A new study at Seattle Children’s Hospital found that Citaloram (Celexa) is no more effective on repetitive autistic behaviors than placebos.
Citalopram is an SSRI (a type of antidepressant) and they thought it would work because it’s also prescribed for patients with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders). But now brain researchers are thinking that perhaps the repetitive behaviors of OCD are not caused by the same thing in Autism, which would explain why Citalopram didn’t work in Autistic kids.
Plus, the Citalopram caused side effects in almost all the kids: increased energy, itchy skin, insomnia, diarrhea, decreased concentration and impulsiveness.
Yes, I’d love a drug that helped kids with autism, but for now at least diet, cognitive skills training and reduced exposure to metals, etc. can help without side effects!
