<s>No medications directly treat the core symptoms of AS.<ref name="Towbin">{{cite journal |author= Towbin KE |title= Strategies for pharmacologic treatment of high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome |journal= Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=23–45 |year=2003 |pmid=12512397 |url=http://www.childpsych.theclinics.com/article/PIIS1056499302000494/fulltext |doi=10.1016/S1056-4993(02)00049-4}}</ref> Although research into the efficacy of pharmaceutical intervention for AS is limited, it is essential to diagnose and treat [[Comorbidity|comorbid]] conditions.Deficits in self-identifying emotions or in observing effects of one's behavior on others can make it difficult for individuals with AS to see why medication may be appropriate.<ref name="Towbin" /> Medication can be effective in combination with behavioral interventions and environmental accommodations in treating comorbid symptoms such as [[anxiety]], [[clinical depression|depression]], inattention and aggression. The [[Atypical antipsychotic|atypical neuroleptic]] medications [[risperidone]] and [[olanzapine]] have been shown to reduce the associated symptoms of AS; risperidone can reduce repetitive and self-injurious behaviors, aggressive outbursts and impulsivity, and improve stereotypical patterns of behavior and social relatedness. The [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRIs) [[fluoxetine]], [[fluvoxamine]] and [[sertraline]] have been effective in treating restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors.</s>
<s>Care must be taken with medications; abnormalities in [[metabolism]], [[Electrical conduction system of the heart|cardiac conduction]] times, and an increased risk of [[Diabetes mellitus type 2|type 2 diabetes]] have been raised as concerns with these medications,<ref name="Newcomer">{{cite journal |author= Newcomer JW |title= Antipsychotic medications: metabolic and cardiovascular risk |journal= J Clin Psychiatry |volume=68 |issue= suppl 4 |pages=8–13 |year=2007 |pmid=17539694}}</ref><ref name="Chavez">{{cite journal |author= Chavez B, Chavez-Brown M, Sopko MA, Rey JA |title= Atypical antipsychotics in children with pervasive developmental disorders |journal= Pediatr Drugs |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=249–66 |year=2007 |pmid=17705564 |doi= 10.2165/00148581-200709040-00006}} </ref> along with serious long-term neurological side effects. SSRIs can lead to manifestations of behavioral activation such as increased impulsivity, aggression and sleep disturbance. Weight gain and fatigue are commonly reported side effects of risperidone, which may also lead to increased risk for [[extrapyramidal]] symptoms such as restlessness and [[dystonia]] and increased serum [[prolactin]] levels.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Staller J |title= The effect of long-term antipsychotic treatment on prolactin |journal= J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=317–26 |year=2006 |pmid=16768639 |doi=10.1089/cap.2006.16.317}}</ref> Sedation and weight gain are more common with olanzapine,<ref name="Chavez" /> which has also been linked with diabetes.<ref name="Newcomer" /> Sedative side-effects in school-age children<ref>{{cite journal |journal= Ann Pharmacother |year=2007 |volume=41 |issue=4 |pages=626–34 |title= Use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of autistic disorder |author= Stachnik JM, Nunn-Thompson C |doi=10.1345/aph.1H527 |pmid=17389666}}</ref> have ramifications for classroom learning. Individuals with AS may be unable to identify and communicate their internal moods and emotions or to tolerate side effects that for most people would not be problematic.<ref>{{cite journal |title= Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: research concerns and emerging foci |journal= Curr Opin Psychiatry |volume=16 |issue=5 |pages=535–542 |date=2003 |author= Blacher J, Kraemer B, Schalow M |doi=10.1097/01.yco.0000087260.35258.64 |doi_brokendate= 2008-06-25}}</ref></s>
Many studies believe that medications alone can not improve Asperger Syndrome's (AS) symptoms and other complementary interventions (social and behavioral) are required.[1]
Medications used in Asperger Syndrome (AS) include:[1]