Medicating for Autism?

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I have questioned for some time whether I can be considered having mild asperger's or OCD. Never have I pursued diagnosis due to previously bad experiences with medical professionals and a lack of health care. Recently, things have been worse and I have been curious about taking drugs to calm some of my panic attacks and ease the pain associated with social interaction. I am curious about people's experiences with herbs, supplements, anti-anxiety medication, and in particular with low dose anti-psychotics. I am especially curious about the anti-psychotics that increase dopamine levels in the brain. Thoughts and experiences are much appreciated.

I've never been a big fan of that, but if you think that would work for you, go for it.

Fancy, I discovered a drug about eight months ago that works better for meltdowns, anxiety, and social situations than anything else I've tried: Kava (piper methysticum). Not only do I feel better using this stuff, but I'm much easier for others to deal with.

What I like about kava is that it is every bit as relaxing as the stronger pharmaceuticals, but it does not cause brain fog or intoxication in the least. Taking too much causes me to stagger as if I were blind drunk, but my head is as clear as a bell; it has strong muscle-relaxing effects as well as calming the nerves. It is also non-addictive.

There are two downsides to kava: First, it can cause stomach upset, and does for me, so I have to be careful about how much I consume. The second problem is only potential, and that is liver damage. There was a big controversy over this about fifteen years ago, and kava was made illegal in a number of countries. It now appears that the reason for liver damage was that some unscrupulous merchants were putting the poisonous plants tops in with the roots. In any case, I went to the doctor several weeks ago and had my liver checked. It was fine, though I intend to continue monitoring for this closely.

Kava may not work for everybody, and good kava is expensive. But considering my success with Kava, it may be worth your while to try.

Good luck.

My understanding is that there is no medication for autism itself. Autism is not an illness but a difference in neurology. Anxiety and depression are very common comorbidities, and there are meds that work (for some) on these. This is a very individual thing that you need to work out with a psychiatrist. I found anxiety meds helpful.

I also find enough sleep, exercise and a healthy diet + supplements for any difficiencies very helpful.

I prefer herbal supplements. I heard good things about 5HTP but have yet to try.

I drink chamomile blends and adaptogenic root tea's everyday, 2-3 nice hoppy beers or very tanniny red wine 3-4 times per week seems to work for me. I also use vitamin C in megadoses for stress, and make sure I consume fish oils, meats or eggs every few days [for my brain]

Ideally a spiritual calm, means no need for any herbs or medicines except normal foods

I was put on Concerta for my diagnosed asperger's. It did a tremendous amount of good in my life. I never had problems with concentrating or seeing a task through to the end. It also made it much easier to develop relationships with people and my social awkwardness became nonexistent.

I would love to get back on it, but, Medicare dropped coverage for it.

Sent you a PM - check your private message inbox fancychicken.

We each have our own philosophy of what autism is and how it works in our lives. For me, it is a difference that provides gifts/talents. But there are challenges too---for everyone has challenges. I have had challenges with anxiety for some time. But after going on Bystolic for blood pressure problems this past fall, I have noticed my anxiety has improved. I believe many of us with autism have issues with anxiety.

when I was on Strattera, I felt normal for the first time in my life.

Benzos are the good stuff for sensory [and social] over-stimulation (not surprising being as it's a strong anti-consultant in addition to a CNS depressant).

Benzos don't really do good things for me...they've helped land me in the psych ward and marijuana never did that.

Thanks for the responses. I think ill try to avoid the benzos I'm afraid of turning into a zombie. Ive tried kava and it had no affect on me for some reason. Actually i felt a little like i was on a stimulant that made me also feel fuzzy. no good. Looks like Ive got some... A LOT of work to do on figuring out this brain of mine.

What I have done is to try to repair my mind. by meditation, and reading the tao te ching. get lots of sleep. eat well and don't drink soft drinks, get plenty of sun and be kind to yourself. I seriously don't think they know exactly what those pharmaceutical drugs do to people in the long run which is why I refuse to take them. the only way I'm taking a man made drug is if I have some serious Illness like Cancer

I am a firm believer that a lot of people are capable of taking care of their own "mental illnesses" but we have become a lazy society with a need for a quick fix nobody wants to actually put in the hard work to fix themselves anymore, and unless you are losing touch with reality and hallucinating there really is no need for medications in my opinion

I hope you can find the answers you are looking for, I know I have.

True that. Sometimes when things are really difficult sedation seems like the answer but I know that the results are likely to be disappointing. Long term there has to be a better solution for a happy healthy life. Thanks for the reminder.

Never been a fan of medication, it made me less stressed and anxious but it made me stupidly nieve.