Ramelteon for insomnia in two youths with autistic disorder.

Author(s): Stigler KA, Posey DJ, McDougle CJ

Affiliation(s): Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine and the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Publication date & source: 2006-10, J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol., 16(5):631-6.

Publication type:

Objective: The aim of this study was to report preliminary data on the effectiveness and tolerability of ramelteon for the treatment of insomnia in youth with autistic disorder (autism). Method: Two youths, ages 7 and 18 years, with autism and significant insomnia characterized by problems with sleep onset and maintenance received an open-label trial of ramelteon (4-8 mg) over a duration of 16-18 weeks. Results: Target symptoms of delayed sleep onset and/or frequent nocturnal awakening improved significantly, as determined by Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale ratings of either "much improved" or "very much improved." Ramelteon was well tolerated. No daytime sedation was reported. Conclusions: This case report illustrates the potential effectiveness and tolerability of ramelteon for sleep disturbances in 2 patients with autism. Further research is needed to verify its safety, tolerability, and efficacy in children and adolescents with autism.