Fenfluramine Treatment in Infantile Autism

Authors:
  • GAGerald J. August
    Gerald J. August
  • NRNaftali Raz
    Naftali Raz
  • APAndrew C. Papanicolaou
    Andrew C. Papanicolaou
  • TBTeresa Davis Baird
    Teresa Davis Baird
  • SHSharon L. Hirsh
    Sharon L. Hirsh
  • LHLouise L. Hsu
    Louise L. Hsu
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Abstract
As part of a multicenter, collaborative project, response to fenfluramine was assessed in 10 autistic outpatients. After 4 months of treatment, blood serotonin concentrations decreased an average of 60 per cent and returned to pretreatment levels after 2 months on placebo. This reduction was accompanied by a decrease in certain behavioral symptoms, including motor activity, distractibility, and mood disturbances. Baseline evoked potential recordings indicated that autistic patients tended to have a larger amplitude of the P3 component to frequent tones as compared to age-matched controls. A tendency toward "normalization" of the P3 effect was observed during the medication trial and during the final placebo period. Treatment response was not related to initial serotonin levels, and no major clinical side effects were associated with fenfluramine.