Brief report: acamprosate in fragile X syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Nov;40(11):1412-6. doi: 10.1007/s10803-010-0988-9.

Abstract

Glutamatergic dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome (FXS). We report on the first trial of acamprosate, a drug with putative mGluR5 antagonism, in three adults with FXS and autism. Medical records describing open-label treatment with acamprosate in 3 patients with FXS and a comorbid diagnosis of autistic disorder were reviewed. In all three patients, acamprosate was associated with improved linguistic communication. Three patients received acamprosate over a mean 21.3 weeks of treatment. All patients showed global clinical benefit as rated with the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale. Marked communication improvement was unexpected and has potential implications for the treatment of FXS, as well as idiopathic autism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acamprosate
  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Communication*
  • Comorbidity
  • Fragile X Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Fragile X Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Taurine / administration & dosage
  • Taurine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Taurine / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Verbal Behavior
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GRM5 protein, human
  • Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate
  • Taurine
  • Acamprosate