HELP!!! - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Dillard02 · 10-07-2002, 03:38 PM

I have a 12 almost 13 yr. old daugter, and she was diagnosed with Asberger's about 2 1/2 yrs. ago. She has been on 40mg's of Adderall XR & 25mg's of Luvox. I just took her for her check-up, and told the Dr. of some strange behaviors lately, and without talking to her or anything, he put her on 2.5mg's of Zyprexa. He did tell me about the weight gain, and boy did it increase her appetite. It did help with her sleep, and I did not notice any meltdowns while she was taking it. But she and I both did not like the weight gain issue. She gained about 5 pounds in one week. So, I did not give it to her this past weekend, and last night (Sunday night), she did not go to sleep until about 2:00am. So, I call the Dr. this AM, to ask him if he suggests anything else, that will just help her sleep. And he prescribes Risperdal. Doesn't this have the same effect as the Zyprexa? I wonder why he is insisting on an antiphycotic drug. That word just scares me. Should I just go with my gut feeling and not give this to her, or should I just try it since the Doctor is prescribing it? I am very confused. I know my daughter is not Physcotic. His nurse is actually the one that called me back, and I did not get a chance to talk directly to him. Any suggestions please!!!!
Could it just be puberty that is making her have the weird behavior and stuff, or does the Adderall and stuff like that eventually stop working around puberty time?

Nicksmom · 10-07-2002, 06:22 PM

Most kids with autism start to act different around the time of puberty...that is very normal. They can have major mood swings just like the regular kids. I never gave my son meds for his autism since riperdal can make you steril, ritlin can make you loose brain cells and make you addicted to it as you get older, and I have heard of other drugs making you violent. I'm basicaly scared to death of all drugs since they are not tested on children and no one really knows the long term side effects. I'm using a combination of naet (nambudripad allergy elimination technique), biofeedback, and vitamin therapy. I also give my son baths in epsom salt every night. If I don't give him the bath in epsom salt which will help with detox (something most autistic kids have trouble with)and if he doesn't get his calcium and magnusium powder at night...he's hyper active and very moody the next day. Anyway, there are alot of things you can try that is natural that wont harm your daughter and you will see results. Have you checked out kirkman labs? If not, I strongly suggest that you do. They make alot of different vitmins and supplements for autistic kids and they can help you with dosage over the phone.

Dillard02 · 10-08-2002, 08:33 AM

Thanks for your reply. The bad part about trying the natural(vitamins & supplements) is that the insurance wont pay for any of that, and I certainly dont have the money to pay for it right now. I tried some natural powder stuff when she was younger, and it did not work.

Dillard02 · 10-08-2002, 08:37 AM

About the epsom salt bath, how much salts do you put in the bath, and how long do you leave him in the bath? Does he take a shower afterwards to rinse the salts off? Thanks for the help, I might give this a try and see if she improves. Does it seem to help him sleep better at night?

Nicksmom · 10-08-2002, 09:04 AM

with the epsom salts, use 2 cups of salt and add it to hot water (not too hot...but enought to where she can sit in it and be comfortable). She needs to soak for 30 mins. a night. With my son, I could see a difference after the first bath...he slept really good and remained calm throughout the day. About the vitamin therapy...I know it can be expensive, however you don't have to buy some through places like kirkman labs. There are times that I'm broke, and I will go to places like walmart, or even the 99cent store. You can get a calcium supplement for 3 dollars (you know it's good if you can put a pill in a glass of vinagar and it disolves within 20 min.s....not all calcuim absorbs in the stomach so this is a good test), You can also get high doses of b vit. for about $3 and same with magniusm. I think most places will sell DMG for around $8....that is the most I had to pay for a supplement. I usually get my stuff at kirkman labs now...only because it taste better and it's easier to hide in foods. Another good supplement is selium (sp?)this will help aid in detox naturally. Anyway, try the salts...that is a good place to start.