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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Craving decrease with topiramate in outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence: an open label trial
Alessandra Diehl Reis1, Luiz André Castro, Roberta Faria
1Unidade de Pesquisa em álcool e Drogas, Psychiatry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. alediehl@terra.com.br
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|May 13, 2008
Summary
Topiramate showed some anticraving effects for cocaine dependence, reducing craving intensity and duration in some users. However, further placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and assess its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine dependence is a significant public health issue with limited effective treatments.
- Topiramate, an anticonvulsant, has shown potential in modulating neurotransmitter systems implicated in addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anticraving effects and tolerability of topiramate in individuals diagnosed with cocaine dependence.
- To evaluate topiramate's impact on craving intensity, frequency, duration, and impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, 12-week outpatient trial involving male cocaine users diagnosed with dependence.
- Topiramate dosage varied from 25-300 mg/day, combined with assertive strategic counseling.
- Outcomes measured included abstinence rates, craving, adherence, dropouts, side effects, and impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale.
Main Results:
- Treatment adherence was 57%, with a 32% dropout rate; no severe side effects were reported.
- A significant reduction in craving intensity and duration was observed in 25% of participants.
- No statistically significant reduction in craving frequency or impulsivity was found compared to baseline.
Conclusions:
- Topiramate demonstrated preliminary anticraving effects in some cocaine users, particularly in reducing craving intensity and duration.
- The study suggests a need for more rigorous, randomized placebo-controlled trials to validate topiramate's efficacy in treating cocaine dependence.
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