Does Tamoxifen Help In Treating Autism?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016

Question: Tamoxifen has just been cited as a potential treatment for autism by building up the synaptic components, especially in the Striatum. Would you comment on its potential and an approximate time scale, bearing in mind these would be estimates at best? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not approved for use in human

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Tamoxifen role in autism spectrum disorder has been found to be beneficial in only animal studies till now. The drug to be marketed for a particular indication in human takes time. It has to be effective and without side effects in humans and then it can be approved. Dose and duration needs to clarified.
The duration of effect can only be ascertained after follow up studies.
So, still the drug role is very premature to comment. You have to wait for some time before it's use is approved.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina