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Published on: June 18, 2018
Risperidone in cocaine-dependent patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders
1Cambridge Health Alliance, Addictions Service, Central Street Health Center, Harvard Medical School, Somerville, MA 02143, USA. malbanese@challiance.org
Journal of Psychiatric Practice
|September 26, 2006
Summary
This study found that risperidone treatment for cocaine dependence with psychiatric disorders improved patient outcomes. Risperidone was safe and effective in reducing cravings and increasing treatment completion rates.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- High prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in cocaine dependence.
- Comorbid conditions complicate substance abuse treatment.
- Need for effective interventions in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical experience using risperidone in cocaine-dependent patients with psychiatric disorders.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of risperidone in this population.
- To assess impact on craving and treatment completion.
Main Methods:
- Open-label, naturalistic trial of 16 male patients.
- Cocaine dependence with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-III-R).
- Weekly assessments including Clinical Global Impressions, craving scales, and safety monitoring.
Main Results:
- 81% of patients showed improvement on Clinical Global Impressions scale.
- All patients reported mild or no craving after treatment.
- 88% completed the program, exceeding historical rates.
Conclusions:
- Risperidone appears safe and well-tolerated in cocaine-dependent patients with comorbid psychiatric illness.
- Short-term risperidone use may reduce cocaine craving and use.
- May enhance completion rates for substance abuse treatment programs.
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