Table 2.

Maudsley Hospital National Autism Service recommendations for good prescribing practice in adults with ASD

1. Start medication at low doses

2. Gradually titrate to maximal efficacy with regular monitoring for side effects and individual response to medication targets (eg, use of mood, ADHD, and OCD rating scales)

3. Health monitoring before the initiation of, and during the use of, medication as appropriate (eg, cardiac review if patient/family cardiac history before methylphenidate initiation and lipid/weight monitoring with antipsychotics)

4. Stop any aversive or ineffective medication

5. Discuss medication/seek an expert second opinion as indicated

6. Avoid polypharmacy

7. Schedule planned reviews, including whether to continue or stop the medication

Abbreviations: ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; ASD, autism spectrum disorder; OCD, obsessive–compulsive disorder.