To this point, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of Fragile X or its symptoms. But in many cases, medications are used to treat certain symptoms of Fragile X syndrome, as shown in the chart below. NICHD does not endorse or support the use of any of these medications in treating the symptoms of Fragile X syndrome, or for other conditions for which the medications are not FDA approved.
Medication is most effective when paired with therapy designed to teach new coping or behavioral skills. Not every medication helps every child.
Please note that some of these medications carry serious risks. Others may make symptoms worse at first, or they may take several weeks to become effective. Doctors may have to try different dosages or combinations of medications to find the most effective plan. Families, caregivers, and doctors need to work together to ensure that a medication is working and that the medication plan is safe.
This chart is meant for reference ONLY and should not take the place of a healthcare provider’s advice. Discuss any questions about medication with a healthcare provider.
| Symptom | Generic Medication (Brand Name in Parentheses) |
|---|---|
| Seizures Mood instability |
|
| Attention deficit (with or without hyperactivity) |
|
| Hyperarousal Sensory overstimulation (often occurs with ADD/ADHD) |
|
| Aggression Intermittent explosive disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (often occurs with anxiety and/or depression) |
|
| Sleep disturbances |
|
ADD: attention deficit disorder; ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; TTS: transdermal therapeutic system.
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