Dutch researchers track three‑year outcomes of guanabenz treatment

In a paper published in The Lancet Neurology, Amsterdam UMC scientists detailed a three‑year follow‑up of children with the rare genetic disorder Vanishing White Matter who were given guanabenz. The drug appeared to reduce the speed at which motor abilities declined and lowered mortality risk.

Side‑effects were most common during the first few months, including hallucinations, heightened sleepiness, constipation and reduced blood pressure. By the sixth month, the majority of participants tolerated the medication well, prompting plans for a larger, long‑term follow‑up study to assess higher dosages.