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Mirtazapine in amphetamine detoxification: a placebo-controlled pilot study
Ronnachai Kongsakon1, Konstantinos I Papadopoulos, Rapeepun Saguansiritham
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. rarks@mahidol.ac.th
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|August 13, 2005
Summary
Mirtazapine shows promise in reducing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms and anxiety during detoxification. This pilot study suggests it may be a valuable addition to treatment options for amphetamine dependence.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Amphetamine dependence poses significant public health challenges.
- Limited effective pharmacological interventions exist for amphetamine detoxification.
- Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, has not been extensively studied for this indication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of mirtazapine for amphetamine detoxification.
- To assess withdrawal symptoms and depression levels in individuals undergoing detoxification.
Main Methods:
- A 14-day randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
- Inclusion of 20 Thai subjects meeting DSM-IV criteria for amphetamine dependence.
- Assessment using the Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in AWQ scores (total, hyperarousal, anxiety) were observed in the mirtazapine group compared to placebo.
- No significant differences in depression scores (MADRS) between groups.
- Mild adverse events like headache and sedation were reported with mirtazapine.
Conclusions:
- Mirtazapine appears to be a safe and potentially effective option for managing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.
- Mirtazapine could expand treatment options for amphetamine detoxification.