If you or someone you love is on the spectrum, you may be exploring better options for behavior medication for autism. An initial diagnosis can be challenging for parents and families to accept. But many go on to view the experience as beneficial to their lives. Maybe it’s not the picture-perfect family they envisioned. But a family member with autism brings opportunities for growth, strength, and unconditional love. Discovering ways to improve behavior with compounded medication can make the journey a little easier.
Keep reading to learn more about custom-compounded formulations for autism.
Treating Autism Aggression
Children and adults with autism may express emotions by acting out aggressively. The aggression may be toward others or self. Common behaviors are:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Biting
- Scratching
- Throwing objects
- Head-banging
Autism aggression can be upsetting and even dangerous. However, many parents are hesitant to medicate their children with autism. They don’t want to alter their personalities or overmedicate them.
The two most common medications to reduce autism aggression and self-injury include risperidone and aripiprazole. However, the problem is that some patients do not respond favorably to these medications. There are also several severe side effects associated with both risperidone and aripiprazole. These include:
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Hormonal changes
- Involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
Compounded Low Dose Naltrexone for Autism
One behavior medication for autism that is showing great promise is low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Research has shown that LDN decreases aggression, hyperactivity, and self-harming behavior in children on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, LDN is not a cure, but the medication along with other therapies promotes healthier behaviors in patients. Therefore, starting LDN early in childhood is ideal.
In one parent survey, 75% of parents with children who took LDN reported that the medication was beneficial. They noted improvements in communication, socialization, and cognition.
Particularly when other traditional treatments have failed, LDN is a worthwhile option. Children who do not tolerate other medications may have great success with a custom LDN formulation. LDN is only available through compounding pharmacies. This means parents must first get a prescription from a physician. Then, they can find a reputable pharmacy with experience compounding LDN.
Towne Lake Family Pharmacy Is Your Local Source for LDN
If you are looking for a trustworthy local pharmacy to compound your custom LDN dose, Towne Lake Family Pharmacy is here to help. Our family-owned pharmacy serves patients in Woodstock, GA, and the surrounding communities. Our compounding pharmacists specialize in LDN formulations. We are always available to answer your questions.
Let us work closely with your physician to formulate the ideal LDN dose to meet your child’s behavioral needs. Then, we will carefully monitor the results and adjust as necessary. Reach out to Towne Lake Family Pharmacy now to learn more about options for behavior medication for autism. Contact us online or call 770-635-7697.