Table 9.

Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with FXTAS

Manifestation/
Concern
TreatmentConsiderations/Other
Tremor Primidone, β-blockers, or levotriacetam
Deep brain stimulation may be considered for those w/debilitating tremor w/little ataxia or white matter disease.Has been shown to improve tremor but worsen ataxia & speech
Ataxia / Cerebellar dysfunction Medications incl amantadine, buspirone, varenicline, riluzole, or ampyra can be considered.No evidence for efficacy in FXTAS
Neuropathic pain Gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or topical lidocaine patchesAvoid opioids.
Cognitive decline Supportive treatment onlyEvaluate & treat for clinical conditions assoc w/cognitive decline that may compound the cognitive decline in FXTAS: vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, folate, B12 deficiencies), thyroid deficiency, hypertension, sleep apnea, & psychiatric problems.
Depression/
Anxiety
Psychiatric referral
SSRIs or selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitorsMonitor for balance issues.

From: FMR1 Disorders

Cover of GeneReviews®
GeneReviews® [Internet].
Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors.
Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024.
Copyright © 1993-2024, University of Washington, Seattle. GeneReviews is a registered trademark of the University of Washington, Seattle. All rights reserved.

GeneReviews® chapters are owned by the University of Washington. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce, distribute, and translate copies of content materials for noncommercial research purposes only, provided that (i) credit for source (http://www.genereviews.org/) and copyright (© 1993-2024 University of Washington) are included with each copy; (ii) a link to the original material is provided whenever the material is published elsewhere on the Web; and (iii) reproducers, distributors, and/or translators comply with the GeneReviews® Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer. No further modifications are allowed. For clarity, excerpts of GeneReviews chapters for use in lab reports and clinic notes are a permitted use.

For more information, see the GeneReviews® Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer.

For questions regarding permissions or whether a specified use is allowed, contact: ude.wu@tssamda.

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.