title: A retrospective study of amitriptyline in youth with autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: We performed a retrospective chart review of 50 youths with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), prescribed amitriptyline (AMI) for hyperactivity and impulsivity. Data was systematically extracted from 50 outpatient clinic charts, including AMI treatment duration, dose, trough levels and adverse events. Mean age was 9.4 years (4.6-17.9); 40 were males and 10 females. 30 % had failed atomoxetine and 40 % had failed ≥3 ADHD medications. Mean dose was 1.3 ± 0.6 mg/kg/day, mean trough level 114.1 ± 50.5 ng/ml, mean duration 3.4 years. Clinical Global Impressions Scale-Improvement (CGI-I) was ≤2 in 60 % of patients at the final visit, and in 82 % of patients for at least 50 % of follow-ups. Cautious use of low dose AMI shows promise for treatment-resistant youth with ASD accompanied by hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression and self injury.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, USA.
authors.forename: Irfan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bhatti
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thome
authors.forename: Patricia Oxler
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Galen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cook-Wiens
authors.forename: Hung Wen
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Gaffney
authors.forename: Jessica A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hellings
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019233:Retreatment; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D000639:Amitriptyline; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride