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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement
Published on: August 20, 2010
Divalproex loading in the treatment of cocaine dependence
H Myrick1, S Henderson, K T Brady
1Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA.
Abstract:
The current pilot project was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a loading dose of divalproex (DVPX) in subjects with cocaine dependence. Seventeen cocaine-dependent subjects were enrolled in an eight-week, open-label trial of 20 mg/kg/day DVPX. Subjects were seen weekly and urine drug screens were obtained at each visit. Over the eight-week trial, craving intensity and frequency as well as reported time using cocaine decreased significantly. Retention in the current study was 79% at week four and 50% at week eight. The medication and dosing strategy was well tolerated. This pilot study indicates that DVPX loading is well tolerated and may be efficacious in the treatment of cocaine dependence. A placebo-controlled trial would be of interest.
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