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Medications for Children
and Adults with FASD
The following
information is gathered from medical experts who have successfully
treated children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
(FASD), including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects
(FAE) with or without other neurological disorders like obsessions,
compulsions, aggression, that interfere with the person's ability
to function in life. Behavior problems are due in part to imbalance
of chemicals in the brain caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Many doctors with recognized expertise in FASD
recommend that, in general, most kids with FASD do best with
a combination of Stimulant + Selective Seratonin Receptive Inhibitor
(SSRI) . One exception is the child who has Bipolar disorder
in addition to the FASD, in which case stimulants and/or SSRIs may
cause an increase in behavior problems. (See note on "co-occurring
conditions" below.) Many doctors also prescribe Clonidine (Catapres) for children who have problems with sleep,
anxiety, or aggression in addition to the hyperactivity.
Stimulants that seem to be effective include Dexadrine,
Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta. SSRI's most commonly prescribed
are Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and Celexa. Stimulants are reported to
be effective 80%-90% of the time, when a correct diagnosis of FASD
has been made, and if they are prescribed properly. These psychostimulants
are probably among the safest medications available and have few
potential side effects. Stimulants may reduce appetite, but the
SSRI's usually counter that effect. Increase opportunities to eat
during the time the stimulants have worn off. Several other medications
can be tried instead of or in addition to these, but it might be
wise to try the Stimulant-SSRI combination first.
Straterra
is a new nonstimulant that has been approved for treatment of ADHD.
Its effectiveness for chidren with FASD has not yet been determined.
Medications that have been prescribed to successfully
treat children and adults with FASD include:
Adapin,
Sinequan (doxepin) antidepressant
Adderall (Dextroamphetamine) for ADHD
Anafranil (clomipramine) antidepressant, for OCD
Benzodiazepines for anxiety
Buspar (buspirone) for anxiety
Carbamazepine for episodic outbursts and aggression
Catapres (clonidine) for anxiety, ADD
Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) for depression
Compazine (prochlorperazine)
Concerta (time released Ritalin) for ADHD
Cylert (pemoline) for ADHD (may cause serious liver problems)
Dalmane (flurazepam) for sleep disturbances, anxiety
Depakote (Divalproex, Valproic Acid) anticonvulsant, ODD, aggression
Desyrel (trazodone) antidepressant
Desoxyn (methamphetamine) stimulant for ADHD, narcolepsy
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) psychostimulant for ADHD
Effexor (venlafaxine) anti-depressant
Elavil (amitriptyline) - another antidepressant
Eqanil, Miltown (Meprobamate) for anxiety
Haldol (haloperidol) for explosiveness
Klonopin (clonazepan) for anxiety
Lamictal (lamotrigine) anticonvulsant, mood stabilizer
Librium (chlordiazepoxide) for Bipolar
Lithane Lithotabs (lithium) antipsychotic, bipolar
Luvox (Floxyfral, fluvoxamine) for OCD
Mellaril (thioridozine) for hyperkinesis
Molindone (Lidone, Moban) anti psychotic (no weight gain)
Neurontin (gabapentin) anti-convulsant, anxiety, panic
Norpramin (desipramine) another antidepressant
Paxil (paroxetine) antidepressant
Phenergan (promethazine)
Prozac (fluoxetine) antidepressant
Provigil (modafinil) for ADHD, narcolepsy, sleep apnea (does not
suppress appetite)
Remeron (mirtazapine) antidepressant (may increase appetite)
ReVia (naltrexone) skin picking
Risperdal (risperidone) antipsychotic (causes weight gain)
Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD
Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) antipsychotic (may increase appetite)
Serzone (Nefazodone) antidepressant, also for seizures
Stelazine (trifluoperazine)
Tegretol (carbamazepine) mood stabilizer
Thorazine (chlorpromazine) for aggressive, very agitative behavior
Tofranil (imipramine) antidepressant, good for enuresis
Tomoxetine for ADHD (non stimulant)
Trileptal mood stabilizer for Bipolar NEW!
Valium (diazepam) for epilepsy, CP spasticity, anxiety
Wellbutrin (bupropion) anti-depressant
Xanax (alprazolam) for anxiety disorders and aggression
Ziprasidone (Geodon) antispychotic NEW!
Zoloft (sertraline) antidepressant
Zyprexa (olanzapine) antispychotic
For a more complete
list of commonly prescribed psychotherapeutic medications, read
the booklet "Medications" published by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Refer to NAMI
for credible information about mental health issues and promising new drugs that might be available in the future. |
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