Looking for experiences with Aripiprazole for an autistic adult with aggression
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some reassurance or honest experiences because, honestly, when I search for Aripiprazole online I mostly find horror stories, and it's making me really anxious.
I'm the primary caregiver for my 27-year-old brother. He is autistic, minimally verbal, and this is the first psychiatric medication he has ever taken.
Over the past few years he has become increasingly aggressive. He gets frustrated over very small changes or things not going the way he expects. During meltdowns he hits himself, hits me, throws things, and sometimes breaks objects. He isn't violent all the time, but when he loses control it can be very difficult and unsafe.
His psychiatrist started him on a very low dose of aripiprazole, and we're only at the beginning. So far I haven't noticed any changes, good or bad, but I'm terrified after reading so many negative experiences online.
For those of you who have experience with autistic adults taking aripiprazole:
- Did it help with aggression, irritability, or self-injury?
- How long did it take before you noticed improvements?
- Were the side effects manageable?
- Did anyone have a positive long-term experience?
I know everyone responds differently, but I'd really appreciate hearing some real experiences—especially positive ones—because right now my anxiety is through the roof.
Thank you so much!!!