A two-year follow-up of autistic children treated with fenfluramine

Six children with autism, who were treated with fenfluramine as part of a multi-center double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design study, were continued on an open trial of this medication. Follow-up evaluation of these children after 27 months indicated that numerous problems arose in the management of these children, most often resulting in discontinuation of the medication. Particularly noted were development of tolerance, appetite and weight problems, and requirements for other kinds of interventions including introduction of other psychotropic medications and change in custodial circumstances.