Effects of fenfluramine on the behavior of autistic individuals

Res Dev Disabil. 1987;8(2):203-11. doi: 10.1016/0891-4222(87)90004-7.

Abstract

The present report, part of a national, multicenter study to investigate the effects of fenfluramine on autistic behavior, describes findings on four autistic children ranging in age from 7 to 20 years. Additional performance and parental observation measures apart from those of the multicenter study are included. Results of this study which indicated no significant side effects, a reduction in some deviant behaviors and an improvement in activity level/attention span, provide support for earlier reports. The possibility that fenfluramine's apparently positive effects might be to simply reduce inappropriate behaviors via lethargy was examined and not supported.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention / drug effects
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / adverse effects
  • Fenfluramine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Serotonin / blood

Substances

  • Fenfluramine
  • Serotonin