Are there drugs for stuttering?

Neurological research indicates that stuttering may be caused by excessive
levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain's speech control areas.
A variety of drugs reduce dopamine levels.  Studies of several drugs found
stuttering reduced on average 25-60%.

The drug most-often prescribed for stuttering is FDA-approved only for
short-term (6-8 week) treatment of schizophrenia.  The drug has a wide
variety of side effects (some severe or fatal).  It may be beneficial to use
the drug during the first few weeks of a stuttering therapy program, and
reduce and eliminate the dosages as the stutterer progresses in therapy.
The effects of long-term use are unknown.

Most anti-depressants increase stuttering.  Stutterers considering
medication for depression should read about these drugs carefully before
taking them.  Ritalin can increase stuttering in children.

Specific drugs are not mentioned in this FAQ because the decision to use
medication should be considered more carefully this brief FAQ allows.

For more information see the following chapter in
http://www.casafuturatech.com/Book/book_toc.html
Stuttering: Science, Therapy & Practice:

   Drug Treatments for Stuttering

The Stuttering FAQ is part of the Stuttering Science & Therapy Website
(http://www.casafuturatech.com/).