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Review
. 2011 Mar;12(4):635-40.
doi: 10.1517/14656566.2011.557661. Epub 2011 Feb 6.

Aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with autism

Cristan Ann Farmer  1 , Michael G Aman
Affiliations
Review

Aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with autism

Cristan Ann Farmer et al. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Irritability (including tantrums, aggression and moodiness) is often associated with autistic disorder. Children with autism are frequently prescribed atypical antipsychotic medications for these behaviors. Although multiple agents have been found to be effective, the safety and tolerability of each antipsychotic may be the determining factor in its selection.

Areas covered: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy data on aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with autism are discussed. Knowledge of the mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages relative to other atypical antipsychotics, and an appreciation of the efficacy of aripiprazole when used to treat irritability in autism is also explored in this paper.

Expert opinion: Aripiprazole may have a more favorable side-effect profile than another commonly prescribed medication, risperidone, because of its unique mechanism of action. It seems to be effective in treating irritability associated with autism, but more research is needed.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Interest: The second author has been a consultant to and received grant support from Bristol-Myers Squibb, the company that distributes aripiprazole. Additionally, they have been an unpaid consultant and received research support from Johnson & Johnson, which manufactures risperidone (a competitor of aripiprazole).

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