Divalproex utility in bipolar disorder with co-occurring cocaine dependence: a pilot study

The aim of this open-label pilot study was to evaluate the utility of divalproex in decreasing cocaine use and stabilizing mood symptoms among patients with bipolar disorder with comorbid cocaine dependence.

Fifteen patients enrolled in the study and seven met final inclusion criteria of DSM-IV/SCID diagnoses of bipolar I disorder and comorbid cocaine dependence with active cocaine use. Patients were started on open-label divalproex. After stabilization on divalproex sodium, weekly assessments were undertaken for 8weeks. Subjects also attended dual recovery counseling.

The results revealed significant improvement on % cocaine abstinent days, dollars spent on cocaine, ASI's drug use severity index, % alcohol abstinent days, drinks per drinking day, marijuana use and cigarettes smoking. They also had significant improvement on manic, depressive, and sleep symptoms and on functioning. There were no reported adverse events or increases in liver function tests.

The results of this open-label study point to the potential utility of divalproex in patients with bipolar disorder and primary cocaine dependence. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to fully evaluate the efficacy of divalproex in this high risk clinical population are warranted.