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Published on: October 3, 2018
Memantine-induced speech problems in two patients with autistic disorder
Javad Alaghband-Rad1, Naemeh Nikvarz, Mehdi Tehrani-Doost
1Research Center for Rational Use of Drugs and Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran. mmppg@yahoo.com.
Summary
Memantine, used for Alzheimer's and autism, may worsen stuttering in children. This study reports two cases of speech problems, including stuttering, in children treated with memantine, highlighting a potential adverse drug reaction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Stuttering is a complex speech disorder with developmental and acquired forms.
- Acquired stuttering can emerge at any age, sometimes as an adverse effect of medications.
- Psychotropic drugs have been linked to stuttering, but specific drug-induced cases require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented cases of memantine-induced speech deterioration, specifically stuttering, in children with autistic disorder.
- To raise awareness among clinicians about potential speech-related side effects of memantine.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing two children with autistic disorder who experienced worsened stuttering while on memantine treatment.
- Clinical observation and documentation of speech problems attributed to memantine.
Main Results:
- Two children with autistic disorder exhibited a significant deterioration of stuttering and speech fluency after initiating memantine therapy.
- These adverse events represent a previously unreported side effect of memantine.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should consider memantine as a potential cause of speech problems, including stuttering, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanism and prevalence of memantine-induced stuttering.
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