A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Piracetam Added to Risperidone in Patients with Autistic Disorder

Layperson Summary:

Use of the nutritional supplement piracetam with risperidone may be more effective than use of risperidone alone for children with autism.

This study was designed to see if piracetam plus risperidone was more helpful than risperidone alone in treating children with autism. Piracetam is a dietary supplement that is often used to help the brain work better. The children who received piracetam with risperidone did not have an increase in side effects. The study had only 40 children (20 in each group). The authors note that the effects of piracetam in children with autism may provide a clue to brain issues in people with autism.

Scientific Abstract