My 13-year-old son with autism and ADHD takes Risdone (1.5 mg in the morning and 1 mg at night). To manage his hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour at school, he started taking Lopez 1 mg (lorazepam) at night three days ago, but his behaviour hasn't improved, and he is now sleeping late. What medication or dosage adjustments should be made to manage his symptoms effectively?

It is important not to change or adjust your child?s medicines on your own, especially when they involve drugs that affect behaviour and sleep. Risdone (risperidone) is commonly used to help with irritability and aggression in children with autism, but it may take time and careful dose adjustment by a doctor to see the full benefit. Lopez (Lorazepam) is a sedative medicine and is generally not recommended for long-term control of hyperactivity or behavioural problems in children. In some cases, it may cause side effects such as disturbed sleep, daytime drowsiness, or even increased restlessness, which may explain why your son is sleeping late and not improving. Since there has been no improvement after starting lorazepam, it is important to speak with your child?s psychiatrist or paediatrician as soon as possible. They may review the current treatment, adjust the dose, or consider safer alternatives depending on his symptoms. Behavioural therapy and school-based support are also very important alongside medication.