momofchris
09-13-2004, 04:12 PM
Hi, Just found the boards and wanted to see if anyone could help. My son who is 4 is autistic and his doctor wants to start him on prozac. She has told me that prozac may help him talk. Has anyone had any expreriences with prozac and autism?? Thanks for any help :)
Julie
Julie
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ang64063
09-16-2004, 02:43 AM
I personally do not know that much about prozac, but I have heard that in small doses given over a short period of time can get some really good results such as talking and a decrease in stimming.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
dj[pat]
09-28-2004, 09:30 PM
HI Julie, My 18 yr.old son who is autistic and non verbal basically is on 3tsp. of prozac a day. I don't think it has helped him in his speech at all. He can talk and says words but some letters and vowel sounds he just can't make due to poor muscle development. What prozac has done for him is control his compulsive behaviors so he doesn't obsess and fixate on something constantly.It has decreased his aggressions down alot. He has been on it for about 10 yr. now. dj[pat]
Holly_WA
09-30-2004, 12:52 AM
MY son isn't autistic(he got that ruled-out at 3y)---but it will always be in the back of my mind.
He got dx with anxiety disorder, disruptive behavioral disorder and express/receptive language disorder. We tried prozac. Within 5 days he became pretty wild. We wanted to give it a chance and let him go 1 month on it---until he broke his elbow. (3 hours after surgery--he climbed the same tree again) We thought maybe it would never heal!! Even though the prozac made him manic(up at 4am every morning, climbing everything--including resturant counters and jumping off, etc) His irritability/aggression went away and his language skills improved. He was maker longer sentences and singing songs. He also had better pronouncation. We just couldn't handle the mania anymore. He's on nothing now---Celexa put him into hypomania.
Holly
Jacob---4.5yo
He got dx with anxiety disorder, disruptive behavioral disorder and express/receptive language disorder. We tried prozac. Within 5 days he became pretty wild. We wanted to give it a chance and let him go 1 month on it---until he broke his elbow. (3 hours after surgery--he climbed the same tree again) We thought maybe it would never heal!! Even though the prozac made him manic(up at 4am every morning, climbing everything--including resturant counters and jumping off, etc) His irritability/aggression went away and his language skills improved. He was maker longer sentences and singing songs. He also had better pronouncation. We just couldn't handle the mania anymore. He's on nothing now---Celexa put him into hypomania.
Holly
Jacob---4.5yo
momofchris
09-30-2004, 02:55 PM
Hi and thanks for your responses. Chris has been on prozac for almost 2 weeks now. His doctor told me not expect much for the first month but, he seems to be a little calmer and has better eye contact. Who knows what will happen ... Im hoping for the best:)
Julie
Julie
lillypad
09-30-2004, 05:06 PM
My son, 25, takes prozac. It helps him a great deal. He is able to better form thoughts and thus, able to "converse" better - in his own "language"! I saw the difference in 2 weeks, and it was pretty incredible; however, he was 18 or so when he started it. I don't know about giving it to a young one, though - there are lots of cautions about SSRIs and age. What specialty is your doc? You might also ask him to give you copies of the studies that have led him to this thought. Perhaps you can make a more informed choice armed with information.
NaomiR
09-30-2004, 06:09 PM
Holly_WA,
What were your reasons of suspecting your son had autism? What were the reasons they used to determine your son did NOT have autism?
I am just curious and trying to learn to help my son in the future. He is two and not diagnosed. The therapists told me to wait until he was 3 before trying to get an official diagnosis.
What were your reasons of suspecting your son had autism? What were the reasons they used to determine your son did NOT have autism?
I am just curious and trying to learn to help my son in the future. He is two and not diagnosed. The therapists told me to wait until he was 3 before trying to get an official diagnosis.
momofchris
09-30-2004, 11:21 PM
Lillypad
THat was my first thought he was way to young to take prozac! Ive seen all the things that happen with kids on prozac and it does scare me. If I see any "bad changes " with him hes off it no questions asked. Id rather him not talk than to have something horrible happen to him. My doctor is a ped spedialist at the hospital and also works at University of Virginia. She does work mainly with autistic kids and alot of the kids including mine are starting to break out of their "shells" She said wait about a month and I may see alot of change for the good and I truly hope so...
THat was my first thought he was way to young to take prozac! Ive seen all the things that happen with kids on prozac and it does scare me. If I see any "bad changes " with him hes off it no questions asked. Id rather him not talk than to have something horrible happen to him. My doctor is a ped spedialist at the hospital and also works at University of Virginia. She does work mainly with autistic kids and alot of the kids including mine are starting to break out of their "shells" She said wait about a month and I may see alot of change for the good and I truly hope so...
lillypad
10-02-2004, 03:22 AM
Mom of Chris- I was visiting with my son today and thought of you. Actually, I've been thinking about this a lot today wondering if I had the choice so many years ago, what would I do....I would do it! As you said, if it doesn't go well, you can take him off. Let me know what you decide and how it goes. I will be thinking of you and Chris.
momofchris
10-02-2004, 11:47 AM
Thanks lillypad, I am really hoping that this is working for Chris. He hasn't had a "meltdown" since hes started either which is a good sign. Reading that you would do the same thing for your son makes me feel llike I am doing the right thing. Thanks again:)
lillypad
10-15-2004, 03:00 PM
Update me on how the prozac it working for Chris! I've been thinking about you guys!
momofchris
10-15-2004, 11:28 PM
Honestly I don't know right now. THe past 2 weeks Ive been at the hospital recovering from back surgery :eek: Poor Chris has been going non stop to different family members and his schedule is all messed up. I feell the times I've seen him at the hospital he has been less " wiild". My mom told me that he doesn't run off anymore playing in the front yard which is big progress. NOw that I am home I feel like I will know more once I see things for myself. I am getting more sure that I've done the right thing. Thanks for asking about Chris :wave: Julie
lillypad
10-16-2004, 01:58 AM
Sounds like progress. Take good care of yourself. Back surgery is rough. Hope it helps you, mine sure did.
tlw417
10-21-2004, 01:08 AM
momofchris-
I hope you're back is healing well. This is the first time I've ever posted on a message board but felt compelled to ask you how your son is doing with the prozac. My son's obsessive/compulsive tendencies have become extreme and his teachers' and doctors feel he would benefit from the medicine. I agree with them but he's only 3 1/2 so I'm a little nervous about it. He's also asthmatic and has a lot of gut issues so he's already on several meds. as it is. Any input you have would be really appreciated. Thanks :)
I hope you're back is healing well. This is the first time I've ever posted on a message board but felt compelled to ask you how your son is doing with the prozac. My son's obsessive/compulsive tendencies have become extreme and his teachers' and doctors feel he would benefit from the medicine. I agree with them but he's only 3 1/2 so I'm a little nervous about it. He's also asthmatic and has a lot of gut issues so he's already on several meds. as it is. Any input you have would be really appreciated. Thanks :)
momofchris
10-21-2004, 09:30 AM
Hi twl, Im hanging in there thanks for asking. Ill try to help . Chris has asthma as well and so far there hasn't been any problems. Chris still is obsessed with making sure all lights are either on or off doors open and closed etc. His hyperness which was along with his not talking were my main concerns has gotton better though. He has been on prozac for over a month and no his talking hasn't increased but his doctor told me don;t expect it to right away. I will say I am glad I put him on the med and don't have any regrets :angel: Chris does't have any issues with his gut so I have no ideas if prozac would interfer with other meds. Good luck and hopefully I may have helped you a little :wave: