Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of amantadine hydrochloride in the treatment of children with autistic disorder.
Author: King, Bryan H, Wright, D Mark, Handen, Benjamin L, Sikich, L, Zimmerman, Andrew W, McMahon, W, Cantwell, E, Davanzo, Pablo A, Dourish, Colin T, Dykens, Elisabeth M, Hooper, Stephen R, Jaselskis, Catherine A, Leventhal, Bennett L
Source:
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(6), 658-665.
Tested whether amantadine hydrochloride is a safe and effective treatment for behavioral disturbances (e.g., hyperactivity, irritability) in children with autism. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Version (ABC-CV) and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale were used as outcome variables. 39 5-15 yr olds received a single daily dose of amantadine (2.5 mg/kg per day) or placebo for 1 wk, and then bid dosing (5.0 mg/kg per day) for the next 3 wks. When assessed on the basis of parent-rated ABC-CV ratings of irritability and hyperactivity, the mean placebo response rate was 37% vs amantadine at 47% (not significant). However, in the amantadine-treated group there were statistically significant improvements in absolute changes in clinician-rated ABC-CVs for hyperactivity and inappropriate speech. CGI scale ratings were higher in the amantadine group: 53% improved vs 25%. Amantadine was well tolerated. Although parents did not report statistically significant behavioral change with amantadine, clinician-rated improvements in behavioral ratings following treatment with amantadine suggest that further studies with this or other drugs acting on the glutamatergic system are warranted