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Open-Label Memantine in Fragile X Syndrome

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Abstract

Glutamatergic dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome (FXS). The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness and tolerability of memantine for a number of target symptoms associated with FXS. Medical records describing open-label treatment with memantine in 6 patients with FXS and a comorbid diagnosis of PDD were reviewed. Six patients received memantine over a mean 34.7 weeks of treatment. Four of 6 (67%) patients showed global clinical benefit on ratings with the CGI-I. Symptom specific rating scales, however, showed no statistically significant improvement. Two patient developed treatment-limiting irritability on memantine. Memantine was modestly effective in several patients with FXS. Further systematic study is warranted.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported in part by The Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (Drs. Erickson, McDougle); National Institute of Health grant K12 UL1 RR025761 Indiana University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Career Development Award (Dr. Erickson); and NIMH grant R01 MH072964 (Dr. McDougle).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Barnhill Drive, Room 4300, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Craig A. Erickson, Jennifer E. Mullett & Christopher J. McDougle

  2. Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Craig A. Erickson, Jennifer E. Mullett & Christopher J. McDougle

Authors
  1. Craig A. Erickson
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  2. Jennifer E. Mullett
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  3. Christopher J. McDougle
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Correspondence to Craig A. Erickson.

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Erickson, C.A., Mullett, J.E. & McDougle, C.J. Open-Label Memantine in Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 39, 1629–1635 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0807-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0807-3

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