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Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medication For Risperdal

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Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2016
Question: I have an adult Autistic son that is suffering from insomnia. He is taking Risperdal 70mm 2x day. Is there a safe sleep aid he can take?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities listed below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Sleep issues in autistic patients are difficult to treat, the fact Risperdal doesn't work confirms that (Risperdal itself has a sedative effect).

There are several alternatives. One possibility are sedating antidepressants. One with good efficacy is Doxepin. For insomnia the necessary dose is much lower (6mg) than what is used for depression so it has a good safety profile.

Melatonin is a safe medication. It is a naturally produced substance in our body so it is the safest alternative, although efficacy is moderate.

Suvorexant is a new drug also with a good safety profile, it works by antagonizing orexin a neurotransmitter which promotes wakefulness.

Other options are benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonist (zolpidem, zaleplon), but they have a potential for tolerance and dependence, the later less so, but still a possibility.

So these the possible options which can be tried. I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medication For Risperdal

Brief Answer: Several possibilities listed below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Sleep issues in autistic patients are difficult to treat, the fact Risperdal doesn't work confirms that (Risperdal itself has a sedative effect). There are several alternatives. One possibility are sedating antidepressants. One with good efficacy is Doxepin. For insomnia the necessary dose is much lower (6mg) than what is used for depression so it has a good safety profile. Melatonin is a safe medication. It is a naturally produced substance in our body so it is the safest alternative, although efficacy is moderate. Suvorexant is a new drug also with a good safety profile, it works by antagonizing orexin a neurotransmitter which promotes wakefulness. Other options are benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonist (zolpidem, zaleplon), but they have a potential for tolerance and dependence, the later less so, but still a possibility. So these the possible options which can be tried. I remain at your disposal for other questions.