Cochrane Database Syst Rev

Autism drugs: How do they stack up?

November 27, 2023

Atypical (second-gen) antipsychotics probably reduce irritability and aggression, yet seem to offer little or no benefit for self-injurious behavior. Although evidence regarding adverse events was uncertain, atypical antipsychotic studies reported a wide range of adverse events, including dizziness, sedation/somnolence, fatigue, and tremor. Evidence is less certain or absent for antidepressants or neurohormones. Most studies were under 3 months’ duration.

• Irritability: Atypical antipsychotics probably reduce this behavior; ADHD drugs may do so slightly. However, neurohormones (oxytocin and secretin) may have little or no effect, and there was no clear evidence supporting antidepressants for irritability.
• Self-injury: Some evidence suggests atypical antipsychotics may reduce self‐harm, but there is uncertainty about the evidence. ADHD drugs showed little or no difference compared with placebo.
• Aggression: Atypical antipsychotics showed little to no difference compared with placebo. Data on neurohormones or ADHD drugs were insufficient or absent.

Source:

Iffland M, et al. (2023, October 9). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Pharmacological intervention for irritability, aggression, and self-injury in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37811711/