Medication Treatment for Tantrums in Autism: There is no specific medicine to handle tantrums in autism treatment that can directly cure the core symptoms of autism. However, there are some medicines that can help reduce the behavioral symptoms associated with it, such as irritability, aggression, or emotional instability. These medicines are usually prescribed based on the doctor’s advice and the individual needs of the child. Below are the names and uses of some medicines that can be helpful in controlling tantrums.
Table of Contents
Risperidone
This medication is approved by the US FDA to treat irritability and aggression related to autism. It can be used for children ages 5 to 16. It helps reduce behaviors such as tantrums, temper tantrums, and self-injury.
- Class: Atypical antipsychotic
- Effects: Decrease in tantrums, aggression, and self-harm.
Mechanism of action
- “Blocks dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the brain.
- Controls aggression and irritability by reducing dopamine overactivity.
- Stabilizes mood by balancing serotonin.
- This image shows how risperidone acts on neurons, affects dopamine and serotonin pathways, and results in a reduction in tantrums.
- blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors to reduce aggression and stabilize mood.
- “Serotonin 5-HT2 Binds” was interpreted as describing Risperidone’s binding action to these receptors, which aligns with its mechanism.
- “Regional Subcortical Action” refers to the areas of the brain (like the subcortical regions) where Risperidone exerts its effects, which is consistent with its role in managing behaviors like tantrums in autism.
Side effects:
- Weight gain
- Sedation/Drowsiness
- Hormonal changes (such as increased prolactin levels, which may cause irregular periods in girls or breast enlargement in boys)
- Increased appetite
- Muscle stiffness or tremors (Extrapyramidal symptoms)
Aripiprazole
This is also approved by the FDA for irritability and behavioral problems in autism. Suitable for children ages 6 to 17. It can be effective in controlling tantrums and emotional outbursts.
- Class: Atypical antipsychotic
- Effects: Decreased tantrums, mood swings, and behavioral instability.
Mechanism of action:
- Acts as a partial agonist on the dopamine and serotonin systems.
- Increases or decreases dopamine where needed, thereby maintaining balance.
- Reduces anxiety and aggression by stimulating serotonin 5-HT1A and blocking 5-HT2A.
Side effects:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Headache
- Insomnia or increased sleepiness
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Fluoxetine
Such as fluoxetine. These may help reduce anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and emotional instability, which can trigger tantrums. It’s used off-label for autism, meaning it hasn’t been approved by the FDA specifically for autism.
- Class: Antidepressant
- Effects: Decreased anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and obsessive behavior.
Mechanism of action
- Neuron, the Fluoxetine: Fluoxetine acts on neurons in the brain.
- Serotonin, previous: Refers to the previous levels or state of serotonin before Fluoxetine’s action.
- Prohibition on abated amygdala: Fluoxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake, reducing overactivity in the amygdala, which is linked to anxiety and emotional regulation.
- Hippocampus: Fluoxetine increases serotonin availability in the hippocampus, which is involved in mood regulation and memory.
- Increased serotonin term: Indicates the overall increase in serotonin levels in the brain due to Fluoxetine’s mechanism of action.
- Inhibits the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing serotonin availability.
- Serotonin regulates mood, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors, which may underlie tantrums.
Side effects:
- Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Mood swings, especially in the beginning
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Headache
- Sometimes increased agitation in children
Melatonin
If tantrums are caused by lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns, melatonin may help improve sleep. It’s not a psychoactive drug, but a sleep-regulating supplement.
- Class: Hormone supplements
- Effects: Improved sleep, reduced daytime irritability and tantrums.
Mechanism of action
- Regulates sleep cycles by activating melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the brain.
- Balances circadian rhythms, which may reduce tantrums caused by lack of sleep.
Side effects:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headache
- Mild stomach upset
- Mood changes in rare cases
- Side effects are usually mild.
Important Notes : Medication Treatment for Tantrums in Autism
✅Individual variation: The effects and side effects of these medicines may vary from child to child. Therefore, it is important to adjust the dose under the supervision of a doctor.
✅Long-term use: Long-term use of some medicines (such as risperidone, aripiprazole) can cause serious side effects (such as metabolic changes or tardive dyskinesia), which require regular monitoring.
✅Combination with therapy: Medications alone are not fully effective. Behavioral therapy (such as ABA) and family support are also necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How does Risperidone reduce tantrums in autism?
Risperidone blocks dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. By reducing dopamine overactivity, it controls aggression and irritability, which can cause tantrums. Also, by balancing serotonin, it stabilizes mood, thereby reducing emotional outbursts.
Do Aripiprazole and Risperidone work in the same way?
No, the mechanism of both is slightly different. Risperidone completely blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors, while Aripiprazole is a partial agonist. It increases or decreases dopamine as per the need and stimulates serotonin 5-HT1A. This makes it easier to control tantrums and mood swings, but may have fewer side effects (such as weight gain) than risperidone.
How does fluoxetine help tantrums?
Fluoxetine is an SSRI that increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. It blocks the reabsorption of serotonin, thereby reducing anxiety, obsessive behavior, and emotional sensitivity. If tantrums are caused by these reasons, it may help. However, it is used off-label for autism.
How does melatonin affect tantrums?
Melatonin does not directly control tantrums, but rather improves sleep cycles. It balances circadian rhythms by activating melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the brain. Lack of sleep can increase irritability and tantrums, and melatonin reduces this indirectly.
Does risperidone show its effects immediately?
No, it usually takes 1-2 weeks for risperidone to show its full effects. It gradually balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Initially, mild drowsiness or behavioral changes may be seen, but it takes time for the tantrums to reduce.
What is the mechanism of action of Risperidone in brain?
Blocks dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the brain.
Controls aggression and irritability by reducing dopamine overactivity.
Stabilizes mood by balancing serotonin.