title: Niaprazine in the treatment of autistic disorder.
abstract: Niaprazine is a histamine H1-receptor antagonist with marked sedative properties. It has been employed in subjects with behavior and sleep disorders. No data concerning the use of niaprazine in subjects with autistic disorder are reported in the literature. The authors performed an open study to assess niaprazine efficacy in a sample of 25 subjects with autistic disorder and associated behavior and sleep disorders. Niaprazine was administered at 1 mg/kg/day for 60 days. A positive effect was found in 52% of patients, particularly on hyperkinesia, unstable attention, resistance to change and frustration, mild anxiety signs, heteroaggressiveness, and sleep disorders. Statistical comparison between responders and nonresponders showed no influence on niaprazine effect by age over or under 12 years, presence of neurologic signs, epilepsy, or abnormalities seen on brain imaging. Niaprazine was more efficacious in subjects with a mild or moderate degree of mental retardation. No side effects were observed. Because of its sedative effects and good tolerability, niaprazine can be used as a first-choice drug to improve behavior and sleep disorders in patients with autistic disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Neurological Institute, University of Bologna, Italy. giovanar@alma.unibo.it
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Posar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parmeggiani
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pipitone
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Agata
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009536:Niacinamide; C021062:niaprazine