{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Emerging drugs for the treatment of irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder.
{Author}: Shamabadi A;Karimi H;Arabzadeh Bahri R;Motavaselian M;Akhondzadeh S;
{Journal}: Expert Opin Emerg Drugs
{Volume}: 29
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Mar 31
{Factor}: 3.912
{DOI}: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2313650
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset disorder with a prevalence of 1% among children and reported disability-adjusted life years of 4.31 million. Irritability is a challenging behavior associated with ASD, for which medication development has lagged. More specifically, pharmacotherapy effectiveness may be limited against high adverse effects (considering side effect profiles and patient medication sensitivity); thus, the possible benefits of pharmacological interventions must be balanced against potential adverse events in each patient.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>After reviewing the neuropathophysiology of ASD-associated irritability, the benefits and tolerability of emerging medications in its treatment based on randomized controlled trials were detailed in light of mechanisms and targets of action.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Succeeding risperidone and aripiprazole, monotherapy with memantine may be beneficial. In addition, N-acetylcysteine, galantamine, sulforaphane, celecoxib, palmitoylethanolamide, pentoxifylline, simvastatin, minocycline, amantadine, pregnenolone, prednisolone, riluzole, propentofylline, pioglitazone, and topiramate, all adjunct to risperidone, and clonidine and methylphenidate outperformed placebo. These effects were through glutamatergic, γ-aminobutyric acidergic, inflammatory, oxidative, cholinergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems. All medications were reported to be safe and tolerable. Considering sample size, follow-up, and effect size, further studies are necessary. Along with drug development, repositioning and combining existing drugs supported by the mechanism of action is recommended.