PREDNISONE (DELTASONE) OR ACYCLOVIR (ZOVIRAX)

[DAJD]

I would like to hear from anyone who has used prednisone (Deltasone) or acyclovir (Zovirax) on their children for autism. Prednisone is a steroid and acyclovir is an antiviral. I have been considering using either or both of these meds on my 10 year old son but I am concerned about the side effects. I would appreciated hearing from anyone who could give me some information through past experience to help me decide. I would like to know information like age of child, any positive or negative effects, was the child autistic at birth or regressed later in childhood, any history of seizures or abnormal EEGs, and any regression after discontinuation of therapy. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

[Jay Tor]

Hi:

I came upon your post because of the prednisone and acyclovir mentions which my child was prescribed for a very different condition - acute mylogenous leukemia followed by bone marrow transplant. Prednisone was used as an immune-suppressant and can have some devasting effects. Acyclovir was used mostly to manage viral infections or flares of an already present virus.

Your post intrigued me so I did some checking on the NIH neurological/cognitive development Web site as well as on their clinical trials page. Here are the links:

[url="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/search.htm?Text2=%27autism%27&Text1=auti sm&Go+Search%21=Go"]http://www.ninds.nih.gov/search.htm?Text2=%27autism%27&Text1=auti sm&Go+Search%21=Go[/url]
[url="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a1b/action/SearchAction?JServSessionIdzone_ct=kxjgy 9ym71&term=autism&submit=Search"]http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/a1b/action/SearchAction?JServSessionIdzone_ct=kxjgy 9ym71&term=autism&submit=Search[/url]

I also found an autism resource site:

[url="http://www.unc.edu/~cory/autism-info/CHALU.html#autiinfo"]http://www.unc.edu/~cory/autism-info/CHALU.html#autiinfo[/url]

Good luck,
Jay

[DAJD]

Hi Jay;

Thanks for the information. I am always grateful for any information that is offered. In the more than 7 years I've been trying help my son, I have found that other parents who are dedicated to their childrens' health are the best source of useful information. I
don't know what I would have done without you. Thanks again!