OBJECTIVE: The author critically examines the limited world literature
on pharmacologic treatments of stuttering. METHOD: The literature on
stuttering and drugs was identified by means of two computer-assisted
searches. FINDINGS: A great variety of pharmacologic agents have been used
to treat stuttering, reflecting the many theories about the origin and
nature of the disorder. In some instances new hypotheses about the nature
of stuttering have followed the chance discovery of agents having some
efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have used adequate experimental designs.
Promising avenues of research, both for the treatment of stuttering and for
exploring its nature, include the use of calcium channel blocking agents
and cholinergic drugs.Abstract Teaser