The side effects ‘ EPS ’ , ‘ parkinsonism ’ , and ‘ tremor ’ were significantly more common in children and adolescents treated with aripiprazole than in those treated with placebo .
Conclusion Our meta- analysis provides evidence for a non-negligible incidence of acute EPS in children and adolescents treated with aripiprazole .
Background Both the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) have approved aripiprazole for use in adolescents for specific indications .
Given the assumed favorable side-effect profile of aripiprazole , its use in children and adolescents has increased for both official and off-label indications ( anxiety disorders , eating disorders , personality disorders ) .
However , several cases of children and adolescents with new-onset  extrapyramidal symptoms ( EPS )  after commencing treatment with aripiprazole have been reported , and a more systematic appraisal of this possible risk is lacking .
Objective We conducted a systematic review and a meta- analysis to assess the evidence for acute EPS ( acute dystonia , akathisia , Parkinsonism ) associated with the use of aripiprazole in children and adolescents .
Aripiprazole in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Experience
Despite few supportive data , aripiprazole was being administered to children and adolescents for management of mood instability , aggression , and psychosis . Using a retrospective review ( n = 11 ) and prospect i ve recruitment ( n = 6 ) , 17 children and adolescents received aripiprazole  5 to 20 mg/day . Only 4 of 16 bipolar and autistic subjects ( 25 % ) demonstrated reduced aggression without adverse events , and the symptoms of 2 of 4 psychotic subjects improved . Coadministration of sedative medications ( particularly guanfacine or clonidine ) and weight < 58 kg increased the risk of adverse events , such as increased lability and aggression . All three children < 8.6 years old , all four children < 34 kg , and all five children receiving α2-agonists developed adverse events prior to clinical efficacy . Age > 11 years , weight > 58 kg , and absence of sedative medications were associated with a 56 % ( five of nine ) success rate . Until larger , prospect i ve studies are completed , caution is advised when considering aripiprazole for smaller children and children receiving sedative medications . ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:603—610 )
The side effects ‘ EPS ’ , ‘ parkinsonism ’ , and ‘ tremor ’ were significantly more common in children and adolescents treated with aripiprazole than in those treated with placebo .
Conclusion Our meta- analysis provides evidence for a non-negligible incidence of acute EPS in children and adolescents treated with aripiprazole .
Background Both the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) have approved aripiprazole for use in adolescents for specific indications .
Given the assumed favorable side-effect profile of aripiprazole , its use in children and adolescents has increased for both official and off-label indications ( anxiety disorders , eating disorders , personality disorders ) .
However , several cases of children and adolescents with new-onset  extrapyramidal symptoms ( EPS )  after commencing treatment with aripiprazole have been reported , and a more systematic appraisal of this possible risk is lacking .
Objective We conducted a systematic review and a meta- analysis to assess the evidence for acute EPS ( acute dystonia , akathisia , Parkinsonism ) associated with the use of aripiprazole in children and adolescents .