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Question: High functioning autism/aspergers being treated with abilify-child still hitting self-whacking head -help?

(Posted by: resigned on 2007-12-04 18:59:24)

Recent dx.7.self diciplines by hitting self punching things yelling screaming says just kill me - beat me till i die- my life is miserable.He been on abilify fpr1 1/ 2 months first two weeks great- than it began to fade till he is back at aquare one- anyone out there have similar experiances with meds?or diagnosis and behavioral issue/ Acedemically he great carry a 96 % avg. but unable to keep it in check emotional/ mentally- anyone with similar experiances or stories please write / give direction/ outcomes thank you thank you all of these answers were nery helpful- sorry i can only pick one for the points you all deserve them

Posted by: mcdannells on 2007-12-04, 23:17:27

Hello, Yep been there. I refused medication for my child. The medication in my eyes are worse then anything my child can be "labeled " with. Have you personally taken these drugs you are giving your child? I have taken two of the pills they either have given my child or wanted to give him (we share some of the same medical problems me and this child). The medications are just horrible! When in school the school called my parent into the office for they said I was on drugs, my parents said well ya she is on drugs. These drugs make life not worth living and even to the point one would rather die then take them. I was older then some of these poor children who take these drugs (I was 11 or 12). Depression, wild dreams no memory of what I was doing. My autsistic son is 12 now said the drugs make him feel like he is sleeping still. He says it makes his stomach hurt and he said it made his head hurt. He said it made his arms and legs feel like they were not there. Of course this was not a conversation we had at one time, it took him a day or two to end this conversation. A little of the conversation here, a little there. How is a child supposed to tell mom or dad that there head hurts? Head hurts, hit your head it will go away or make reason why your head hurts. Voices in your head, hit them make them go away. As parents with such children, if we have the same conditions or not have to do creative thinkings. If it is giving the child a "rush " hitting his head, well he will hit his head. If the child feels he is not in control of his body, thoughts hitting his head might give the child some sort of control. Eating disorder in teenagers is for control. All I am getting at is do your best to put yourself in your child's shoes. It is frustrating when one does not have control of there body, or mind. It sounds like your child is older? Have him write down his thoughts, or draw you a picture. This is something else I have taught my child to do. Sometimes he does not talk, so he draws me pictures. Hope this helps, if nothing else gave you something to think about.....BTW It took me about two years working with my child to stop hitting himself and his head, rocking is exceptible here in our house.

Posted by: Sacha R on 2007-12-04, 19:24:02

See autism, and Asperger's, at ezy-build.net.nz/ ~shaneris in sections 12, and 21, and try the dietary modifications and supplements, and I have just added a new page, on low cost treatments (section 12i). You may well do better with 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements daily, than Abilify, according to Dr. Mercola, at mercola.com but that powerful stimulant may need tapering off, over weeks, with medical advice, although you can start the Omega 3, and vitamin/ mineral supplements, and even chelation therapy, (if appropriate) straight away. Also, I notice in one article that the only medication scientifically proven to be effective is Risperdal, (which has risks, and possible side effects: read section 12 in full!) and I know that it is used for schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, but maybe your therapist is just trying it out, on your child. Also check out crazymeds.us You have much research ahead of you, and some important decisions, but this should give you some ideas. And from www,drugs.com Why is Abilify prescribed? Abilify is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, the psychological disorder that causes its victims to lose touch with reality, often triggering hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking. The drug is thought to work by modifying sensitivity to two of the brain's chief chemical messengers, serotonin and dopamine. Most important fact about Abilify Abilify can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by involuntary movements in the face and body, including chewing movements, puckering, puffing the cheeks, and sticking out the tongue. This condition may be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially women. Ask your doctor for more information about this possible risk. How should you take Abilify? Abilify should be taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. --If you miss a dose... Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. --Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. What side effects may occur? Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Abilify. More common side effects may include: Anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, cough, headache, insomnia, light-headedness, nausea, rash, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness, tremors, vomiting, weakness, weight gain Why should Abilify not be prescribed? If Abilify causes an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to use it. Special warnings about Abilify The risk of tardive dyskinesia (see "Most important fact about Abilify ") increases with the total amount of Abilify that you've taken. To reduce the risk, the doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose and resort to long-term therapy only if necessary. If you develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, see your doctor immediately. Therapy with Abilify may have to be discontinued. In rare cases, Abilify has been known to cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, altered mental status, and changes in heart rhythm. If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Abilify should be discontinued. Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Abilify, are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing. Because Abilify tends to make some people sleepy, you should be cautious about operating hazardous machinery such as cars until you are certain the drug will not impair your ability. In a few people, Abilify can cause an abrupt drop in blood pressure when they stand up, leading to light-headedness or even fainting. Use Abilify with caution if you have any kind of heart or circulatory problem, take blood pressure medication, or tend to become dehydrated. Abilify has triggered seizures in a very small number of patients, and can also interfere with the swallowing mechanism. The risk of either problem is greater among older adults. If you've ever had a seizure, be sure to tell the doctor. Abilify should be used with caution. Drugs such as Abilify can cause the body to overheat. Be cautious in hot weather and when exercising strenuously, and be sure to get plenty of liquids. Abilify has not been tested in children or teenagers. Older adults should use the drug with caution. Possible food and drug interactions when taking Abilify The doctor will need to reduce the dosage of Abilify when you take the following additional drugs: Fluoxetine (Prozac) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Paroxetine (Paxil) Quinidine (Quinidex) On the other hand, the dosage of Abilify should be increased when you take carbamazepine (Tegretol). Be cautious when taking Abilify with blood pressure medications classified as alpha-adrenergic blockers, including Hytrin and Cardura. Caution is also advised when combining Abilify with drugs that act on the brain, including tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers, and other schizophrenia medications. Although Abilify does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding the combination.

Posted by: Alex on 2007-12-05, 10:14:19

I have asperger's and I went through the same things my video might help you youtube.com/ watch?v= rbgUjmeC-4o