Related Experiment Videos
Methylphenidate and cocaine: a placebo-controlled drug interaction study
Theresa Winhusen1, Eugene Somoza, Bonita M Singal
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA. winhusen@mdru.uc.edu
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|August 19, 2006
Summary
Methylphenidate (MPH) for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) appears safe for cocaine users. This study found MPH did not worsen cocaine
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- High comorbidity exists between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cocaine addiction, with up to 30% of individuals meeting criteria for both.
- Methylphenidate (MPH), a common ADHD treatment, shares stimulant properties with cocaine, raising concerns about concurrent use and potential toxicity.
- Understanding the interaction between MPH and cocaine is crucial for managing patients with comorbid ADHD and cocaine use disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and pharmacokinetic interactions between methylphenidate (MPH) and cocaine.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of concurrent MPH and cocaine use in individuals dependent on cocaine.
- To determine if MPH alters the subjective effects or pharmacokinetics of cocaine.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, crossover study involving seven non-treatment seeking, cocaine-dependent individuals.
- Participants received varying doses of MPH (0 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg) combined with saline or cocaine infusions (20 mg, 40 mg).
- Evaluated physiological measures (vital signs, ECG, adverse events), subjective responses (VAS craving/drug effect), and cocaine pharmacokinetics.
Main Results:
- Methylphenidate (MPH) was well-tolerated and did not significantly alter cocaine's physiological effects or pharmacokinetics.
- MPH demonstrated a potential to reduce some of the positive subjective effects associated with cocaine use.
- No clinically significant adverse events were reported, suggesting a favorable safety profile for concurrent use at studied doses.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent use of methylphenidate (MPH) at doses up to 90 mg appears to be safe in active cocaine users.
- MPH does not significantly impact cocaine pharmacokinetics or exacerbate its primary physiological stimulant effects.
- The findings suggest that MPH can likely be safely administered in outpatient settings for individuals with comorbid ADHD and cocaine dependence.