I'm now okay without it. When times I asked for meds, he didn't give me to prevent me from drug dependence. However, these few months, my behaviours are coming back. I don't know what to do. I can't help but do it. I can't control. I just had to. I even feel emotionally abandoned by everyone

[kgaccount]

@smcs Try not to isolate yourself if you're feeling this way. Go outside. Take a walk. Go on a run. Call a friend. Watch comedies. Don't listen to sad songs. Sounds like the doctor may have given you wrong meds. Maybe for now try something natural like 5 HTP, but make sure it's not contraindicated with other stuff you may be taking. Ask your doctor. Feel free to personal message me if you need to vent or just need a friend.

[sammbah]

@kgaccount absolutely wonderful! i see a huge improvement in Jamie! You are an inspiration and a credit to your children. Thankyou for the time you take to upload these videos!

[Shoes454]

@kgaccount Is on an antidepresent? omg. i hope some "cocktail" would work for him.

[kgaccount]

Jamey has SOOOO much potential. I am POSITIVE there is MUCH more we can do, even with ALL the setbacks and confusion with his medical and behavioral management. There are so many positive things we see with new ways to improve his brain, it shows that no matter what AGE an autistic person is, and no MATTER how long the problems have persisted, there is ALWAYS HOPE.