Another medication to be tested for autism, Mecamylamine

Mecamylamine is a drug that was used in the 1950s to treat high blood pressure (didn’t I just mention that yesterday……). Eugene Arnold, M.D., of the Ohio State University Medical Center, is principal co-investigator of a study in which 40 autistic children will receive mecamylamine or a placebo over the course of 13 weeks in a controlled trial. Notes a press release:

One consistently identified characteristic of brains of deceased individuals with autism is an abnormality in one of the receptors – nicotinic – for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This pilot trial aims to test the response of individuals with autism to agents that target this receptor type, which changes acetylcholine signaling. Acetylcholine is particularly important in mental function.

The agent to be tested in children with autism, mecamylamine, has been shown to be safe in other childhood-onset disorders, including Tourette’s syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mecamylamine, according to Medilexicon, has been “effective in helping children control the symptoms of conditions like Tourette Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder.” It is a nicotine antagonist and has been used for smoking cessation; its side effects include dizziness, tremor, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or diarrhea. Dr. Arnold has received funding from Autism Speaks for his study.

We’ve never Charlie in a clinical trial for any medications. He already takes some medications and we’re highly aware of the side effects, and simply the effects, of these. Since three out of those five side effects noted above all have something to do with stomach distress, I would feel extra-cautious about this medication; I am with the AAP’s report treating autistic children about medication can be used to “allow a child with an ASD to benefit more optimally from educational intervention.”